Caboolture River study sheds new light on water quality

25 October 2010

New evidence of the Caboolture River’s appalling condition has been collected by internationally respected aquatic ecologist Marcus Lincoln Smith, who has undertaken ongoing research into the river system.

Dr Lincoln Smith has collected and analysed water samples over the past six months from nine sites extending 20 kilometres from the Caboolture Weir to Deception Bay.

His findings highlight an opportunity for Northeast Business Park to help improve the health of the river by recycling the poor quality water before it enters the river.

“Our latest study shows excessive levels of discharge in the river, with effluent levels in the northern part of the estuary particularly high, and that is a significant environmental concern,” Dr Lincoln Smith said.

“However, there’s evidence to show that recycling the water used by industries operating on the river will make a vast difference to water quality.”

Dr Lincoln Smith is accumulating a large body of knowledge on the waterway, after studying the area since 2005 as part of Northeast Business Park’s commitment to improving the river system.

The research is anticipated to allow Northeast Business Park to demonstrate positive changes to the river’s health once the project is completed.

Results of the study will be pasted on to the Queensland Government’s Department of Environment and Resource Management.