Focus on erosion and sediment control to protect our environment

Published 27 June 2024

City of Moreton Bay is taking bold steps to minimise environmental harm in waterways from erosion and soil sediment plus other construction by-products.

Mayor Peter Flannery said a pilot project conducted by Council to improve soil erosion at construction and building sites prevented release of sediment into waterways and reduced threats to the wildlife, businesses and lifestyles that depend on them.

“Up to 50,000 dump trucks worth of pollutant soil particles wash into South East Queensland waterways each year,” he said.

“Locally, fourteen residential development areas were initially assessed through this project, consisting of hundreds of dwellings at various stages of construction.

“We are continuing to work with contractors to improve erosion and sediment control practices that will reduce the environmental impacts and cost-implications of this building by-product, protecting our waters and all those who use them.

“There is still work to be done however, and with the risk of environmental harm a concern to Council, we are undertaking enforcement action including official warnings and penalties, with the minimum penalty amount being $4,312.50.

“Council will keep working with business, industry, and community to improve environmental protections in any way we can, including on building sites and in new development areas, to ensure we are ‘Going Green as We Grow’.

“It is important that homebuilders and buyers are adopting the ethos of the Queensland Environmental Protection Act 1994.

“Adhering to these legal requirements will help avoid any financial burden of rectifying an issue post-build and prevent fines being issued in the first place.”

This compliance project is part of an overall program of work to protect Our Healthy Environments.