Healthy Land & Water

Building resilience into landscapes using nature-based solutions to help communities and ecosystems better withstand climate change.

Healthy Land & Water is taking proactive steps to build resilience in the SEQ region which is recognised as one of the most climate-exposed regions in the country. By combining science and local knowledge, we protect nature and communities. Our initiatives and rapid post-disaster responses strengthen landscapes and help communities adapt to climate impacts. Including severe floods, droughts, and bushfires.

• Increasing disaster preparedness through capacity building and on-ground resilience works.
• Facilitating faster recovery after disasters.
• Supporting communities and ecosystems in adapting to climate change.

Protecting and enhancing biodiversity, including managing habitats, protecting endangered species, and restoring ecosystems.

South East Queensland is a biodiversity hotspot. Our endemic species rely on the extent and connectivity of natural areas to thrive.

Through targeted habitat management and ecosystem restoration, we protect endangered species and maintain vital ecological connections so our natural areas can continue to provide essential ecosystem services that benefit both the environment and community wellbeing.

• Integrating scientific assessment and local knowledge to prepare landscapes, nature, and people for climate change.
• Prioritising vegetation cover and wetlands to buffer against climate extremes, protect water quality, filter pollutants, and sequester carbon.
• Working across forests, farms, bushland, and waterways, while preserving cultural and recreational sites.

Increasing long-term productivity, profitability and sustainability through capacity building and on-ground projects.

Known as Australia’s food bowl, South East Queensland’s rich soils and favourable climate support thriving produce, cattle, livestock, and forestry.

We actively work with landowners on sustainable farming practices that improve soil health, reduce erosion, and enhance water quality, and build preparedness against flood, drought and flood. These practices deliver productive crops and pastures.

• Increased food security by protecting agricultural land so it can produce sufficient, safe, and nutritious food.
• Increased farm business resilience through increased soil health, decreased weed pressure and preventing erosion and topsoil loss in high-value agricultural areas.
• Flood, fire, drought climate resilient landscapes.

On-ground works, capacity building and 25+ years of data-driven insights are used to enhance water quality across the region.

We use sustainable nature-based solutions to restore waterways, restore natural habitat, manage catchments and reduce pollution to ensure clean and safe water for ecosystems and communities. Our work is informed by scientific assessment, long-term data and local knowledge.

• Improving water quality and reducing pollutants.
• Targeting areas which provide natural filtration of impurities.
• Providing long-term regionally consistent, quality assured ecosystem health monitoring which key information for decision makers and provides transparency to help make our region investment ready.
  Supporting communities, agriculture, industry, recreation and tourism.

Capacity building and on-ground projects to deliver best practice sustainable urban water management.

Healthy Land & Water is home to one of the leading sustainable urban water management initiatives in Australia, Water by Design. It is renowned for creating sustainable, resilient and liveable cities that enhance community wellbeing and the environment through the protection and improvement of urban waterways and green spaces.

• Supporting adoption of best practice sustainable urban water management through capacity building & on-ground projects.
• Policy support services and products including training, guidelines, and technical resources for practitioners in government and industry.
• Engaging communities in the stewardship of urban waterways and green spaces, fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility and inspiring community-driven action.

Our region encompasses a number of Traditional Owner groups and First Nations peoples who share a pivotal role in Caring for Country, including:

• Kabi Kabi
• Jinibara
• Wakka Wakka
• Yuggera Ugarapul
• Turrbal
• Jagera
• Githabul
• Quandamooka
• Kombumerri
• Ngarangwhal
• Mununjali
• Wangerriburra
• Danggan Balun

• City of Brisbane
• City of Gold Coast
• Somerset Regional Council
• Sunshine Coast Regional Council
• City of Moreton Bay
• Redland City Council
• Logan City Council
• Noosa Council
• Scenic Rim Regional Council
• City of Ipswich
• Lockyer Valley Regional Council