A growing number of residents across the 4017 are complaining about a stinky problem.
Every time it rains – which this year has been a lot – homes and yards have been inundated with overflowing drains and raw sewage.
Concerned resident Adam Bowden started a Facebook group late last year – Stop Raw Sewage into Brisbane Creeks and Rivers – and has been overwhelmed by the number of members.
“Me and my two boys are avid fishermen, and we’d like to be able to eat our catch,” Adam said.
“But the water quality is a problem, and my boys said, ‘Dad, someone should do something about it’.
“Now with the Facebook group, we have a platform and we’re acting, we’re not just angry.”
Urban Utilities own and manage the sewerage system, while Brisbane City Council is responsible for the stormwater system.
When those two systems collide, particularly during big rain events, Adam says it’s a “grey area” as to who is responsible.
“We’ve had both parties say, ‘It’s not our fault’,” he said.
“With climate change and increased rain and warmer temperatures, we’re going to be seeing more of this. Those conditions all combine increasing bacteria and algal blooms.
“Plus, seeing what comes up in people’s yards (during rain events). People send me photos and it’s just yuck.”
Calls for Action as Community Pushes for Cleaner Waterways and Better Infrastructure
Deagon Ward Councillor, Jared Cassidy, said he was aware of the ongoing issues and he also had his concerns.
“On a normal day, the treated water that goes into Cabbage Tree Creek is crystal clear,” he said.
“However, that changes during a heavy rain event.
“I’m not here to defend Urban Utilities, but if during big rain events they did not discharge raw sewage into the creek, all of our bathrooms would be flooded – we’d have 20,000 homes with sewage coming up through the bathtubs, the sinks, everything.”
Cr Cassidy added he had been advocating for an upgrade to the drainage issues across the ward for some time.
“I am on the record as saying the response from the administration, at the decision-making level of Council, has not been enough,” he said.
“There’s a long list of small issues and problems that could be fixed but have not been funded and we haven’t had a significant drainage project done in at least two to three years.
“Council’s maintenance budget has been expended, and that’s before the end of the financial year. So whatever Council is spending, it’s nowhere near enough.”
Adam said he was keen to see changes at a legislative level about the amount of sewage allowed into waterways, as well as infrastructure upgrades.
“We have the Olympics coming and we need to see some changes,” he said.
“I’m pleased to see the community coming on board with the Facebook group and offering help. The more there are of us, the better the chance of making a difference.”
To join the group, search Facebook for: Stop Raw Sewage into Brisbane Creeks and Rivers.
You can also check how often our waterways have been tested by Brisbane City Council, and the results, online.
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