Long Oral Presentation 12th Australian Streams Management Conference 2026

The Laidley Creek restoration masterplan represents a decade‑long, catchment‑scale response to severe stream instability in SEQ following the 2011 and 2013 flood events. Laidley Creek is a highly modified waterway within the Lockyer Valley, where post‑flood research identified eroding streams as disproportionate contributors of fine sediment to Moreton Bay. This evidence elevated Laidley Creek as a priority investment area for sediment reduction and long‑term stream stabilisation.

Early strategic planning established a long‑term vision that has guided more than ten years of progressive stabilisation works. Since an initial pilot project funded by Port of Brisbane Pty Limited in 2015, approximately six kilometres of creek banks have been stabilised using physical interventions and riparian rehabilitation. Across completed sites, Healthy Land and Water has undertaken ongoing vegetation and erosion monitoring to assess performance and inform adaptive management.

Key findings include:

• The influence of cross-channel structures and rock chutes on the creek bed
• Improved estimation of erosion and deposition volumes using LiDAR, including efforts to reduce error margins
• Vegetation monitoring identifying high-performing riparian species based on survival and growth rates
• The importance of annual infill planting as a standard maintenance requirement for riparian restoration
• The impact of short project planning timeframes on long-term project success
• The critical role of landholder engagement in achieving successful outcomes

 This paper will aim to reflect on lessons learned over ten years and demonstrates how long‑term planning, monitoring, and community partnership can improve outcomes for catchment scale restoration programs.