Cairns Regional Council is committed to ensuring that water run-off from river catchments in the region does not negatively impact the Great Barrier Reef lagoon.
With funding support from the Australian Government’s Smart Cities and Suburbs program we are leading the Smart Catchments:Saltwater Creek pilot study in partnership with James Cook University, the Wet Tropics Healthy Waterways Partnership and Itron Australasia.
Pilot study objectives
This study will test new technology that will deliver water quality data in real-time and in-turn inform better water management processes. By sharing this data through a publicly accessible online platform – scheduled for testing from March 2019 – Cairns residents will be encouraged to care for their local catchment and identify how they can avoid and reduce pollutants that are entering our waterways; and take actions to encourage and support sustainable, healthy water in our region.
We invite you to follow the progress of the Smart Catchments project.
Reducing urban environmental impacts on the Great Barrier Reef
Saltwater Creek - A smart catchment
Saltwater Creek flows through Whitfield, Edge Hill, Manoora, Aeroglen and Cairns North before discharging to the Great Barrier Reef lagoon. Read more
Live data – Saltwater Creek
Smart sensors in Saltwater Creek are connected to the gauging station and deliver data in 15 minute intervals. You can access the data here. Read more
Educational tools
Fun online learning tools to encourage individuals and schools to access and understand the live data from the gauging station. Read more
Project goals and progress
The Smart Catchments pilot study aims to make publicly available water quality data in Saltwater Creek by June 2019. Follow our progress. Read more
Water quality - how you can help
We can all help reduce the amount of rubbish and pollution that is carried into our drains and protect the Great Barrier Reef. Read more
Our smart technology
Data from a network of sensors and cameras connected to a monitoring station will allow any environmental concerns to be responded to promptly. Read more
Meet the Team
To deliver the pilot study Cairns Regional Council is working with James Cook University, the Wet Tropics Healthy Waterways Partnership and Itron. Read more
Got a question for the team?
We invite your questions and stories in relation to Saltwater Creek and other catchments in the Cairns region. Read more
