SEQ Catchments supports a community network of 340 volunteers to collect water quality data from over 750 sites across South East Queensland (SEQ), to assist with better management of the region’s waterways and groundwater. SEQ Catchments have experienced water monitoring staff that are dedicated to training and coordinating community groups in all facets of water quality monitoring and also offer free training towards the CertificateIII in Undertaking Sampling and Testing of Water, which helps ensure that good quality and robust data is collected. By the end of 2011, we expect to deliver this certificate to a total of 400 people, since the start of the program in 2005.

Community based water quality monitoring is an initiative to involve and empower communities in the sustainable use and management of catchments. The aim of the program is to increase community awareness and understanding of waterway issues and enhance communities’ contribution to natural resource management. This is achieved through community involvement in waterway monitoring and other water education activities.

Community waterway monitoring activities are currently underway in most regions of SEQ. Those involved include landholders, community groups, industry groups, indigenous groups and schools; working in partnership with local councils, water authorities, regional natural resource management bodies, government agencies and scientific research institutions.