Environment a focus for Waterfront PDA planning
Date published: 22 June 2016
Plans for The Waterfront Priority Development Area are progressing with council this week looking at sustainable ways to improve visibility along Ross Creek.
A pilot program to modify the existing mangroves while maintaining biodiversity will begin in the coming days in the vicinity of Hanran Park adjacent to Lowths Bridge over a 40m section.
Planning and Development Committee chair Cr Les Walker said through the Marine Plant Management Strategy council was looking at ways to retain the mangrove trees to preserve their ecological value and the protective function they provide in reducing erosion.
“Managing mangroves and development in urban areas can be sensitive, however council’s Integrated Sustainability Services’ natural area restoration experts are expanding their skills base to include marine plant modification such as canopy lifting and hedging in order to assist with creating a sustainable Townsville Waterfront PDA.
“We are working in consultation with the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries to investigate international best practice for the mangrove trimming.
“We are also working with JCU on ecological green engineering guidelines to help maintain biodiversity.
“Marine plant areas of very high environmental significance identified within the Waterfront PDA will be retained wherever possible with interpretive boardwalks installed in these areas.”
The work will:
* Retain the root system
* Improve visibility in the area
* Retain the environmental values of the mangroves, marine plants and marine life
* Develop techniques to use in the future of the Waterfront PDA
