New research shows projects that protect and improve creeks and rivers are powerful drivers of job creation.
Findings come despite no investment for creek and river improvement projects under the state government’s COVID-19 Economic Recovery Plan.
On average, catchment and land management projects generate around 5.3 direct jobs per $1 million spent compared to Queensland Treasury’s benchmark of just 3.1 jobs per $1 million of capital expenditure, research commissioned by the Southeast Queensland Council of Mayors shows.
It is estimated that around $30 million per annum is required to effectively manage the region’s creeks, rivers and Moreton Bay, which would generate more than 150 direct jobs every year for South East Queenslanders.
Council of Mayors (SEQ) Chair and Brisbane Lord Mayor, Cr Adrian Schrinner, said the Council of Mayors (SEQ) had been investing in the region’s catchments for many years and saw the long-term economic, social and environmental benefits it creates.
“When we don’t invest in our catchments effectively it results in higher costs for water treatment, the reduction of prime agricultural land, and contributes to the devastating impacts that severe weather events have on our communities,” he said.
“Beyond COVID-19, South East Queensland will continue to deal with the challenges of droughts, floods and severe weather events and the financial burden this creates for our communities and businesses.
“The SEQ Mayors recognise the environmental and economic benefits of these projects and have invested more than $4 million to-date under our Resilient Rivers program.
“We encourage the State Government to join with us in investing in South East Queensland’s catchments as a way to create jobs and stimulate the economy while addressing the region’s environmental challenges.”
The Council of Mayors (SEQ) established the Resilient Rivers Initiative in 2014 as a response to the devastating effects of the 2011 and 2013 floods in South East Queensland.
In the lead up to the 2020 Queensland State Election, the SEQ Mayors will be asking the government and opposition to commit to a coordinated approach to catchment management in South East Queensland to ensure public funds are invested strategically and deliver strong environmental outcomes for the region.
