Guanaba Creek could be severely degraded by human activity. Click on the links.

 

Where is Guanaba creek?               

Typical pool in Guanaba Creek 

The Coomera River Catchment is a very large catchment with its headwaters in the mountain range on the scenic rim and Lamington National Park (in Beaudesert Shire). The catchment is located in the central Gold Coast region, draining the relatively undisturbed mountains and hills of Guanaba, Lower Beechmont and Wongawallan. The waters of the catchment also drain the heavily developed and increasing urbanised areas of Gaven, Helensvale, Oxenford, Coombabah and Hope Island before outflowing to the junction of the Broadwater and Southern Moreton Bay Catchments.

The Gold Coast waterways include five major rivers and numerous creeks, many of which connect directly with several of the city's constructed lakes and canals. These waterways flow from the hinterland and meander eastward toward the Pacific Ocean coastline.

Guanaba Indigenous Protected Area Site  Ngarang Wal Land Council monitor water quality in Guanaba Creek cooperating with the Queensland Department of Natural Resources and Water.

Guanaba was declared an Indigenous Protected Area (IPA) in November 2000 under World Conservation Union (IUCN) Category IV. The area which covers 100 hectares contains significant examples of wet and dry rainforest which, because of its isolation, has been relatively untouched by modern land use. The land was purchased in 1998 through the Indigenous Land Corporation for the Ngarang Wal Land Council (NWLC) on behalf of the Gombumerri people. All members of the NWLC are Gombumerri. The IPA will be managed by the NWLC which plans to maintain the biodiversity of the area and to control weeds and feral animals. In partnership with Queensland University the NWLC will use the IPA as a base for research activities.

I am very pleased to be able to send everyone greetings through this, the first Indigenous Protected Areas Newsletter. First, let me congratulate all of the IPA managers and their organisations and partners who are doing such fantastic work on their IPAs right across Australia. The Government recognises the value of your contribution to Australia’s national effort to protect and conserve the biodiversity and cultural heritage that are such an important part of our national heritage. - Sharman Stone

Guanaba Creek floods - Guanaba, Qld 2008. Anyone can see this photo ...

Tamborine Mountain is an idyllic oasis comprised of three heritage communities: Mount Tamborine, North Tamborine and Eagle Heights. Located about an hour south of Brisbane and just inland from Surfers Paradise, Tamborine Mountain offers a quiet respite from busy city life.

There are some gorgeous waterfalls surrounding Tamborine Mountain, including the pretty Cameron Falls, Cedar Creek Falls and the Witches Falls. After rain the waterfalls are truly amazing, with the surrounding mountain top covered with mist. There are also some amazing lookouts in the Tamborine Mountains, offering stunning views over the Gold Coast.

The geological origin of the plateau is a lava flow from the Mount Warning volcanic eruption 22 million years ago. Tamborine Mountain rises at the start of the north-east section of the Scenic Rim, the name given to a group of mountains in South East Queensland.

There is no reticulated water supply or sewerage system, and residents are dependent on rainwater, bores and septic systems.