Rivers & Creeks

Aerial view of river

About Noosa’s Rivers and Creeks

Noosa Shire contains one of Queensland’s most diverse and ecologically significant networks of waterways. These rivers, lakes, creeks and wetlands support our region’s biodiversity, cultural heritage, recreation, economy and overall liveability.

The system includes:

Noosa River System

  • Originates in the Cooloola section of the Great Sandy National Park, flowing south into Laguna Bay
  • One of the cleanest and most intact river systems in Australia
  • Supported by extensive wetlands, sand‑based aquifers and natural filtration systems

Lakes and Wetlands

  • Lake Cootharaba – large, shallow dune lake with high ecological and cultural values
  • Lake Cooroibah, Lake Doonella and Lake Weyba – highly productive estuarine systems supporting fish nurseries, shorebirds, seagrass and mangroves
  • Noosa Everglades – one of only two Everglades systems in the world; internationally recognised for water quality, biodiversity and carbon storage

Coastal and Hinterland Creeks

  • Burgess Creek, Eenie Creek, Doonan Creek, Kin Kin Creek and many smaller systems
  • Provide critical corridors for wildlife, freshwater inflows and sediment/nutrient transport
  • Some creeks are ephemeral, while others flow year‑round depending on geology and groundwater connectivity

Why These Systems Matter

  • Support fisheries, seagrass, mangroves, riparian forests and threatened species
  • Provide essential ecosystem services – water filtration, flood moderation, nutrient cycling and habitat connectivity
  • Hold deep cultural significance for the Kabi Kabi Peoples
  • Provide recreation, scenic amenity and lifestyle value for residents and visitors

Council works with community, Traditional Owners, science partners and government agencies to protect the health of these waterways while supporting safe and sustainable use.

How They’re Managed – At a Glance

Managing rivers and creeks involves different responsibilities for Council and the Queensland Government. This helps ensure water quality, environmental health, safety, and fair access for everyone.

Noosa Council (Local Government)

Council manages land‑based and environmental aspects, including:

  • Water quality monitoring and reporting
  • Wetland, estuary and catchment management
  • Creek rehabilitation and riparian restoration
  • Foreshore reserves, parklands and public access
  • Land‑based pollution, litter and amenity issues
  • Development applications for structures on land (jetties, pontoons, etc.)
  • Community engagement and stewardship programs
  • Partnerships with scientific, environmental and community groups

Maritime Safety Queensland (State Government)

MSQ manages on‑water regulation, including:

  • Anchoring rules, including the 28‑day limit
  • Moorings (approval, management, enforcement)
  • Speed zones
  • Vessel safety, seaworthiness and compliance
  • Removal of derelict or unsafe vessels
  • Navigation safety and signage
  • Marine pollution and boating compliance

For official MSQ information: Changes for Boating on the Noosa River

Partnerships & Governance

Caring for Noosa’s waterways is a shared effort. Council collaborates with:

  • Kabi Kabi First Nations People – cultural knowledge, custodianship and engagement
  • Resilient Rivers SEQ – regional catchment planning and river health initiatives
  • Department of Environment, Science and Innovation (DESI) – environmental data, species protection
  • Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF) – fisheries, aquatic habitat and compliance
  • Unitywater – sewerage, stormwater, water quality considerations
  • Local partners – NICA, Noosa Landcare, Noosa Biosphere Reserve Foundation, USC researchers
  • Community and volunteer groups – bushcare, citizen science, waterway monitoring

These partnerships help deliver coordinated programs across the whole catchment.

Key Programs Currently Underway

Water Quality Monitoring

  • Monthly water quality monitoring at multiple river and creek sites
  • Laboratory analysis of key indicators (nutrients, turbidity, chlorophyll‑a, etc.)
  • Long‑term trend assessments to guide management priorities

Integrated Catchment Management Projects

Environmental Restoration Initiatives

  • Riparian revegetation and weed management
  • Wetland protection and enhancement
  • Coastal foreshore resilience work
  • Oyster restoration project
  • Catchment-wide invasive species management
  • Ongoing partnerships with community groups and landcare organisations

These initiatives help protect biodiversity, stabilise banks, improve water quality and strengthen the catchment’s natural resilience.

Who to Contact for Specific River and Creek Issues

The table below provides a summary of common issues concerning the management of waterways.

The following community-based organisations also have key roles to play in the management of our waterways.

Where to Learn More

Walking the Landscape – Noosa Wetlands Story Map (DESI)
Visual guide to Noosa’s rivers, lakes, creeks, wetlands and landscape processes

Resilient Rivers SEQ
Regional collaboration on catchment health, resilience and river‑system management

YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@ResilientRiversSEQ

MSQ Boating Rules & On‑Water Responsibilities
Anchoring limits, moorings, speed zones, vessel safety

Sandy Bolton MP – Noosa River Management Update January 2026

Looking for more detailed information about the Noosa River specifically?

See our dedicated Noosa River Management page, which explains:

  • Council’s environmental and catchment planning work
  • On‑water responsibilities (MSQ)
  • How these processes differ, including the upcoming Catchment Action Plan (CAP)
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