From an underutilised concrete drain to an 820-metre stretch of green space featuring pathways, bridges, a playground and more, Washpool Creek is a naturalisation project which is receiving industry recognition.
Located in Bundaberg South, between Hargreaves Street and Ford St, this section of Washpool Creek was originally a natural waterway but was changed in the mid-1900s to a concrete channel.
Bundaberg Regional Council has now finished transforming the area through the first stage of the innovative Washpool Creek Naturalisation project which balances the stormwater drainage function to provide both ecological and environmental benefits while creating a space the community can enjoy.
The open area is accessible by pathway which twists through the corridor from Ford Street and across Hargreaves Street before reaching a new playground at Lathouras Court.
Seated rest areas are scattered throughout, bridges cross over creeks and waterways and a log stepping trail is featured for visitors to test their balancing skills.
The development of the Washpool Creek Master Plan was highly commended in the 2024 Stormwater Queensland Awards for Excellence, which recognises outstanding achievement in the stormwater industry.
Bundaberg Region Mayor Helen Blackburn said Washpool Creek provided the community with an inviting and useable space.
“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,” she said.
“The Washpool Creek Naturalisation project is one of the most important stormwater asset renewal projects in Council’s history.
“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.
“It demonstrates how we can return a heavily degraded man-made drain with a singular function back to a living waterway while creating a connected integrated area that the community can appreciate.”
The Washpool Creek Master Plan was nominated for an award in the 2024 Stormwater Queensland Awards for Excellence, which recognises outstanding achievement in the stormwater industry.
The plan outlines a long-term strategy to improve the creek system for better flood management, financial sustainability, and resilience, while also enhancing social and environmental benefits as existing assets are upgraded.
The Washpool Creek Master Plan received a Highly Commended Award in the Excellence in Strategic or Master Planning category.
Roads and Infrastructure (urban) portfolio spokesperson Cr Larine Statham-Blair said the Washpool Creek Naturalisation project also promoted an area fit for active lifestyles.
“This is now a vibrant and interconnected space, creating an enjoyable environment for walking, running, playing, and exploring,” Cr Statham-Blair said.
“Not only will it benefit our community into the future, but it will also benefit our environment and water quality of the area.
“The completed works provides Council with a stormwater asset that is more resilient to future climate events and perfect for residents and visitors to enjoy.”
The Washpool Creek corridor can be explored by accessing the area from Ford Street or Hargreaves Street, Bundaberg South.
Find out more about the project here.
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