State and council investigate appearance of sediment in Coombabah Creek which locals say has decimated wildlife

The State Government and council are investigating after the shock loss of wildlife in a Gold Coast creek which locals are blaming on the appearance of a metre-high mud wall.

THE State Government and Gold Coast City Council is investigating how a metre-high wall of mud in the Coombabah Creek has turned the protected waterway into a wildlife “graveyard”.

The Department of Environment and Science and the Department of Fisheries tested the depth of the creek and its water quality after residents noticed dolphins, giant sting rays, sharks and water birds had disappeared from the area.

“It’s a crisis,” said Steve Jeffery, of The Estuary and Summer Waters Resort Neighbourhood Watch Focus Group. “There is a catastrophe unfolding in the Coombabah Wetlands, the lake and the creek.”

Local resident Steve Jeffery in front of Coombabah Creek. Picture: Glenn Hampson.

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Mr Jeffery said black mud started flowing into the Coombabah Creek 10 months ago, raising concerns that developers may be pumping their dredging spoils into the waterway.

“The mud has reached a height of about a metre and, in some parts, it has spread between the mangrove islands, filling in the entire area and forming sandbars between Saltwater Creek and the Coombabah Lake.

“These four sandbars are seriously restricting tidal flows, as well as access for boats and emergency vessels.”

Three weeks ago, Mr Jeffery said he could not see fish in the creek. He said dolphins stopped visiting seven months ago. Giant sting rays, sharks and water birds had also disappeared.

“The creek is like a graveyard now. It’s tragic,” he said.

Mr Jeffery said the area’s natural assets had been protected by The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International Importance since 1993.

“The area also falls under migratory bird agreements with China and Japan, and is part of the Moreton Bay Marine Park,” he said.

“The lake is a protected fish habitat zone under the Queensland Fisheries Act, and a protected

marine conservation and habitat zone under the Moreton Bay Marine Park zoning plan.”

Locals say dolphins, giant sting rays, sharks and water birds have disappeared from the area since the arrival of the sediment. Picture Glenn Hampson

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Mr Jeffery and other residents were concerned that the severe silting and sandbars were blocking or restricting tidal flow and flushing to the breeding sanctuary and wetlands.

“Fish and crab numbers have dropped to an alarming level and a mud crab caught by a neighbour recently was too ill to walk. Another resident said a crab he had caught tasted so bad that he couldn’t eat it.”

Residents are also worried that the creek entrance had narrowed to only three metres opposite the Myola Reserve, forcing the creek to carve a new channel through the creekside reserves along The Esplanade.

Steve Jeffery is concerned that the severe silting and sandbars are blocking or restricting tidal flow. Picture: Glenn Hampson.

Former Gold Coast area councillor Grant Pforr said he had been an advocate of the wetlands for many years and was concerned about what seemed to be a relaxation of standard development conditions to protect the world-heritage Ramsar site.

“If something is not done soon, it may be too late,” he warned.

“The effect on our fish nursery, a large variety of migratory birds, local marine life and our local fishing community should be a concern for all Gold Coasters, as well as the state and international migratory sites from where birdlife stops over.

“Depending on the outcomes of the DES reports, we’re considering a number of large protest rallies on water and on land.”

The Department of Environment and Science (DES) is investigating the cause of the sediment.

“Last week, DES inspected the site with officials from DAF and officers from the City of Gold Coast,” a spokesman said.

“The cause of the sediment is unknown.

“DES will study historical aerial photos, and work with DAF and City of Gold Coast engineers to determine relevant coastal processes.”