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The 'Creek Doctor' diagnosis
In June 2020, Peter McAdam AKA the 'Creek Doctor' took a trip to consult on water flow issues endemic to south west Queensland.
Landholders in the south west region experience unique challenges around maintaining hydration in their landscapes because of the velocity in which water runs off the land as a result of historical landscape change - where it used to take two days for rainfall to move over the land, it now takes just two hours.
To help landholders in the south west region better understand what they can do to improve the conditions for water on their properties, SQ Landscapes engaged Peter McAdam AKA 'The Creek Doctor' to travel and consult at sites around Eulo, Hungerford, Quilpie and Charleville with the aim of improving landscape hydration and in-stream flows.
Peter is an environmental consultant specialising in fluvial geomorphology , a niche skill set which sees him prepare detailed environmental management plans, compliance activities for new and expanding developments, environmental awareness training and facilitating environmental workshops.
A small group of landholders whose properties fall within the priority areas under SQ Landscapes’ Regional Land Partnerships and Natural Resource Investment Programs gathered in each locality to hear from and discuss with Peter what opportunities they could explore to cost effectively slow the flow of water, how stream systems work from top to bottom and the legalities around what activities can be considered.
He discussed a number of topics with attendees including the hydrological cycle, understanding stream structures, creeks and catchment basics, factors that affect stream competence and permits including legal and physical access.
Here are the top 3 things Peter says are important to consider when working with waterways after his visit to the south west:
1. Some of the creek systems are in good condition and some are badly damaged. Think about ways to look after the good ones, don't just blow your time and budget trying to do big experimental jobs on highly degraded systems. Learn on the small stuff.
2. The water moves downstream and the sediments move downstream, so the erosion is moving upstream. Think about it. You will learn more about your system walking upsteam, 'thinking as the streambed' than you will walking downstream 'thinking as the water'.
3. Many of the interventions to improve infiltration and slow velocities won't require a permit. They are common farming practices. You can try them now - learn from each other. Many others are doing good things. Some works within creeks should need a permit. You may still be able to do them, but with reasonable and relevant conditions. Turn it into a learning exercise not a 'battle with bureaucracy'.
Extra tip:
If you're serious about this type of work, borrow or share a laser level. Parts of the country (in the south west region) are so flat that you probably won't pick the contours accurately without one. They're not that dear to buy, and great for many jobs like roads and yard building.
Every stream system and property is different, but it's important to look at the movement of water beyond fence lines and how it interacts with landscapes on a broader level.
We are very grateful to have had Peter come out for an initial consultation in the south west, and look forward to potentially working with him again later in 2020.
You can find the Creek Doctor on Facebook
or contact him via email: peter@thecreekdoctor.com or phone: 0427 100 960
Peter McAdam - The Creek Doctor
Mick Beresford with Peter McAdam
Group inspect photos
Glenn Landsberg (SQL) with Trish McKenzie (AgForce SW)
Erosion example, Farnham Plains
Group listen in Quilpie
Erosion example in creek, Farnham Plains
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