Transforming Washpool Creek: From Concrete Drain to Vibrant Green Space
In the heart of Bundaberg South, a remarkable transformation has taken place along the Washpool Creek corridor. What was once an underutilized concrete channel has now blossomed into an 820-meter stretch of lush greenery, complete with winding pathways, bridges, and a nature-themed playground – all part of the Washpool Creek Naturalisation project.
This innovative project, led by the Bundaberg Regional Council, has not only restored the natural beauty of the area but also provided the community with a cherished outdoor oasis. By balancing the essential stormwater drainage function with ecological and environmental benefits, the Washpool Creek corridor has become a shining example of sustainable urban development.
Reclaiming the Creek’s Natural Heritage
Washpool Creek was originally a natural waterway that served the local community. However, in the mid-1900s, the creek was transformed into a concrete channel, losing its connection to the surrounding ecosystem. This change, while practical for managing stormwater, came at the expense of the creek’s natural aesthetics and environmental value.
“It’s fantastic to see 820 metres of waterway restored back to a natural state to deliver a community asset, which unlike the previous concrete channel, we expect to appreciate-in-value and not require renewal in the future,” expressed Bundaberg Region Mayor Helen Blackburn.
The Washpool Creek Naturalisation project has breathed new life into the area, reviving the creek’s natural heritage and transforming it into a vibrant, accessible green space for the community to enjoy.
A Multifaceted Approach to Sustainability
The Washpool Creek Master Plan, which was highly commended in the 2024 Stormwater Queensland Awards for Excellence, outlines a comprehensive strategy to enhance the creek’s functionality and environmental resilience. This approach addresses several key aspects:
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Flood Management: By restoring the creek’s natural flow and incorporating sustainable stormwater management practices, the project aims to improve flood resilience and mitigate the impacts of extreme weather events.
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Financial Sustainability: Unlike the previous concrete channel, the naturalised Washpool Creek is expected to have lower long-term maintenance costs, reducing the burden on municipal resources.
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Environmental Benefits: The revitalized creek corridor now provides valuable habitat for local flora and fauna, supporting the area’s overall ecological health and biodiversity.
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Community Engagement: The Washpool Creek corridor has been designed with the community in mind, offering a range of amenities and recreational opportunities that encourage active lifestyles and outdoor exploration.
“This new approach provides a blueprint on how we create sustainable stormwater assets with lower whole of life costs, as unlike concrete they don’t need to be replaced in the future,” added Mayor Blackburn.
Exploring the Washpool Creek Corridor
The Washpool Creek corridor is now a vibrant and interconnected space, offering a delightful experience for visitors and residents alike. The winding pathway system, which can be accessed from Ford Street or Hargreaves Street, invites exploration through the lush greenery.
Along the way, visitors will discover:
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Seated Rest Areas: Scattered throughout the corridor, these provide the perfect spots to pause, take in the scenery, and enjoy the tranquility of the natural surroundings.
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Bridges and Waterways: Strategically placed bridges allow visitors to cross over the creek and its tributaries, enhancing the sense of discovery and connection with the waterway.
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Log Stepping Trail: For the more adventurous, a log stepping trail offers a playful challenge, testing visitors’ balancing skills as they navigate through the creek area.
At the heart of the corridor, a new nature-themed playground has been installed at Lathouras Court. Designed with natural materials to blend seamlessly with the woodland setting, this playground features a fort, slide, climbing equipment, swings, and various balancing activities – providing endless opportunities for children to explore and have fun.
“The upgraded park is a perfect spot for families to spend quality time together, providing a range of new and improved facilities designed with kids in mind,” shared Cr Bartels, the Environment and Natural Areas portfolio spokesperson.
Unlocking the Benefits of Washpool Creek Naturalisation
The Washpool Creek Naturalisation project has not only transformed the physical landscape but also the community’s relationship with the waterway. By restoring the creek to its natural state, the project has unlocked a range of benefits that extend far beyond the immediate environmental improvements.
These benefits include:
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Enhanced Stormwater Management: The naturalised creek system now offers more effective and resilient stormwater drainage, better equipped to handle the impacts of climate change and extreme weather events.
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Improved Water Quality: The restored natural habitat and reduced reliance on concrete channels have led to improved water quality in the Washpool Creek, benefiting the overall ecosystem.
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Increased Community Engagement: The Washpool Creek corridor has become a vibrant public space, encouraging residents and visitors to explore, exercise, and connect with nature.
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Environmental Education: The naturalised creek provides opportunities for environmental education, raising awareness about the importance of sustainable stormwater management and the value of urban green spaces.
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Long-Term Cost Savings: Unlike the previous concrete channel, the naturalised Washpool Creek is expected to have lower maintenance costs over time, making it a more financially sustainable asset for the Bundaberg Regional Council.
As Cr Larine Statham-Blair, the Roads and Infrastructure (urban) portfolio spokesperson, eloquently stated, “This is now a vibrant and interconnected space, creating an enjoyable environment for walking, running, playing, and exploring. Not only will it benefit our community into the future, but it will also benefit our environment and water quality of the area.”
Exploring Bundaberg’s Sustainable Future
The Washpool Creek Naturalisation project is a shining example of how local governments can work alongside communities to transform degraded urban environments into vibrant, sustainable spaces that enhance the quality of life for all.
By embracing innovative approaches to stormwater management and prioritizing ecological restoration, the Bundaberg Regional Council has set a precedent for other municipalities to follow. This project demonstrates the immense potential of sustainable urban development and the power of community-driven initiatives to create lasting positive change.
As you explore the Washpool Creek corridor, we invite you to experience the beauty of this revitalized natural space and the boundless opportunities it offers for recreation, education, and environmental stewardship. To learn more about the Joint Action for Water initiative and how you can get involved, please visit https://jointactionforwater.org/.
