Lex Semple Park has received funding for an exciting project that will deliver a waterway naturalisation intervention to improve water quality, restore habitat, build local stewardship, and enhance urban green space for the benefit of native species and the community.

This area was identified by Council and the local community as a priority for intervention with a broader vision of connecting residents to the local ecosystem and its crucial connection to the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. The project aims to convert the existing drainage channel and swale into a more naturalised state.

Works will provide benefits to water quality, habitat condition, accessibility and amenity through:

• Re-establishment of a riparian zone using local native groundcover, shrub, midstory and canopy plants.
• Remediation of the base and banks of the existing channel.
• Enhancement of the woodland area through weed management and infill planting.
• Habitat augmentation structures and feed trees for native wildlife.
• Community activation elements including interpretive signage and smart nestboxes.

This project is funded by the Australian Government Urban Rivers and Catchments Program. The Program aims to restore the health of our urban waterways for native plants, animals, and local communities.

Want to get involved?

Community consultation was undertaken in early 2025, and work on the project is now underway. A community planting will be held to celebrate the end of works. Keep an eye this website for updates.