A large-scale environmental clean-up is underway in the Burgess Creek catchment, with almost three-and-a-half hectares of land to be cleared of invasive weeds over the next 12 months.
Unitywater is funding the project in partnership with Noosa Council and Noosa Landcare, aiming to restore balance to one of Noosa’s important natural corridors by removing fast-spreading species that threaten native bushland.
Unitywater sustainable infrastructure solutions executive manager Mike Basterfield said the works would stop destructive weeds from overwhelming the area, which is between Sunrise Beach and Castaways Beach.
“These important works will help remove problem weeds that would otherwise take over native species in this catchment,” he said.
“Our Noosa Wastewater Treatment Plant is an input into Burgess Creek, and the cleaned and disinfected water from our plant keeps the creek flowing, improving water quality in the creek. Because we have infrastructure in this area, we have an interest in maintaining the catchment and these weeding works will contribute to the ecological health of the area.”
The creek drains from the back of residential developments in Noosa Heads, through bushland and community facilities around Eenie Creek Road, and then through a council-managed bushland reserve and national park, before emptying into the ocean between Sunrise Beach and Castaways Beach.
Noosa Council natural areas recovery officer Kara Reading said officers had identified several hotspots where invasive plants were spreading rapidly.
“Council officers identify the locations that require weed removal and the top end of the catchment has significant Singapore daisy growth,” she said.
“We’re also removing asparagus fern and umbrella trees. This area is also a known glossy black cockatoo feeding site so it’s important we look after it.
“The Burgess Creek catchment has a beautiful, diverse ecosystem and we want to ensure the native species can remain there and flourish, without being overrun by weeds.”
The on-ground work will be carried out monthly by teams from Noosa Landcare and Skilling Queenslanders for Work trainees throughout the year-long program.
