Authorities say a $1.5 million partnership has brought some impressive results along the banks of a Queensland river. 

The partnership between Seqwater, Moreton Bay Regional Council and Healthy Land and Water has been operating since 2015 in a bid to save riparian vegetation along the river banks.

Seqwater Source Protection Senior Planner, Tim Odgers, says Cats Claw Creeper is an invasive vine which poses a significant threat to the riverside (riparian) trees along the banks of the Stanley River.

“This vine had overrun approximately 20km of critically endangered riparian rainforest, which was of significant concern to us in 2015,” he said.

“Now, thanks to this partnership and the weed control program, more than 11km of the worst areas are now under active management.”

The deep roots of riparian rainforest reinforce the banks of the Stanley River, increasing the resilience of the bank to erosion and damage, which would have an impact on water quality.

The eventual outcome, without intervention, would have meant this irreplaceable vegetation would eventually be overwhelmed, collapse and die, Mr Odgers said.

Also, the partnership is a good example of what can be achieved by working together to restore ecosystems, he said.

“This, in turn, has helped reduce the potential for Cats Claw vines to create irreparable damage to South East Queensland drinking water source catchments,” Mr Odgers said.

“Seqwater is committed to continue working through the Stanley River Cats Claw infestation with our partners with the aim of bringing the entire weed infestation all under management by 2025.”