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THE SMALLEST THING

Even the smallest
thing any of us might do towards maintaining the health and well-being of this, our one and only habitat ~
this incredibly rich creative fount~
Planet Earth

 REALLY DOES MAKE A
DIFFERENCE
 
 






 


Paynter Creek
Catchment
Care Group

WATERWAYS AND WETLANDS

Paynter Creek commences its journey in the steep upper slopes of the Blackall Range around Montville, collecting rainwater runoff throughout the catchment.  It flows through Palmwoods and Woombye, and then meanders through the flood plains near Diddillibah to the Maroochy River and the sea

Human occupation of the region began many thousands of years ago when indigenous people traveled the land and utilised it's resources.  The land was covered in thick forests with giant trees and dense palm groves

With the area opened to selection in the mid 1800s timber getting became the main activity.  Prized timber included large Red Cedar, White Cedar, Mahogany, Black Bean, Bunya and Hoop Pine.  Over time other land uses occurred in the area, and these include dairying, sugar cane, fruit-growing, mixed farming, industry and urban development.

The origin of the name of Paynter Creek has been attributed to William Paynter, an early timbergetter.  Historical reference is also made to an association of the creek name with Dick the Painter's Creek.

The impacts of extensive vegetation removal and various land uses over the last 50 years have been felt on the health of the creek. The Paynter Creek Catchment Care Project commenced in 2001~

Projects and Activities include:-
Land owners and stream teams working to remove weeds along the creek bank.

Streambank and wetland restoration with
local native plants.

Provision of wildlife nesting boxes.

Creek care workshops and displays at community events.

Monthly newsletter ~ "the Drop on Paynter."

Paynter Creek Catchment Care Group meetings
 

Regular water quality tests (monthly and following rain events) are carried out along Paynter Creek by community members through Maroochy (MRCAN) Waterwatch.

The Paynter Creek waterways and wetlands provide a great diversity of habitats and support the life cycles of a wide range of plants and animals including Platypus, and Eastern Water Dragon.  Migratory birds rely on wetland areas for their life support and waterbirds can be useful in agricultural areas through their consumption of large quantities of insects.

Wetlands can play a role in flood control as well as filtering nutrients, sediment and other pollutants. Aesthetically, they are an important part of our unique natural landscape

Paynter Creek

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Paynter Creek near the confluence with Petrie Creek.

Crystal clear water, shimmering
with dappled sunlight through
a variety of local flora
on its way to the sea



Water Testing by volunteers
Water Testing Information

What you can do!

  • Get to know more about Paynter Creek and how to care for it.
     

  • Protect and restore local native vegetation across the catchment, particularly along the streambank, and on hillslopes.
     

  • Prevent erosion of soil, sand, and gravel (sediment) from entering the creek.
     

  • Prevent pollutants, litter, and fetilizers flowing to the waterways.
     

  • Use water wisely - our waterways and the life they sustain are also dependent on water.
     

  • Seek advice on how to maintain on-site waste disposal systems, e.g. septic and grey water systems.
     

  • Be involved in Paynter Creek Catchment Care activities!