Brisbane river tributary affected

Health authorities warn public to avoid river 

SEWAGE contamination has emerged in another Brisbane River tributary, sparking a warning to people to keep clear of the city's waterways as well as the ocean bay.

Elevated levels of eterococci bacteria -- evidence of fecal contamination -- has been found in Cabbage Tree Creek near Sandgate.

Eterococci levels up to 250 times higher than normal were detected in Oxley Creek in the city's west after a nearby sewage treatment plant was damaged in the disastrous flooding of January 12-13.

Health authorities confirmed testing of Cabbage Tree Creek, which cuts through northside suburbs, had identified elevated levels of the noxious bacteria.

Queensland Health has issued a general warning to avoid contact with water in all rivers and creeks in Brisbane, as well as in Moreton Bay. In particular, people are being told to stay out of Cabbage Tree Creek and the water at Shorncliffe and Nudgee Beach.

Enterococci has been detected in the bay, but levels were low. This suggests sewage contamination of the city waterways was well diluted where the Brisbane River and its tributaries meet the sea, the state government says.

Chief health officer Jeannette Young said the enterococci levels in Cabbage Tree Creek were not as high as those of Oxley Creek, but were still concerning.

Fisheries Minister Tim Mulherin urged anglers to be cautious about taking catches from flood-affected areas.