Healthy waterways of great value

THE health of our waterways is twice as important to us than the fun that can be had in them, a recent survey has found.

Maroochy Waterwatch manager Cerran Fawns is pleased by results of a survey that show people are becoming increasingly aware of the importance of healthy waterways. Picture: Chris Mccormackfile

THE health of our waterways is twice as important to us than the fun that can be had in them, a recent survey has found.

The South East Queensland Healthy Waterways Partnership survey showed people valued waterways for the health of the environment (53%) and future generations (48%) more than for lifestyle (25%) and recreation (21%).

More than 3700 people completed the online survey in March, and Maroochy Waterwatch manager Cerran Fawns said it showed the public was becoming increasingly educated on the importance of our waterways.

“They are definitely positive results,” she said.

“Lifestyle is important but it shows people have turned a corner.

“I’m optimistic people are starting to realise the value of our waterways.

“Healthy waterways are essential for tourism and the health of the environment in general, and people are understanding that.”

This is the first time a survey like this has been conducted, but Ms Fawns said she had seen a swing in the public’s views during her seven years as manager of the Coast organisation.

“We get busier each day with people ringing up and asking about the waterways and asking how they can change their lifestyle to suit.

“It’s a fair call to say the community is more aware of the issue and people are becoming more aware of the environment over the years.

“It’s going to get more and more mainstream I guess.

“People are wanting to live sustainably and are paying more attention to water, waste, biodiversity and energy use.”

SEQ HWP chief Dr Peter Schneider said the results were encouraging.

“Most people seem to be generally informed about waterway health issues, and any gaps in knowledge that have been identified will play a key role in assisting us to develop targeted communication and education programs,” he said.

Interestingly, 62% of respondents also said they’d be happy to drink treated stormwater.

Originally published as Healthy waterways of great value