Nerang River Catchment
Source ProtectionThe Nerang River is the largest and most significant river system on the Gold Coast, covering a catchment area of 493.3 square kilometers and a waterway network of 928 kilometers.
However, the catchment waterways are impacted by agricultural activity, earthworks, landslips, and natural disasters.
The Source Protection project protects and improves the water quality along the length of the Nerang River by focusing on improving land management in the upper reaches, at the source.

Protecting the upper reaches of the Nerang River is crucial, as this area remains less impacted by urbanization and supports vital natural habitats. Its’ diverse tributaries, including Mudgeeraba Creek, Bonogin Creek, and Little Nerang Creek, support rich biodiversity and are essential for ecological health. Springbrook National Park, a key area within the catchment, provides a significant portion of the river’s water supply and is part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area. The pristine condition of the upper river helps maintain water quality and ecological balance, providing a sanctuary for wildlife and preserving the natural beauty of the Gold Coast.
The lower Nerang River, which flows into The Broadwater, is heavily modified with urban residential areas and recreational spaces like golf courses. Conservation efforts in the upper reaches are essential to counterbalance the modifications in the lower river, ensuring the overall health and sustainability of the entire river system.
The project, run in partnership between Watergum and Seqwater, focuses on collaboration with landholders in the Numinbah Valley. By educating and engaging landholders in best practice land management, we are minimising the flow of sediments, nutrients and pathogens into the river system. This improves and maintain water quality. The Source Protection project includes active restoration works, as we work with private landholders to control invasive flora, primarily Madeira Vine, fence off critical riparian zones, undertake earthworks stabilisation and re-vegetation of native flora.
This project recieves funding and support from
