City of Gold Coast has partnered with City of Logan to decommission the Luscombe Weir with work expected to commence in April this year.
Luscombe Weir located in the Albert River will be removed to allow for the waterway to be returned to its natural state.
“The removal of the Luscombe Weir is an important environmental project which will provide positive outcomes for the waterway’s ecosystem,” said Gold Coast Councillor Mark Hammel.
“The weir alters the Albert River system significantly resulting in restricted natural flow, changes in water quality, worsening ecosystem conditions, inhibited migration of fish species and changes to downstream water flows.
“Restoring the Albert River will improve the condition of the waterway, expand community recreation opportunities and provide a valued resource for future generations,” Cr Hammel added.
Luscombe Weir was built in 1951 as a water supply for the Beenleigh township, however it has been redundant since ceasing operation in the mid-1960s.
The removal will reconnect the upper and lower reaches of the Albert River providing substantial improvements to water quality and native fish populations benefiting the local environment, community, and economy.
City of Logan Mayor Darren Power said the works would be an important step towards restoring the Albert River’s natural condition.
“This vital project aligns with Logan City Council’s Albert River Vision, which sets out our long term goals and strategies to improve the health of this important local waterway over time,” Mayor Power said.
“It also builds on our existing efforts to improve the health of the Albert River, which was found to have significantly improved estuarine water quality in last year’s Healthy Land & Water Report Card.
“Most importantly, this project will benefit the native aquatic life that calls the Albert River home, as well as enhancing the social and recreational benefits a healthy river system brings to our community.”
The City of Gold Coast has been monitoring platypus downstream of the weir for several years in partnership with PlatypusWatch. A species management plan will be submitted to the State Government for approval prior to works commencing.
Aquatic fauna specialists will monitor platypus activity throughout the removal of the weir and monitoring will continue once the project is complete to ensure they continue to thrive.
The Albert River is used by the community for recreation, particularly kayaking and fishing, as well as general nature-based activities including picnics and exploring.
Modelling shows removal of the weir will not affect the flood risk levels to the surrounding area.
