South East Queensland residents are being encouraged to celebrate local waterways throughout annual Connect to Your Creek Week.
Running from 9 April, the initiative is instigated by Healthy Waterways, an independent not-for-profit organisation that works with different levels of government and the community to raise awareness of the importance of protecting waterways in South East Queensland.
Several councils in the area are hosting events throughout the week.
Redland City Council will host a series of water-based activities at the Redlands Connect Expo at Raby Bay Foreshore, including stand up paddle boarding, rowing, kayaking, and dragon boating.
The City’s Environment and Regulation Group Manager Gary Photinos said the initiative is important to promote both healthy waterways and healthy lifestyles.
“Redland City is fortunate to not only be situated on Moreton Bay, but we also have some great local creeks and this event is an opportunity to get out there and celebrate them.
“There is plenty of evidence that getting outdoors and being active is great for a person’s health and this initiative is the perfect opportunity to do just that while at the same time learning about the importance of our local waterways.”
Mr Photinos said the events were part of Council’s objective of strengthening the relationship between the local environment and community.
“Even if you can’t make it to one of our Connect to Your Creek activities you can visit IndigiScapes at any time and learn more about the grassroots programs and community partnerships working to make real and practical improvements to our local waterways,” Mr Photinos said.
“Our waterways are vital to the health of local ecosystems and Council runs a series of education programs year round for residents to learn about the importance of our waterways.
“A great example of this is the Waterways Extension Program which has 85 private properties signed-up and has seen 15,000 riparian plants planted in the last two years alone.”
