RRSEQ Director, Dr Jo Burton with cod hotel

Credit – Annabel Osborne Photography

• 200+ new cod hotels across SEQ waterways supporting native fish populations, including the critically endangered Mary River cod
• New mural unveiled for Somerset allowing locals and visitors a glimpse into the region’s unique native aquatic species
• Delivered through Resilient Rivers SEQ’s $40 million waterway rehabilitation program

More than 200 purpose-built ‘cod hotels’ will create new homes for native fish across South East Queensland’s waterways as part of a major effort to restore critical habitat and improve the health of waterways across the region. 

‘Cod hotels’ are underwater structures made from recycled hollow logs and natural timber materials, designed to mimic the sheltered environments native fish rely on for breeding, feeding and protection.

The first cod hotels are now being installed in the Mid and Upper Brisbane River in the Somerset region, supporting aquatic species including Mary River cod and freshwater turtles. Submerged beneath riverbanks and rock shelves, the structures will create refuge areas and improve habitat conditions within local waterways.

Additional habitat structures will also be installed alongside the cod hotels. These structures are areas of logs, root balls and woody debris along the riverbank designed to provide habitat in addition to helping stabilise the bank and improve connectivity along the waterway.

Fish projects are also underway across the region, including a new $1.1 million fishway at Gould Adams Park, a fish barrier prioritisation study in the Scenic Rim, remediation works in Hilliards Creek to improve fish passage and aquatic habitat and the release of tens of thousands of native cod fingerlings into the Bremer River in Ipswich.

They complement a landmark investment in the region’s first $1.2 million eDNA monitoring program for native species including platypus, rakali, freshwater turtles, lungfish, frogs, and endangered Mary River cod to support future conservation efforts.

Together, these projects are restoring aquatic habitat, supporting native fish populations and improving water quality by reducing sediment and nutrients entering local waterways. They will also help communities better manage waterways across the region into the future.

The Somerset Fish Habitat Revitalisation project is part of the $40 million Resilient Rivers SEQ commitment with $10 million each from the Australian Government, Queensland Government, Council of Mayors (SEQ) and Seqwater.

Resilient Rivers SEQ is one of 29 commitments being delivered through the SEQ City Deal, a partnership between the Australian Government, Queensland Government and Council of Mayors (SEQ), aiming to improve the accessibility, prosperity and liveability of the region.

The investment will help prevent more than 16,000 tonnes of sediment entering waterways each year, restore more than 115 hectares of habitat and support vulnerable species including platypus and the endangered Australian lungfish.

The project will also provide insights into the region’s unique waterways and native aquatic species for Somerset’s residents and visitors, transforming a disused water tank into a vibrant mural. Brisbane artist Jordan Bruce from The Brightsiders delivered the mural at Twin Bridges Reserve in Fernvale, highlighting the importance of protecting threatened species.

For more information go to resilientrivers.com.au

L – R: Somerset Regional Council Mayor, Jason Wendt; Resilient Rivers SEQ Director, Dr Jo Burton; Mural Artist Jordan Bruce, Garry Fitzgerald from Wivenhoe Fish Stocking Association and Federal Member for Blair The Hon. Shayne Neumnann MP unveil new underwater mural. 

Credit – Annabel Osborne Photography

Somerset Regional Council Mayor Jason Wendt:

“Our waterways are a huge part of Somerset’s identity and lifestyle, and projects like this help protect them for future generations. These cod hotels will help bring life back into local waterways while improving habitat for some of our region’s most vulnerable native species.

“The new public artwork offers a glimpse beneath the surface of our rivers and creeks, encouraging the community and visitors to connect with the incredible wildlife that calls our waterways home.”

Minister for the Environment and Tourism, Acting Minister for Sport and Racing and Acting Minister for the Olympic and Paralympic Games Andrew Powell:

The Crisafulli Government is backing localised projects like these to restore fish habitat right across the state. The overall investment and full suite of projects will stop more than six Olympic swimming pools’ worth of sediment flowing into South East Queensland waterways each year. Cleaner waterways means healthier environments for some of our most threatened species. That’s why we’re backing Resilient Rivers SEQ to deliver this critical work ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.” 

Federal Member for Blair Shayne Neumann:

“I’m proud that the Albanese Government is supporting this vital project in the Somerset Region in my electorate to boost habitat for native fish like the Mary River cod and other native species in the Brisbane River and across South East Queensland’s waterways. This is great news for our region and this investment through Resilient Rivers SEQ will help protect threatened species, and restore the health of our waterways, ensuring our children and grandchildren can continue to enjoy this beautiful part of our local community for generations to come.” 

Jordan Bruce from The Brightsiders: 

“This vibrant artwork celebrates the beauty and importance of the species that call these waterways home. It’s about creating a stronger connection between the community and the environment and encouraging people to value and protect these ecosystems.”

Somerset Wivenhoe Fish Stocking Association President, Garry Fitzgerald:

“Our waterways rely on habitat restoration and fish restocking to support healthy native fish populations. These cod hotels provide vital breeding sites and shelter that will help native fish species thrive into the future.”

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