Creek to Coral

Why Creek to Coral Matters

The Townsville region has several special features. We live on the edge of the Great Barrier Reef, and we have a dry tropics climate. Temperatures are high, rainfall is inconsistent, and droughts may be followed by floods.

All these factors impact our water supply and quality.

Creek to Coral is a Townsville City Council program. We manage and protect Townsville’s freshwater and coastal marine environment.

The Creek to Coral program recognises that the quality of our water infrastructure impacts the health of the region’s catchments, rivers and wetlands, all of which flow into the ocean and the Great Barrier Reef. We all need healthy waterways to support our lifestyles and the natural values of our region.

The Creek to Coral program focuses on Townsville’s water-related infrastructure, from stormwater to sewage, and rainfall to outfall. Creek to Coral supports the community to connect with and understand the water cycle and water-related issues of our region and we are innovating to create a water sensitive city for the future. This will be achieved through a partnership approach across all levels of government, community, and the sciences, business and industry sectors.

  • Community Partnerships

    Creek to Coral has developed strong partnerships with community groups and organisations involved in water monitoring and management.
  • Reef Guardian Councils

    We help protect, conserve and enhance the values of the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area and are proud to be a recognised Reef Guardian Council.
  • Sustainability Tours

    Townsville City Council offers free Eco-Catchment Education Tours to schools, TAFE, university groups, businesses and the community.
  • Water and the Dry Tropics

    As Townsville residents know, the wet season is not guaranteed so it is important to value our water and use it wisely.
  • Water Quality Improvement

    Townsville City Council participates in several initiatives related to water quality measurement and improvement.
  • Waterways and Wetlands

    Wetlands are natural filtration systems that safeguard coastal areas against storm surges and flooding.

Achieving Healthy Ecosystems

We can achieve and sustain healthy freshwater, estuarine and marine water ecosystems in the Coastal Dry Tropics by:

  • enhancing healthy ecosystems, embracing dramatic natural water cycles, and driving world-leading innovation in water security
  • promoting, encouraging and integrating total water cycle management actions across the business of Council
  • promoting and supporting the involvement of the community in the water cycle and integrated catchment management, through the community-based education and involvement program.