Following recent major flood events in south
east Queensland, significant channel erosion has resulted in significant economic
and environmental impacts. Damage to public and private infrastructure,
increased costs associated with water treatment, loss of water storage capacity
and impacts on fisheries and port operations in Moreton Bay have had major
economic implications. Furthermore the huge sediment loads that entered Moreton
Bay have had major implications for the Ramsar listed marine ecosystem. Given
the majority of streams in south east Queensland are in a degraded condition,
prioritising waterway rehabilitation works for erosion reduction given budget
constraints can be a daunting task. We present a method that uses
geospatial analysis and an understanding of historical and contemporary
processes to prioritise areas for waterway management. Using this method areas
can be targeted for investment based on where the greatest sediment reductions
can be achieved for the least cost. The method is demonstrated on
the North Pine River in south east Queensland