Turning the Tide…
…in restoration of our Bremer River
Bremer River Forum
In order to arrest the failing health of the Bremer River, it is imperative that the sources of the problem are understood and that stakeholders have the opportunity to participate in the development of solutions. The Ipswich City Council, International Riverfoundation, International WaterCentre and International WaterForum hosted the Bremer River Forum on Thursday 15 April at the Metro Hotel Ipswich International.
Delegates representing natural resource practitioners and researchers, government, community and industry were in attendance.
Keynote Speaker
Mayor of Chattanooga - Ron Littlefield
In his second term of office, Mayor Ron Littlefield has provided strong and visionary leadership for the city of Chattanooga, USA. Urban renewal and infrastructure has been at the forefront of his work, creating a systainable city and growth for the long term.
Mayor Littlefield provided a keynote address at the Forum and spoke about how Chattanooga's investment into the environment attracted industry.
Solutions Statement
Overarching guiding principle
To improve the health of the Bremer River, act with audacity and with a vision that exceeds current expectations. In particular, act to animate, activate and integrate the river with its cities, lands and communities.
Actions
Recognising the extensive work and planning already undertaken, we strongly recommend the following actions:
- Agree on one plan for management of the Bremer River
- Incorporate Water Sensitive Urban Design in all new urban developments during construction and operation phases (with enforcement)
- Protect and conserve remaining high conservation value aquatic ecosystems and adjacent lands
- Improve vegetation within 25 m on both sides of 2000 km of streams throughout the catchment
- Remove significant point sources of pollution
- Boost participation, communication and capacity building within the broader community
- Integrate and connect the river with the city
- Undertake more detailed investigation of aeration possibilities for dissolved oxygen improvement
- Identify a greater range of funding sources (both willing private and public)
- Improve environmental flows
Presentations
Presentations of those speakers who have granted permission can be found in PDF format below:
Simon Warner - Land Use
Prof Jon Olley - Restoration Science
Tony McAllister - Aeration
A/Prof Tim Fletcher - WSUD
Jim Hunter - Financing Restoriation Costs
Dr Jackie Robinson - Seeking a Tripple Bottom Line for the Bremer
Sponsors
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