A new fishway in Logan’s second-largest catchment is credited with boosting native fish movements.
The Scrubby Creek fish ladder replaces collapsed culverts near Queens and Loganlea Roads intersection at Slacks Creek Environmental Park.
It is made up of a series of descending rock ridges designed to slow water movement, prevent erosion and create deep resting pools to help fish travelling upstream.
The Scrubby Creek catchment consists of more than 60 kilometres of waterways – flowing from Greenbank to Meadowbrook, into Slacks Creek and eventually the Logan River.
Many native fish use the catchment as a migration channel; travelling upstream from the brackish parts of the Logan River, where they are spawned, to live in freshwater.
According to Logan City council, studies have shown the movement of seven native species – including empire gudgeon, unspecked hardyheads, mullet and longfin eels – has increased since the installation of the fishway.
“… including during periods of low water flow,” a council statement said.
Poorly-connected waterways, such as the previous culverts council said were “inappropriately sized”, allow pest fish such as tilapia, carp and mosquito fish to “flourish”.
“The fishway is expected to eventually help decrease pest species populations,” council said.
However, Gambusia and swordtail, two exotic pest species that thrive in poorly connected or stagnant waterways, were detected.
Local councillor Mindy Russell said the completed project would benefit pedestrians and cyclists in the Slacks Creek area, as well as native fish.
Native grasses and trees were also planted in the area, and a pedestrian crossing along the Slacks Creek Bikeway was replaced.
“This natural-looking feature blends beautifully into the Scrubby Creek environment and adds to the environmental value and appeal of this important waterway,” Cr Russell said.
Mayor Jon Raven said council was “doing our part to protect our land and waterways”.
“Native fish love to migrate and we’re helping them live their best life by going with the flow in Scrubby Creek while keeping pests at bay,” Cr Raven said.
“Finned, feathered or furred, local wildlife is highly valued by our community and this project is another way we’re helping them thrive.”
The new fishway was paid for through council’s environmental Levy and using state and federal government funding.
