Resilient Rivers SEQ

Huge timber logs have arrived in the Somerset Region to be transformed into ‘cod hotels’.

Over the coming weeks, more than 200 of these structures will be installed underwater, creating vital shelter and breeding habitat for native species, including the critically endangered Mary River cod.

By mimicking natural fallen trees, these ‘cod hotels’ will help restore river ecosystems and give our native fish a better chance to thrive.

Resilient Rivers SEQ is proud to support Pine Rivers Catchment Association in delivering the W**d Free Samford Community Day.

This free, science-based workshop equips landholders and community members with practical skills to manage invasive vines such as cat’s claw and madeira vine—species that impact not only individual properties, but also waterways, wildlife corridors and broader ecosystem health.

By bringing together leading organisations, the event promotes a holistic, landscape-scale approach to land management, supporting long-term biodiversity outcomes and sustainable property management practices.

📍 QUT Samford Ecological Research Facility

📅 Saturday 23 May

⏰ 9:00am–12:00pm

A big day for Mount Sylvia State School students, Lockyer Valley Regional Council, who got their hands dirty planting new native plants along the creek beside their school oval.

The plants were purchased through Bunyas to Borders, a community led project helping restore the wildlife corridor from Main Range to the Bunya Mountains.

It’s fantastic to see young people learning how to care for their local environment — and making a real difference.

Thanks to our friends at LUCI - Caring for Native Habitats in the Lockyer for their support.

Nineteen Mid‑Albert River landholders came together with Resilient Rivers SEQ to build skills in sustainable property management and river care.

From retaining soil and water on land to reducing impacts on local waterways, the workshop focused on practical actions that make a real difference.

Most SEQ waterways flow through private land so collaboration with our landholders and community is vital for long‑term river health and resilience.

Meet South East Queensland’s tiny environmental heroes🌿

🪲 The leaf-mining jewel beetle (Hylaeogena jureki) spends its early life inside cat's claw creeper leaves, creating tiny tunnels as it feeds.
🪲 The leaf-sucking tingid bug (Carvalhotingis visenda) weakens cat's claw creeper by draining the chlorophyll from their leaves.
🪲 The Madeira vine beetle (Plectonycha correntina) targets one of our region’s most destructive w**ds, Madeira vine.

These insects are part of a science-led approach called biological control, using natural enemies to manage invasive w**d species that damage riparian vegetation, including eucalyptus trees.

Healthy riparian vegetation is vital. It provides habitat for koalas and other wildlife, stabilises riverbanks, and plays a critical role in the health of our waterways.

Because these insects are highly host-specific, they:
✔ Only feed on the target w**d
✔ Can’t survive without it
✔ Pose no risk to native plants, crops or pets

The insects bred by Pine Rivers Catchment Association are released with extreme care and are backed by years of scientific research, ensuring a safe and effective approach to managing invasive species and protecting waterway health across South East Queensland.

📸

Restoring balance, one species at a time 🐞🌿

Targeted solutions like this play an important role in supporting healthier, more resilient ecosystems.