maroochy waterwatch

Vision:

A Maroochy River Catchment managed for a sustainable future by an active and knowledgeable community.

Mission:

Provide the support and learning tools the community needs to build a lifelong commitment to sustainable living and participation in natural resource management.

Objectives:

  • Protect and enhance the Maroochy River and its catchment.
  • Promote management practices which are environmentally sustainable throughout the Sunshine Coast Region
  • Undertake environmental projects to meet the needs of the  Region.

Corporate Plan:

The Corporate Plan 2010 to 2013 was endorsed by the Maroochy Waterwatch board in June 2010.  It will guide the strategic direction of the association with Key Priorities:

  1. Excellence in Business, Governance and Administration
  2. Developing a Centre of Excellence in Environmental Management
  3. Supporting a Learning Community that Leads to Change
  4. Transforming our Catchment and Regional Community

History and General Information:

Water quality monitoring in Maroochy waterways began in 1989 with 28 schools sharing monitoring equipment.  Increasingly, the health of the Maroochy River became a concern to the broader community.  The flood of February 1992 highlighted the need for action to improve the state of the river.  In 1993, 16 groups combined to form the Maroochy River Catchment Area Network (MRCAN) which has since evolved into Maroochy Waterwatch Inc.

Maroochy Waterwatch has grown into a significant not for profit organisation with a diverse network that embraces a number of environmental and community issues.  Its activities, achievements and professional standard water quality data collected are recognised by industry, government and the wider community.

The organisation  has a large volunteer base and  activities as varied as the issues facing the Maroochy River and the Region.  Some examples of these are listed below:

  • More than 60 families undertake monthly water quality testing and reporting.
  • Creek rehabilitation projects support the efforts of hundreds of landowners.
  • The Waterwatch River Patrol provides advice to river users whilst retrieving rubbish.
  • A public education campaign which raises awareness of the importance of the river.
  • Several social enterprises including Maroochy Catchment Services and the Coolum Community Native Nursery.
  • Acting as a hub for the Queensland Environmental Sustainable Schools Initiative.