Improving our Waterways from Backyard to Bay…

Know your creek

NORMAN CREEK

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Brisbane City
please telephone
Council Information
Brisbane City Council
GPO Box 1434
on 3403 8888 or
Brisbane Qld 4001
www.brisbane.qld.gov.au
K2002-728
Our Business - A Better Brisbane

WEBSITES
Waterwatch
www.qld.waterwatch.org.au
Educational Materials
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CONTENTS
Know Your Creek – Norman Creek
Norman Creek – Part of your lifestyle 1
Where is Norman Creek? 1
Natural highlights and places to see 2
Flora and fauna 3
History of the Norman Creek catchment 6
Know Your Creek – Understanding Catchments & Waterways
What is a catchment? 9
Waterway management 10
Revegetation and rehabilitation 11
Catchment map 13
Major projects along Norman Creek 16
Understanding flooding 19
Stormwater and water quality 22
Know Your Creek – How Can You Help?
Preserving and conserving water 24
If you would like to help 27
This Know Your Creek booklet is one in a series, which aims to increase
community awareness of the diverse features and roles of local catchments.
Know Your Creek booklets are also available for the following catchments:
• Bulimba Creek • Moggill Creek
• Cabbage Tree Creek • Nundah/Downfall Creek
• Cubberla Creek • Oxley Creek
• Enoggera/Breakfast Creek • Pullen Pullen Creek
• Kedron Brook • Tingalpa Creek
• Lota Creek • Wynnum Creek
For more information visit www.brisbane.qld.gov.au or contact Council’s Call
Centre on 3403 8888.

NORMAN CREEK
Part of our lifestyle
As a river city, our lifestyle revolves around Brisbane’s waterways, from local
creeks and streams to the Brisbane River, wetlands and Moreton Bay. Over the
past 10 years Brisbane City Council, community groups and individuals have
worked hard to keep our waterways free from pollutants.
Council projects helping to improve the health of our waterways
include:
• More Stormwater Quality Improvement Devices to prevent
rubbish and sediment entering the river and bay via
stormwater run-off
• Upgrading the Luggage Point Wastewater Treatment
Plant and the city’s main sewer line
• Cleaning up old landfill sites to prevent pollution
leaching into our waterways
• Continued commitment to water quality monitoring and
research to identify and act upon threats to our
waterways
• Riverfestival – an action packed festival
to celebrate all the river and bay has to offer
You can help improve the Norman Creek catchment by
ensuring your actions do not damage waterways, either
directly or indirectly. For example, you could do this by
using fewer fertilisers and pesticides, collecting rubbish on
roads and footpaths and by choosing native plants for your
garden. You can also take part in Council’s Habitat Brisbane
program, or join partnership organisations like the Norman
Creek Catchment Coordinating Committee (N4C).
It’s your river and bay – protect it and enjoy it!
WHERE IS NORMAN CREEK?
Norman Creek and its tributaries flow through the Brisbane suburbs of East
Brisbane, Woolloongabba, Coorparoo, Camp Hill, Greenslopes, Annerley,
Holland Park, Tarragindi and Mount Gravatt. Its many tributaries include Ekibin
Creek, Glindemann Creek, Mott Creek, Sandy Creek, Bridgewater Creek,
Coorparoo Creek, Scott Creek and Kingfisher Creek.
NATURAL HIGHLIGHTS
AND PLACES TO SEE
Pack a picnic, or enjoy a barbecue
with the family
The Norman Creek catchment has approximately 25 neighbourhood parks along
with some of Brisbane’s best bushland areas.
Local reserves include:
• A J Jones Recreation Reserve, Ernst Street,
Greenslopes
• Bowies Flat Constructed Wetland, Coorparoo
• Bridgewater Creek Park, Leicester Street,
Coorparoo
• C P Bottomley Park, Crown Street, Norman Park
• C B Mott Park, Abbotsleigh Street, Holland Park
• Ekibin Park, Barsdale and Arnwood Places,
Greenslopes/Annerley
• Giffin Park, Stanley Street East, Coorparoo
• Glindemann Park, Lawn Street, Holland Park
Many neighbourhood
• Hanlon Park, Lincoln Street, Greenslopes
parks along the
• Heath Park, Hilton Street, East Brisbane
catchment have
• Langlands Park, Panitya Street, Greenslopes
excellent walking
• Majestic Park, Meridian Street, Coorparoo
paths and bike tracks
• Moorhen Flats, Deshon Street, Woolloongabba
• Mt Gravatt Bushland Reserve
• Perth Street Park, Perth Street, Camp Hill
• Seville Park, Elgar Street, Holland Park
• Tarragindi Environmental Reserves, Ferrand Street & Monash Road, Tarragindi
• Tarragindi Hill Reserve, Fernvale Road, Tarragindi
• Tarragindi Recreation Reserve, Shaftsbury Street, Tarragindi
• The Commons, Cambridge Street, Coorparoo
• Toohey Forest Park, Toohey Road, Salisbury
• Tristram Park, Longlands Street, East Brisbane
• W J Scott Park, Arabilia Street, Holland Park
• Wellers Hill Reservoir Bush Reserve, Weller Road, Wellers Hill
• Wembley Park, Robinson Street, Coorparoo
For further information pick up a copy of the Bushland and Parkland Experience
Guides from Council’s Customer Service Centres or libraries.
2
 The understorey consists of Black She Oak
(Allocasuarina littoralis), Forest She Oak (A.
FLORA AND FAUNA torulosa), Coast Banksia (Banksia integrifolia) and
Red Ash (Alphitonia excelsa). Creek lines and
moist areas are dominated by Paperbarked Tea
tree (Melaleuca quinquenervia), Swamp Box
(Lophostemon suaveolens), Buttonwood
Sacred Ibis (Threskiornis aethiopica) (Glochidion perakense) and Brown Kurrajong
(Commersoia bartramia).
Several rare plants on a citywide basis occur at
Toohey Forest. These are Planchon’s Stringybark
As the Norman Creek catchment is almost entirely urbanised, there are few
(E. planchoniana), Bailey’s Stringbark (E.
areas of original habitat for flora and fauna, particularly in low-lying areas.
baileyana), Plunkett Mallee (E. curtisii), Hakea
Exceptions are found in higher parts of the catchment, including Toohey Forest
(Hakea plurinervia) and Bitter Pea (Daviesia
and a few remnant bushland areas such as Wellers Hill, Mount Stevens and
wyattiana) and Banksia (Banksia spinulosa). Grass trees thrive in Toohey Forest
Tarragindi Recreation Reserve.
Mangroves
Flora
The lower reach of Norman Creek is tidal from the Brisbane River to Stones Corner.
The banks along this stretch are dominated by regenerating mangroves, with
Wellers Hill
occasional stands of mature trees, particularly north of Stanley Street East. Grey
A canopy of poorly conserved Gum Topped Box Mangroves (Avecennia marina) and River Mangroves (Aegiceras corniculatum) are
(Eucalyptus moluccana) and Forest Red Gum the most common species.
(E. tereticornis) dominate remnants of woodland
Moorhen Flats
vegetation. Other species include the Grey
Ironbark (E. drepanophylla) and Moreton Bay This natural area is a mosaic of habitats, including developing lowland rainforest,
Ash (Corymbia tessellaris). The understorey melaleuca wetlands, native grass meadows and sclerophyll forest.
consists of Dogwood (Jacksonia scoparia) and Weeds
Brisbane Black Wattle (Acacia leiocalyx).
Kangaroo Grass (Themeda australis) is common There are a wide variety of weeds found along the creek, including Para Grass
in the ground story. (Brachiaria mutica), Guinea Grass (Panicum maximum), Lantana (Lantana camara),
Chinese Elm (Celtis sinensis) and Camphor Laurel (Cinnamomum camphora). Once
There are also creek and rainforest habitat an area of creek bank has been disturbed, weeds quickly colonise and out-compete
associations in the gully lines. Canopy species include native plants for water, nutrients and light.
Tallowwood (E. microcorys), Brown Bloodwood
(C. trachyphloia), Pink Bloodwood Tallowwood Council works with local residents and Habitat Brisbane groups to control and
(E. intermedia), Grey Gum (E. major), Broad (Eucalyptus microcorys) progressively eradicate weeds from catchment areas. Activities focus on ‘control
Leaved White Mahogany (E. umbra) and Brush Box (Lophostemon confertus). points’ near bridges and crossings to ensure stormwater flows unimpeded through
Rainforest species include Tuckeroo (Cupaniopsis anarcardioides), Hard Quandong the creek and towards Moreton Bay. These control points are cleaned out on an
(Elaeocarpus obovatus) and Buttonwood (Glochidion perakense). ‘as needs’ basis every one to five years.

Toohey Forest
The vegetation in this bushland is dominated by Broad Leaved White Mahogany,
Tallowwood, White Stringybark (E. nigra) and Red Mahogany (E. resinifera). Other
species occurring include Brown Bloodwood, Pink Bloodwood, Broad Leaved
Spotted Gum (C. henryi), Grey Ironbark, Broad Leaved Ironbark (E. fibrosa), Scribbly
Gum (E. signata), Forest Red Gum, Gum Topped Box, Brush Box and Smudgee
(Angophora woodsiana).
To help protect our parks and bushland from weed invasion, do not use plants in
your garden that are likely to become a pest. It is always safest to use plant
species that are native to your local area, particularly if you live near natural
bushland or creeks.
For advice on how to choose suitable species for your garden, contact your local
nursery or Council’s Call Centre on 3403 8888. The Call Centre can also provide
you with a list of declared weeds in Brisbane and advice on how to remove them.
4
 Fauna
Bushland animals live in Toohey Forest and some
nearby parks. Only animals that can tolerate human
activity, such as possums and flying foxes, enter the
lower reaches of the catchment. Freshwater
animals such as frogs, fish, turtles and water
dragons are found in moderate numbers in the
upper catchment. These numbers reduce at the
Stones Corner channel.
From Stones Corner to the Brisbane River, Norman
Creek supports several saltwater animals, including mud
crabs, mullet and wader birds.
The six known native animals in the area are the Feather-tailed Glider
Northern Brown Bandicoot (Isoodon macrourus), Sugar (Acrobates pygmaeus)
Glider (Petaurus breviceps), Squirrel Glider (Petaurus
norfolcensis), Feathertail Glider (Acrobates pygmaeus), Brushtail Possum
(Trichosurus vulpecula) and Ringtail Possum (Pseudocheirus peregrinus). The
Echidna (Tachyglossus aculeatus) is also likely to be found in Toohey Forest.
The Letter Winged Kite (Elanus scriptus) is found in Eucalypts along dry creek beds.
This nocturnal bird of prey is an occasional vagrant in the catchment.
Two species commonly seen in the urban waterway are the Freshwater Mullet
(Myxus petardi) and the Eastern Water Dragon (Physignathus lesueurii).
The large bat colony in the grounds of the Anglican
Church Grammar School is a significant feature of
the lower creek. Both the Black Flying Fox
(Pteropus alecto) and the Grey Headed
Flying Fox (Pteropus poliocephalus) are
found in this area.
Mudcrabs, mullet and prawns occur
frequently in the lower tidal reaches of
the creek. Wader birds are common
along the East Brisbane reach of the
creek. Species include the Royal
Spoonbill (Platalea regia) and Sacred Ibis
(Threskiornis aethiopica). The common
Sandpiper (Tringa hypoleucos), egrets and
other migratory birds, found in or near the
creek, are protected by international
agreements between Australia and Japan,
and Australia and China.
Common Brushtail
(Trichosurus vulpecula)
HISTORY OF THE NORMAN CREEK CATCHMENT
Norman Creek Bridge at
Wynnum Road 1886
Aboriginal influence
Before European settlement, the Norman Creek catchment was a communal
area travelled through by adjacent Moreton Bay and Logan River clans. These
regional clans used the area as a seasonal camping ground for its abundance of
wildlife, especially fish and birds. The mosaic of habitats, including dense
forest, tea-tree swamps, open grassy-woodlands and Eucalypt forests, provided
ample game and resources.
Woolloongabba, which once included Kangaroo Point and East Brisbane, was a
major camping site for these clans. In season, more than 500 Aborigines camped in
huts or villages near the present day Mater Hospital, Vulture and Hawthorne Streets
and Shafston Avenue. Clans walked along well-defined track systems, which
converged like the present day Woolloongabba Five Ways.
The name Woolloongabba has many translations, but the most evocative comes
from the translation ‘whirling waters’. It refers to a chain of waterholes, which
would fill with floodwaters from the surrounding catchment. The chain extended
from the present Stanley Street and Annerley Road junction to the Brisbane Cricket
Ground, where it fed into Kingfisher Creek and was called ‘One-Mile Swamp’
(its approximate distance from the GPO). These waterholes, along with nearby
corroboree and fighting grounds, indicates Aborigines used this area to meet, hunt
and collect food, converse, celebrate and settle any differences.
European settlement
For the early explorers, Norman Creek was an almost impassable barrier with
its many swamps and dense Hoop Pine and vine forests. The present day Stones
Corner, situated at the tidal interface and Burnett Swamp, was the only easily
accessible point through the catchment. In more recent times, Council has
worked to reclaim these swamp areas and provide quick getaways for
floodwaters. Today, much of the main channel has been converted into public
parkland through community revegetation efforts, such as Arnwood Place and
Bridgewater Creek.
6
 Historical milestones Let us now cross the river from this point, and
land at the mouth of Norman Creek. This creek
• 1823 – John Oxley explores the Brisbane River and charts Norman Creek but
leaves it unnamed.
in the mid fifties was a pure salt water stream,
and fish could be caught in any of the reaches
• 1825 – Major Edmond Lockyer of the 57th Regiment names the creek on his map.
from its mouth to the upper branches, which
• 1939 – Surveyor, James Warner, completes a trace of Norman Creek where it
meets the Brisbane River.
serpentined their way to Burnett Swamp, and
penetrated the alluvial flats at Coorparoo; or in
• 1850 – Warner surveys a route to the then port of Emu Point, now Cleveland Point.
the branch that concealed its head in a teatree
• 1856 – The first bridge across Norman Creek is opened to provide a shorter route
to Brisbane via New Cleveland Road (now Wynnum Road).
swamp near what is now the junction of the
Logan and Wellington Roads. Here and there
• 1860–70 –Woolloongabba, Kangaroo Point and East Brisbane were subdivided
and waterholes became polluted. Surrounding tea-tree swamps were gradually in the pockets of the creek the wild convolvulus
drained, filled and redeveloped. hung in the gay festoons from overhanging
• 1886 – The Stanley Street Bridge is officially opened, linking with the newly branches of the trees, and trailed its blooms in
formed Woolloongabba Five Ways.
the tide. In the pocket of the creek, near the
• 1893 – Brisbane’s disastrous floods slow the development of Coorparoo. residence of Mr W.F.Cameron, the writer has
• 1890 – A large part of Highgate Hill and South Brisbane’s stormwater is diverted seen a score or so of blacks procure by means of
via a 2700mm diameter tunnel under Leopard Street to the Brisbane River.
their tow-rows (hand held nets), a couple of
• 1970–80 – The South East Freeway bisects the catchment and impacts on Ekibin hundred fish in a few minutes. In the early
Creek. The Stones Corner channel is confined with concrete and the Burnett
Swamp is reclaimed. fifties a dense pine scrub occupied the eastern
• 1992–93 – The lower reaches of Norman Creek are straightened and a large part
bank of the stream at the mouth, and filled the
of the main channel is converted into public parklands. entire pocket of the creek nearby up to the foot
• 1993 – Rejuvenation of Moorhen Flats at the Deshon Street loop of Norman Creek, of Galloway’s Hill.
where more than 20,000 trees, shrubs and ground covers have since been planted.

• 1996 – Norman Creek Catchment Management Study and Plan completed. Taken from Chas Melton ‘When
• 1996 – Norman Creek Catchment Coordinating Committee formed.
Woolloongabba was Wattle Scented’
(Read at a meeting of the Historical Society
• 2000–01 – Glindemann Park/Creek first stage erosion control project completed.
of Queensland on 26 April 1918)
• 2000–01 – Arnwood Place Natural Channel Design Project commenced, involving
confluence of Norman and Sandy Creeks.

• 2001–02 – Healthy Waterways ‘Demonstration Catchment Project’ begins

involving natural channel design riparian work along Norman Creek between
South East Freeway and Nicholson/Roseglen Streets, Greenslopes.

• 2001 – Council awarded a Healthy Waterways award for the development of a

constructed wetland at Bowies Flat along Bridgewater Creek to improve the 1839 trace of Norman Creek by the
water quality of Norman Creek. surveyor, James Warner
8
 UNDERSTANDING CATCHMENTS & WATERWAYS

WHAT IS A CATCHMENT? WATERWAY MANAGEMENT

A catchment is an area of land surrounded by natural features, from where all
stormwater runoff flows to a common low point, such as a creek, lake, river or
bay. The Norman Creek catchment covers 29.8 square kilometres and runs from
Mount Gravatt and Toohey Forest Park to the Brisbane River.
Often older main roads run along ridges and provide an indication of the
catchment boundary. In the Norman Creek catchment these boundaries are Ipswich
Road, Annerley Road, Wynnum Road, Oateson Skyline Drive, Boundary Road and
Cavendish Road. The southern boundary runs along the ridge through Mount
Gravatt Lookout and Toohey Forest Park.
Many activities that take place in the catchment area affect the water quality and
habitat of the creek and its tributaries, the Brisbane River and Moreton Bay.
Natural catchments
The soil and surrounding vegetation absorbs much of the water that falls onto a
natural catchment. Soil erosion by stormwater is reduced by the presence of
ground covering plants as they bind the soil and slow the flow of water. Rocks
and meanders in the waterway system also slow the flow of water as it makes
its way down the creek. In the Norman Creek catchment, only three per cent of
the area remains undeveloped. These undeveloped areas are found around
Mount Gravatt Lookout, Toohey Forest Park and pockets of remnant bushland
areas along Norman Creek and its tributaries.
A typical catchment
Council encourages community participation in the management of Brisbane’s
waterways. The process incorporates principles of Ecologically Sustainable
Development (ESD) to ensure these valuable resources continue to meet the
needs of current and future generations. Issues dealt with in waterway planning
and management include water quality, flooding and drainage, soil erosion,
vegetation management, environmental planning and community awareness.
Council involves the community in researching background information, identifying
key issues in the catchment and exploring programs and partnerships to improve
our waterways.
One of the outcomes of this process is a Waterway Management Plan (WMP).
WMPs aim to integrate the activities of Council and community groups to overcome
the problems facing Brisbane’s waterways.
The main goals are to:
• protect and manage the health of waterways in the catchment
• improve the use of, and access to, waterways by the community
• maintain the water-moving capacity of waterways to minimise flooding and
subsequent property damage
• enhance the ecological diversity of
waterways and their surroundings
to create wildlife corridors.

Watershed

Creeks

Runoff Runoff Maritime Care and

Runoff
Creek
N4C field day to
Suburbs
Suburbs
Runoff clean up Norman
Runoff
Creek – here a
Runoff
Canal volunteer clears one
Runoff
Creek mouth
Beaches of Council’s litter
Runoff

Creek
traps (one type of
Bay or River Stormwater Quality
Improvement Device)
10
 REVEGETATION AND REHABILITATION
Bridge near the Anglican Church Grammar
School, East Brisbane
Council has an active program to encourage residents to become involved in
revegetation and bush regeneration projects around Brisbane. Over 2000
volunteers are involved with more than 100 Habitat Brisbane groups and
12 catchment groups across the city. Working with Council, these groups are
expanding the city’s wildlife habitats and improving our waterways by
removing weeds and planting more native species.
In the Norman Creek catchment, several groups have worked to create wildlife
corridors linking Toohey Forest and remnant bushland areas to the Brisbane River.
These corridors protect migratory animals from threats, such as domestic pets,
humans and transport traffic.
While providing better habitats and food for animals,
revegetation projects also reduce the impacts of flooding.
Council oversees habitat creation work on public land to
protect urban creek corridors and low-lying properties,
which may be susceptible to flooding.

Volunteers work to
revegetate Arnwood
Place as part of
Riverclean 2001 Squirrel Glider
(Petaurus norfolcensis)

Ducks taking advantage of recently

completed frog pond, Moorhen Flats 12
 MAP – NORMAN CREEK CATCHMENT

ROAD
LEGEND MOUNT

ROAD
GRAVATT
CENTRAL
S Whites Hill Reserve
Shopping Centres BOUN
DARY
AD
RO
ROAD
Hospitals Griffith

OLD
University
Queensland
College S
of Art
S S S

HO
Schools S S

LL
AN
Glindemann
Park

D
CLEVE
Creeks
UM

RO
ISH
Balmoral

LAND
NN

AD
Park

ND
WY

Main Roads

VE

Glin
S

CA
S

d
ema
57
WY

S S S

n
M

Cree
Catchment Boundary

Creek

AR
D
NNU

Wembley
OA

SH
BULIMBA Park R

AN

k
S

AL
DISTRICT S

G
M

ater
C P Bottomley

LO

L
Sub-catchment Park S

Bridgew
C B Mott
Boundaries Park Ekibin Creek FREEW
AY
62 S
Walkways/Bikeways H
Giffin N DIS Toohey
Park VE Forest
CA Park

ek
M
ot

Cre
t
63 S Cr

STREET
Monitored Sites

o
ee

aro
k
Heath S

op
RO

Park

Co
The
S
AD

Common
S
Langlands

ESHER
LY Park
STREET

King

S 61

ROAD
TT
O
N 58 S
fishe
STREET

Moorehen

ET
+
r Cre

Flats

RO
D

STRE
NEW FARM &
Merthyr
ROA

AD
ek

Park
TENERIFFE HILL Mowbray
EAST BRISBANE
Park
COORPAROO
S S
ROAD

DISTRICT
59
Hanlon Park
63

N
N
GA

SEXTO
Sandy Creek
LO Tarragindi
Raymond Recreation
Park Ekibin
EAST Park Reserve
60

STREET
BRADFIELD HIGHWAY MAIN STREET IPSW
IC H
KANGAROO S
Y

Brisbane
STANLE

POINT Cricket

TON

N
Grounds
+

SO UTH

WATER
A D
RO S
City Botanic
EL

Gardens
IZ

ANNE
RL
AB

EY Moreton
ET

S RO
AN

Bay
H

AD
N

CITY CENTRE FAIRFI

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ST

E
VULTUR
RE

R
STEPHENS

E
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DISTRICT V
RI
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RE
ET

T
REE
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GLADSTONE A
ME STR

B
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OU

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AREA
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N
14

Norman Creek
andpipers (Tringa hypoleucos)
MAJOR PROJECTS
ALONG NORMAN CREEK
Community planting at Bowies Flat,
Bridgewater Creek, December 2001
Stormwater quality improvement project for Bridgewater Creek
Council’s $2.5 million constructed wetland at Bowies Flat along Bridgewater
Creek at Camp Hill has been recognised regionally with a Healthy Waterways
Award. The project was completed in December 2001 and will play a key role
in improving the water quality in Bridgewater and Norman Creeks.
The project includes a large-scale Stormwater Quality Improvement System, or
‘treatment train’, which filters stormwater runoff before it enters Bridgewater Creek.
Using a range of measures such as trash racks, a sediment pond, vegetated wetland
areas and a natural channel, the design targets pollutants such as litter, sediment
(soil, silt and mud) and nutrients (for example, nitrogen).
In the planning stages, thorough consideration was also given to public access
and amenities with the help of a community
reference group. The layout incorporates
pedestrian pathways around the perimeter,
a children’s playground, footbridge,
viewing platform and boardwalk, and
fully landscaped surrounds.
Here local residents can enjoy
the range of aquatic and terrestrial
habitats created for local wildlife,
including birds, fish, reptiles
and frogs.
The project was undertaken with
some of Australia’s leading
stormwater quality researchers and
partly funded with a grant from the
Natural Heritage Trust. Members of the
local community and Norman Creek
Catchment Coordinating Committee (N4C) are
helping to monitor the site.
16

Bushland habitat creation at Moorhen Flats
In late 1993, the East Brisbane community identified a low-lying, almost
treeless, four-hectare block of land bordered by industrial factories. The site
at the Deshon Street loop of Norman Creek was left over from flood
mitigation works in 1992-1993. A group called Norman Creek FREECS (Friends
Rejuvenating Ecological and Environmental Creek Systems) was later formed
to rejuvenate the area, known locally as Moorhen Flats.
The FREECS have planted over 20,000 trees, shrubs and ground covers to create
developing lowland rainforest, eucalypt and melaleuca dominant habitats.
A frog pond, lagoon and palm grove has also been successfully completed.
Today, the park is a popular spot for residents, with a bikeway, pedestrian path
and gazebo.
Moorhen Flats before (left) and
after restoration (right)
Glindemann Park restoration project
A stream bank restoration project has been undertaken by Council to enhance
previous work completed by Greening Australia. This ongoing project includes
extensive contouring and tree planting works to create a natural waterway
channel through the park.
Arnwood Place – restoring the natural creek system
The section of Norman Creek within Ekibin Park has experienced problems, such as
excessive weed growth, erosion and poor water quality from polluted stormwater
runoff. Concern from local residents about the state of the creek triggered action
from Council and N4C to rehabilitate this significant freshwater site.
Over the next 15-20 years, the Arnwood Place Restoration
Project aims to:
• revegetate the creek bank using native trees, shrubs
and grasses
• control weeds
• improve water quality
• provide a variety of habitats for aquatic animals
• manage erosion and sediment.
Already, Council in partnership with the community has An Eastern Water
redesigned and added natural elements to the previously Dragon enjoys the
degraded channel at the junction of Norman and Sandy Creeks. sun at Arnwood Place
Demonstration Catchment Project – Nicholson St, Greenslopes
With funding from the Queensland Government’s Healthy Waterways program,
N4C is restoring an area along Norman Creek, near Greenslopes Hospital. The
demonstration project looks at enhancing pools, riffles and riparian vegetation
along the creek.
Riffles are sections of the creek where water flows quickly over loose gravel.
They increase the oxygen level in the water, which is essential for aquatic worms,
fish, bugs and crustaceans.
Pools of different depths create a diverse habitat and are essential havens for
aquatic life during dry periods. Pools also help to settle out sediment that may
be carried in stormwater.
The project will include the development of recreational walking tracks and
interpretive signage and is headed by the Greenslopes Demonstration Catchment,
Project Bushcare Group.
New sewer main for Brisbane
Council’s new $52 million S1 sewer has 60 per cent greater capacity than the
previous system and will significantly reduce the risk of sewerage overflows in
Breakfast Creek, Norman Creek and Milton/Toowong. The project began in
July 1999 and stretches 4.8 kilometres from North Quay to Cooksley Street,
Hamilton. It aims to improve water quality entering Moreton Bay, while meeting
the needs of an increasing population.
18
 An example of structural flood mitigation within the
Norman Creek catchment can be seen at Deshon
UNDERSTANDING THE IMPACTS OF FLOODING Street where the channel has been widened.
Structural mitigation is only used when the benefits
of reducing flood damage outweigh the
infrastructure costs. Council prefers to prevent
Prior to European settlement, the Norman Creek catchment had extensive development within Brisbane’s waterway corridors
ground cover and many trees. Over time, houses, roads, car parks and shopping and floodplains to reduce the risk of floodwaters
centres have replaced vegetated areas, as more people came to live and work damaging property.
in the catchment. As a result, the percentage of stormwater that can soak into
the ground has decreased, while the percentage of stormwater running into the Waterway corridors
catchment has increased. Some reaches of the creek have suffered bed and Protecting waterway corridors from development
bank degradation, which has contributed to localised flooding in the area is important to maintain and enhance the water flow, An example of stormwater
during periods of heavy rainfall. water quality, ecology, open space, recreational and drainage at Coorparoo
amenity values of the particular catchment.
Flood management
A waterway corridor is shown as lines drawn on a
It is essential to plan and provide infrastructure for Brisbane to minimise the impact
map along both sides of a waterway. These lines indicate the area where any
of floods.
development or activity (including revegetation) needs to be strictly controlled to
Council has two flood management goals: prevent an unacceptable increase in anticipated flood levels.
• minimise the risk of flooding Council has strict development regulations for land near waterways. If development
• minimise the impact of future development on local catchments. is allowed to take place on a
Flood mitigation in waterways floodplain, this may cause Waterway corridors have been devised to
flooding and erosion problems limit flood damage
Flood mitigation is sometimes necessary in creeks, like Norman Creek, due to past both upstream and downstream,
development activities such as filling within the floodplain, which changes the as well as for the development
drainage characteristics of the catchment. itself. Anticipated flood level
Stormwater drains run directly from the road system into our creeks. Some sections When placed in the way of
of Brisbane’s creeks have been straightened, concrete-lined and/or piped for floodwaters, large obstructions
various reasons. All these changes increase the speed of water flowing down the such as buildings and dense tree
creek. While providing an effective and faster way to drain stormwater and plantings reduce the floodplain’s
floodwater, it may cause erosion downstream. ability to carry water and
Council has two main methods to reduce the impact of flooding on the community: increase the flood levels in Filling within the floodplain
Increase in anticipated flood levels due to filling
surrounding areas.
Structural measures
Land flooded by river, creek or
• raise structures above the flood level
localised flooding is considered
• decrease flood levels, through mitigation work such as dredging flood prone and is unsuitable for
• construction of stormwater drainage infrastructures, such as dams and residential development. It is also
detention basins desirable that access to residential
Filling permitted outside of Waterway Corridor
Non-structural measures subdivisions/developments from
Waterway Corridor
existing roads is flood-free.
• limit development of adjacent land
Developers need to provide
• vegetation control
Council with information
• flood awareness programs demonstrating that the proposed
• flood warning and emergency response development has no effect on
neighbouring properties.
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Flood modelling is undertaken to predict how the waterway
would react under various rainfall and stormwater runoff
conditions, and how any alteration to the watercourse and
catchment would affect the flow.
Outside waterway corridors and flood prone areas
development may proceed without flood-imposed
restrictions (see figure previous page). If you want to know
the location of waterway corridors along Norman Creek, visit a
Brisbane City Council Customer Service Centre.
Flooding at Arnwood
Information and advice during floods
Place after a January
The Bureau of Meteorology provides weather and flood 2002 storm
warnings on radio and television, alerting you to a flood
emergency. When a flood emergency occurs, the following services can provide
information and advice.
Brisbane City State Emergency Service (SES)
The SES undertakes emergency rescues, property protection and clean-ups after a
flood event. If you need emergency assistance from the SES at your house, phone
3403 8888.
Brisbane City Council Flood Information Centre
The Flood Information Centre operates only when a flood emergency has been
declared and provides information on flood levels for the Brisbane River within the
city’s boundaries. It also provides general information on Brisbane metropolitan
creeks. Phone 3403 8888.
Royal Automobile Club of Queensland (RACQ)
The RACQ provides statewide information to members on road closures and travel
routes. Phone 3219 0900 for a 24-hour update, or visit www.racq.com.au
Evacuations and closures
The SES will contact you should you need to evacuate the area. Council may carry
out road closures and restrict access where necessary within Brisbane city.
Enhancing habitat while minimising the risk of flooding
The most effective way to minimise flood levels is to carefully space
tall-trunked trees to create a shaded main channel with selected low foliage.
Where problems with flooding do not exist,
it is preferrable to promote a shrubby midstorey
for fauna habitat.
STORMWATER AND WATER QUALITY
Stormwater quality monitoring plays an important role in pollution prevention.
N4C works with Council, schools and community groups to keep a close eye on
water quality changes and the make-up of animal communities, including frogs
and fish. In recent years, Council and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
have performed citywide assessments of water quality in Brisbane’s urban creeks.
The indicators of water quality used in the study are:
• nutrients – nitrogen and phosphorus (essential for plant growth, but high
concentrations may indicate excessive weed and algal growth)
• chlorophyll-a (an indicator of algae which can be harmful to other aquatic organisms)
• water clarity (suspended solids and turbidity which can limit light penetration)
• oxygen levels (essential for life processes of aquatic organisms)
• pH levels (a measure of acidity or alkalinity of the water)
• faecal contamination (high concentrations may contain harmful bacteria, viruses
and parasites)
Water quality ratings from ‘very good’ to ‘very poor’ are given so Council can
identify and address pollution problems along the creek in the early stages.
Water quality was moderately impacted in the lower tributary of Norman Creek (site 57)
with high nutrient and chlorophyll-a concentrations. However, there were improvements
compared to the previous year, with lower concentrations of most nutrients, especially
ammonia. Water quality was very poor at the estuarine site in Norman Creek (site 58).
Concentrations of most nutrients exceeded desirable levels at both sites, probably due
to impacts from the Brisbane River, via tidal exchange as well as from catchment input.
In contrast, water quality was generally good at freshwater sites in Norman Creek (59-
60) and its tributaries – Ekibin Creek (61-62) and Sandy Creek (63). Concentrations of
ammonia and oxidised nitrogen were again higher than desirable levels at the Sandy
Creek site, indicating a persistent local source of these nutrients. Dissolved oxygen
and pH levels remained high at the highly channelised lower site of Norman Creek
(59), probably due to photosynthesis of microalgae on the concrete bed.
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SITES MONITORED
• 57 – Jackson St , Coorparoo (Bridgewater Creek, Wembley Park)
• 58 – Deshon St , Wooloongabba (Norman Creek near Moorhen Flats)
• 59 – Lincoln St , Stones Corner (Norman Creek near Stones Corner above tidal interface)
• 60 – Arnwood Place, Annerley (Norman Creek downstream of Sandy Creek confluence)
• 61 – West Roseglen St, Holland Park (Norman Creek)
• 62 – Justin St, Holland Park West (Glindemann Creek)
• 63 – Shaftesbury St / Weller Rd, Tarragindi (Sandy Creek)
Further information about this study and results from across Brisbane for the period
between July 1999 – June 2000 are available in a report published on the
Environmental Protection Agency’s website on www.epa.qld.gov.au
Sewerage overflows
A sewerage overflow is a discharge of wastewater from a sewerage system, which
occurs at a specific ‘sewer overflow point’. These points have been designed to
operate as an emergency safety valve to relieve pressure by allowing excess
wastewater to overflow at a planned location during periods of intense rainfall.
At overflow points, wastewater is more than ninety percent diluted by water.
Sometimes in the Norman Creek catchment, during periods of heavy rain, sewerage
overflows do occur.
Why do sewerage overflows occur?
Sewerage overflows can occur during periods of intense rainfall mainly due to:
• Stormwater or groundwater seeping into the sewer system
• Stormwater being directed into the wastewater system from illegal connections
The overflows are designed to protect public health and property, and prevent
sewage backing up or overflowing onto private property.
How can you help prevent sewerage overflows?
1. Ensure stormwater from roof gutters, driveways, paths and gardens is directed to
a stormwater drain, not into the sewerage system. It is illegal for stormwater
pipes to be connected to the sewerage system.
2. Replace cracked and faulty sewerage pipes on your property. Brisbane City
Council can check sewerage pipes on your property and advise if any need
replacement.
3. Preserve the life of your sewerage pipes by not placing fats, oils, paints, solvents
and other chemicals down drains. Liquids such as these can cause blockages and
weaken pipes at their joints.
4. Do not plant trees with invasive roots on your property as these can enter
sewerage pipes causing cracks and blockages.
HOW CAN YOU HELP?
BEING WATERWISE
Stormwater is the rainwater that flows into any form of stormwater drain.
Unlike wastewater, such as sewage, stormwater flows untreated into our local
creeks, the Brisbane River and Moreton Bay that provide vital habitats for
animals and plants.
A good downpour appears to clean streets and paths of grit and oil, but this waste
washes directly into our waterways as harmful pollution.
This can include:
• Pesticides, fertilisers and chemicals
• Cigarette butts, plastic bags, bottles and paper
• Animal droppings
• Chlorine and salt from swimming pools
• Pressure packs, spray cans
Council is installing Stormwater Quality Improvement Devices or SQIDs to trap litter
and other pollutants before they enter our waterways.
SQIDs come in many forms such as:
• Ponds, wetlands and grassed areas to slow stormwater runoff
• Pollutant traps to catch large rubbish and heavy sediment
• Litter baskets fitted directly into stormwater drains.
You can improve the efficiency of these devices by
becoming ‘stormwater wise’.
By following these simple tips, you can help keep our
waterways healthy from ‘Backyard to Bay’:
• Service your motor vehicle regularly and watch
out for leaking oil, brake fluid or chemicals
• Use fertilisers sparingly and lightly hose into the
garden after application
• Do not use pesticides if you expect rain
• Compost garden waste, especially lawn clippings
• Use plants and ground covers to prevent topsoils
washing away and reduce erosion
Wash your car on
• Create depressions and gullies in your garden to
the grass
collect and absorb rainfall – your plants will love it
• Take a plastic bag to dispose of your dog’s droppings
and place it in your
wheelie bin.
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Never dump garden rubbish or general waste
Many people think they’re doing great things for
the environment by dumping garden waste and
lawn clippings in parks and local waterways. Here
are the surprising facts.
• Lawn clippings placed around trees can burn
the trunk, stunt their growth and cause
fungal disease.
• Garden waste and lawn clippings dumped in
local creeks increases nutrients which promote
algal growth.
• Algal growth cuts light available to seagrass, a major
habitat for dugong, fish and other marine life.
• Weeds compete with native plants and starve
them of nutrients and light, which affects food
sources for local wildlife.
• Dispose of litter in bins, or take rubbish home
with you – remember what misses the bin hits
the bay.
• Report all ‘environmental incidences’ such as
chemical, oil spills and the illegal dumping
of garden waste and household rubbish, whether
accidental or deliberate, to Council on 3403 8888.
Water conservation
Did you know 97 per cent of the water on earth is
salt water and two percent is ice? Only one percent
remains available for human consumption. In fact,
Australia is the driest inhabited continent on earth.
To plan for our future water needs, we all need to
know how to use water wisely. There are little things
we can all do in our daily lives at home, school, work
and play which can make a real difference.
Here are some of them:
• Check for leaking taps and toilets which can
waste up to 12 litres of water per day, or 4300
litres of water per year.
• Turning off the tap while brushing your teeth can
save up to five litres of water.
• Install water-saving devices, such as dual-flush
toilets and shower roses.
• Consider a front loading washing machine, as
they save water and electricity.
• Look for AAA water ratings when purchasing
washing machines and dishwashers.
• When washing up by hand, plunge dishes into
the sink or bucket of clean water instead – don’t
rinse under a running tap.
• Deep soak your lawn to encourage a deep root system
• Use good mulch in the garden to prevent water
evaporation.
• Use a watering can to direct water straight to the
roots where it is needed.
• Install a drip or trickle sprinkler system which only
uses four litres of water per hour, as opposed to
1000 litres per hour for normal sprinklers.
• Wash your car using a bucket and sponge and
only use the hose to rinse the vehicle.
• Wash your car on the grass to add moisture
and prevent soap suds and grime entering your
local catchment.
If we all play our part, we can improve our
waterways, save money on water bills and reduce
future costs for water storage and treatment
facility upgrades. So, when you are about to use
water, think and use it wisely.
For more information about sustainable living and
gardening, contact the Call Centre on
3403 8888 for a copy of Council’s Green Home
Guide and Green Garden Guide. Both booklets
provide lots of useful tips and hints for saving
money and the environment.
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 The exit of Norman Creek to the
Brisbane River

N4C - CARING FOR YOUR LOCAL WATERWAY

If you would like to get involved in worthwhile and rewarding environmental
projects, the Norman Creek Catchment Coordinating Committee would like to
hear from you. N4C works to maintain local waterways by protecting and
rejuvenating the local ecosystem.
It achieves this by:
• coordinating the activities and involvement of government, residents and groups
in the catchment
• involving, educating and empowering communities in the catchment
• protecting and enhancing the ecological values of the catchment.
The committee works to:
• involve community and schools in restoration projects and habitat assessments
• monitor water quality
• facilitate riparian vegetation and rehabilitation projects identified in Council’s
catchment and waterway management plans
• conduct awareness and environmental education programs for the community
• involve existing groups, establish new groups and coordinate their activities.
Norman Creek Catchment Coordinating Committee
N4C Coordinator, Damien Madden
Phone/fax: 3324 8307
Email: dnmadden@eis.net.au
Website: www.ourbrisbane.com
Committee meetings
7.30pm, first Monday of every month
Community Resource and Environmental Education Centre (CREEC)
66 Baron Road, Greenslopes Waterwatch Field
Day – N4C
Other Environmental Organisations in the Catchment:
Coordinator,
• Norman Creek FREECS (Friends Rejuvenating
Ecological and Environmental Creek Systems) Damien Madden
• Bridgewater Creek FREECS talks to students
• Buranda State School and Community Bushcare Group from Buranda
• Demonstration Catchment Project Bushcare Group State School at
• Ekibin Creek Bushcare Group Arnwood Place.
• Greening Australia Headquarters (phone 3902 4412)
• Maynes Reserve Bushcare Group
• Mott Creek Bushcare Group
• Mt Gravatt Environment Group
• Perone Road Bush Reserve Project (Greening Australia)
• Toohey Forest Protection Society Inc
• Wellers Hill Bushcare Group
To take part in Council’s Habitat Brisbane program, or join one of the above
groups, contact the Call Centre on 3403 8888.
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