The Logan River, like many urban rivers, faces challenges from pollution and debris. Bearing in mind the crucial role that the river plays in local ecosystems, Logan City Council’s commitment to cleaning and restoring the river is so important.
We want to share the invaluable work that’s going into the council’s “River Sweep” initiative. We’ll look into the positive impact it has on the environment, the community, and how you can play a part in keeping our river healthy for generations to come
The Logan River is more than just a waterway, it's the heart of our community! A healthy river means a thriving ecosystem, buzzing with all sorts of creatures, from tiny microbes to the waterbirds we all love to see. It's their home, their food source, and a vital part of what makes our local area so special.
But, the river is important for us too! Think about all the ways we enjoy it: fishing, kayaking, walking along the banks. A clean and healthy river boosts our quality of life, giving us a beautiful natural space to enjoy. Healthy waterways mean a healthy economy too, supporting tourism and recreation that bring in over $10 billion a year!
So, when we protect the Logan River, we're not just helping the environment; we're investing in our community and making sure future generations can enjoy it just as much as we do.
Logan City Council has endorsed a 3 year cleanup program that is now in its second year. This program is focused on removing larger, bulky items that were not addressed in the initial clean up efforts after the 2022 floods.
The program covers:
🧿 43km of the Logan River: From Carbrook to Geoff Philp Bridge at Logan Village.
🧿 18km of the west bank of the Albert River: From its mouth at Eagleby to Stanmore Bridge at Wolffdene.
In the first year of the program over 13,000kg of rubbish (‼️) was removed from the rivers.
It's not just the usual suspects like plastic bottles and chip packets (though there's plenty of those, unfortunately) that are being collected from the river. The River Sweep crews pull out all sorts of things, from everyday litter to some pretty unexpected finds. We're talking about everything from discarded furniture and old tires to, believe it or not, even abandoned boats, car parts and a motorbike!
This year's cleanup is ongoing, with large items of waste found so far including:
These items are not only an eyesore, but also pose a hazard to wildlife, and people enjoying the river. See the work being done to remove debris from the Logan River by following this link: Removal of Logan River Garbage
Imagine a turtle trying to eat a plastic bag thinking it's a jellyfish, or a bird getting tangled in fishing line. It's a devastating situation for these animals. Pollution can also harm the river's delicate balance, affecting everything from the tiny bugs and plants that form the base of the food chain to the bigger fish and other creatures that depend on them.
By removing this debris, the River Sweep initiative is directly helping to protect these animals and keep the Logan River's ecosystem healthy and thriving. It's about creating a safe and clean environment where local wildlife can flourish, and the river can continue to support a diverse and vibrant ecosystem.
Removing waste from the waterways has many positive effects:
✅ Improved Wildlife Habitat: Removing debris increases the habitat value of the waterways for fish and other animals.
✅ Better Recreational Access: Clearing the river of large items makes it more accessible and safer for anglers and others who enjoy Logan’s waterways.
✅ Clean and Green City: The program contributes to Logan City Council's goal of creating a clean and green city by preventing waste from moving further along waterways into Moreton Bay.
✅ Supporting the Logan River Vision: The project helps achieve the goals of the Logan River Vision (2017-2067), which focuses on the long term health of the local waterways.
The River Sweep initiative isn't just about a cleaner river; it's about building a better community for everyone. Cleaner water supports recreational activities like fishing, kayaking, and swimming, providing opportunities for residents to enjoy the river.
Plus, a cleaner river is good for business too! Clean water and riverbanks make our area more attractive to visitors and locals alike. This leads to a boost for local businesses like cafes, restaurants, tour operators, and recreational facilities. More tourists and locals enjoying the river means a stronger local economy.
When we invest in our environment, we're investing in our community's wellbeing and prosperity. It's a win-win: a healthier river, a healthier economy, and a happier community!
Keeping the Logan River healthy is a team effort, and it's fantastic to see so many groups working together to make a real difference. The Logan City Council is at the heart of the River Sweep initiative, funding it through their environment levy.
They're joined by the experts at Healthy Land & Water, who bring their deep understanding of waterway health and help guide the project to maximise its positive impact.
And that's where we, Gold Coast Barges, come in! We're proud to be part of this collaborative effort, helping with the on-water cleanup, providing logistical support, and helping to spread the word about the importance of a clean and healthy river.
The Logan River is a vital part of our community, and keeping it clean and healthy is a responsibility we all share. The Logan City Council's River Sweep initiative, along with the efforts of organisations like Healthy Land & Water and local businesses, is making a real difference in protecting our river.
From removing debris and pollutants to boosting local businesses and tourism, the benefits of a healthy river are great. But the work doesn't stop here! Every one of us can play a role in protecting the Logan River. By disposing of rubbish responsibly, being mindful of what goes down the drain, and getting involved in local cleanups, we can all contribute to a cleaner, healthier future for the river.
References: Stay Informed and Get Involved
City of Logan - River Sweep Targets Discarded Rubbish.
Healthy Land & Water - Health of Waterways Get a Boost in Logan
My City Logan - Old boats, Car Parts Found In Major Logan and Albert Rivers Clean-Up
Healthy Land & Water - Clean Up Program
City of Logan - Get Involved to Protect our Waterways & Our Environment