The condition of the City of Logan’s two major waterways is improving thanks to a drop in mud loads and “excellent” water clarity, according to a new report.
The annual Healthy Land and Water report, encompassing all of south-east Queensland waterways, found the Albert River improved from in “fair” environmental condition to “very good” in 2023.
The Logan River, last year considered in “poor” condition, also improved to a “fair” condition.
While pollutant loads in the Albert River dropped from very high to low, the report revealed freshwater health declined from “excellent” to “very good condition”.
“Water quality and ecosystem processes health remained excellent and fish community health remained in very good condition, while macroinvertebrate community health declined significantly from excellent to very poor condition,” the report read.
“Estuarine water quality improved significantly from poor to very good.”
The report also investigated the community benefits of the Logan and Albert rivers and found 60 per cent of residents were satisfied with their usability and accessibility.
Around half of respondents said they participated in recreational activity in or alongside their local waterway at least once a month.
Walking, running, recreational fishing, cycling and picnicking were among favoured activities.
“Very high numbers of residents (69 per cent) valued their local waterway as a place of rest and relaxation or for social interaction with friends and family (63 per cent),” the report revealed.
“Very high numbers of residents (79 per cent) report a personal connection with nature, however, only 33 per cent of residents felt motivated to use and protect their local waterways.”
Environment Chair Councillor Jon Raven said the report highlighted the value the community places on the city’s rivers.
“I love to see data that confirms just how much our residents use and enjoy the Logan and Albert Rivers,” Cr Raven said.
