The goal of the Integrated Water Management Plan is to improve or maintain the health of our waterways while securing a sustainable water supply for residents and businesses.

The Intergrated Water Management Plan (IWMP) action plan guides Council’s response and approach to achieve the IWMP goal for key themes with actions for each:

• The Water for Environment theme considers stormwater, wastewater and water supply and demand to work towards healthy waterway ecosystems and environmental sustainability. This theme is about using water in a safe and sustainable way while maintaining water quality and quantity for the environment.
• The Water for Business theme considers the important role water and our natural waterways play in our regional economy. A healthy and sustainable water system is essential for our agriculture and food production industries, tourism and recreational opportunities on our rivers and coastline. This theme is about increasing water efficiency and aims to stimulate new knowledge and innovation industries, as well as potentially supporting advanced manufacturing industries.
• The Water for Community theme considers the role of water in the health and safety of people. Water sustains all life, but it can also threaten lives and property through floods and other extreme events. This theme is about creating healthy environments for our communities and ensuring the availability of water resources to meet our future needs.
• The Water for Culture theme acknowledges the Traditional Owners as the original custodians of Moreton Bay’s land and waters, their unique ability to care for Country and deep spiritual connection to it. This theme acknowledges various cultural beliefs around water and waterways and appreciates other perspectives and values present in the region.

Water for environment

• Our stakeholders are engaged and contribute towards the integration of water management practices
• Our waterways are stable and resilient to erosion and extreme events
• Our established and ongoing erosion and sediment control (ESC) practices mitigate risks to our waterways
• Our stormwater infrastructure enhances environmental values, healthy environments and delivers resilient communities.

Water for community

• Our stakeholders are engaged and contribute towards integrated water management practices
• Our response to recognised and understood risks of onsite sewage management systems (OSSMS) are preventing groundwater pollution
• The incentivised sustainable water use by communities
• Our ongoing commitment to best practice flood risk management maintains and increases flood resilience across City of Moreton Bay communities and delivers equitable and sustainable flood risk mitigation
• Stormwater harvesting and recycled water reuse is available for non-potable uses across City of Moreton Bay communities.

Water for business

• Our stakeholders are engaged and contribute towards IWM practices
• Our waterways are stable and resilient to erosion and extreme events
• Our rural best management practices demonstrate an improvement in land management and water quality through engaged rural communities
• Our recycled water schemes are delivered through, and in consultation with, Unitywater’s capital works for recycled water infrastructure
• City of Moreton Bay is the preferred location for businesses seeking water security through applied water efficiency practices.

Water for Culture

• Our stakeholders are engaged and contribute towards the integration of integrated water management practices.

Feedback received on the draft Environment and Sustainability Strategy and Moreton Says data was used to understand community sentiment and priorities around water management in the region.

Council has completed a number of background studies to understand the issues and opportunities in water management in our region.

A series of technical workshops were held with representatives from across Council and from other organisations with a role to play in water management in our region, including Seqwater and the Department of Environment and Science.