Stage 3 of Washpool Creek naturalisation secures $2.8m funding

The third stage of the Washpool Creek naturalisation project will transform the old drain in suburban Bundaberg into a “thriving” natural waterway and indigenous-inspired space. FULL DETAILS:

The Washpool Creek naturalisation project has been awarded $2 million in funding to transform the area into a thriving natural waterway.

The Washpool Creek Naturalisation Project in Bundaberg has been awarded $2 million in funding to further transform the area into a thriving natural waterway.
The project will transform an old drain at Washpool Creek into a “thriving” indigenous-inspired space.

Located between Ford Street and Bundaberg Creek, the Washpool Creek corridor consisted of a concrete drain surrounded by open grass areas and scattered mature trees.
The project, next to Baldwin Swamp, received $2.78m in funding through the Queensland Reconstruction Authority in 2021.

Plans for the transformation include turning the drain into a natural waterway with features like a bush tucker garden, a yarning circle, shared pathways, public artwork, and increased habitat for wildlife and birds.

Additional amenities will include stepping stones, boardwalks, picnic shelters, and open spaces, creating a community-friendly environment.

Stages 1 and 2 of the project were completed in 2024 between Ford Street and Hargreaves Street, and feature a naturalised creek corridor, large open area and nature play elements.

The parkland can be accessed by a pathway which twists through the full length of the corridor starting at Ford Street and across Hargreaves Street before reaching a new playground at Lathouras Court.

Stage 3 will soon be underway thanks to the funding and will feature the continuation of the creek and pathway through to Baldwin Swamp.

The third stage of the Washpool Creek naturalisation project will transform the old drain in suburban Bundaberg into a “thriving” natural waterway and indigenous-inspired space.

Stage 3 of the Washpool Creek project:

- Remove 650m of concrete and replace it with 11,500sq m of vegetation

- Balance the creek’s stormwater and drainage functions to deliver significant water quality and ecological benefits

- Water quality improvements that will provide downstream benefits to Baldwin Swamp, the Burnett River, and the Great Barrier Reef.

- Public open space will also be improved

Bundaberg Regional councillor Larine Statham-Blair said Stage 3 would mark a significant milestone in the project’s vision for Washpool Creek.

“We’re building a more resilient, functional waterway that is becoming a space for the community to visit and enjoy.”
Environment and Water Minister Tanya Plibersek said restoring rivers and waterways like Washpool Creek was part of a $200 million investment.

“Nearly half of all nationally listed threatened animals and a quarter of our threatened plants are in urban areas, home to 96 per cent of Australia’s population,” she said.

Stage 3 is expected to begin in mid 2026, with design review and preconstruction planning in 2025.