Protect Our Waters
Saving Springbrook & Tamborine Mountain
The 2026 Gold Coast Water Plan is up for review and will determine the future of our water for the next 20 years. Our team have drafted a 34 page document that we have submitted to the Queensland Government in response to the current 2026 Draft Water plan.​​ View our submission to the Queensland State Government on the direction of the 2026 Gold Coast Water Plan.​​​​​
​​​Our recommendations should be adopted as they will contribute to the protection of the
biodiversity and outstanding universal World Heritage values of the Springbrook and Tamborine Mountain regions, prevent over extraction of groundwater resources and recognise the rights, interests and expertise of First Nations People. The recommendations are also in alignment with the purposes of the Water Act 2000 (Qld) that governs water plans.
More context...
We are representing our concerned community members and have submitted a request to seek a modification to the Draft Water Plan (Gold Coast) 2026 (and the draft updated water management protocol and water entitlement notice), so that all our voices can be heard to ensure that the Gold Coast Water Plan ensures cultural and ecological sustainability and achieves intergenerational equity.
The Department of Local Government, Water and Volunteers has released the Draft Water Plan (Gold Coast) 2026 and are seeking community feedback by the 30th of November 2025. See https://www.business.qld.gov.au/industries/mining-energy-water/water/catchments-planning/water-plan-areas/gold-coast/review
Protect Our Waters sought an extension of the consultation period for the Draft Water Plan (Gold Coast) 2026. This extension was granted until December 31st 2025.
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Alongside GECKO Environmental Council, Protec Our Waters has since submitted a request to modify the draft water plan.
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It is our aim to contribute submissions to this large and long-term plan that are informed by evidence and multiple environmental and cultural knowledge holders, including formally recognised stakeholders of regional groups.
WHY?
50M
Plastic
Bottles
24k
People
say "NO"
2
"Protected"
Rainforests
1
Chance
SPRINGBROOK GROUNDWATER INVESTIGATION
(FINAL REPORT 2025)
The Springbrook Groundwater Investigation (SGI), was initiated in July 2021 to address major gaps in groundwater, surface water, and ecohydrology within one of Australia’s most biodiverse World Heritage landscapes. Over four years it has established monitoring networks, produced extensive hydrological and geochemical datasets, and developed a conceptual model of aquifers and their ecosystem connections.
PAST & UPCOMING EVENTS
SORRY THIS EVENT HAS SOLUD OUT
WATERS OF GONDWANA
SUNDAY, 5 MAY 2024
1PM - 3PM
Hinze Dam, Advancetown, QLD, AUSTRALIA
Join us for a special, one-off event to hear local stories of culture, care and ecology. Our guest speakers include traditional owners and artist, youth ambassadors, and folk with hands-on experience caring as Country. Get to know the stories of our water source from the mountains, along Nerang river to the sea. This is a FREE EVENT
SPRINGBROOK ENVIRONMENT FESTIVAL
SATURDAY, 8 JUNE 2024
10AM-2PM
Springbrook Community Hall, Springbrook, QLD, AUSTRALIA
Join us for an enriching day packed with environmental activities and exploration! Presented by Watergum and the City of Gold Coast. This event celebrates our precious natural resources, offering a blend of inspiration, education, and exciting discoveries. Tickets are now on sale and registration is definitely a must!
COMING SOON
Stay engaged and connected with our upcoming events and offerings. Our commitment to environmental stewardship and community engagement drives us to continually offer enriching experiences and opportunities.
By staying connected, you'll be part of a vibrant community dedicated to creating positive change for our planet and future generations.
INVITE US TO SPEAK
Our presentations blend Indigenous wisdom with cutting-edge science, offering transformative insights that inspire action and stewardship.
We aim to connect everyone to the rich tapestry of indigenous knowledge seamlessly woven with scientific understanding, illuminating the interconnectedness of all life and the urgent need to protect our precious water resources.
WHO?
Protect Our Waters is a volunteer group of community members that aim to protect our waters for future generations. We consist of Scientists, Indigenous Leaders, Environmental Activists, Botanists, Former National Park Rangers and concerned citizens.
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Our aim is to stop Gondwana waters from being extracted from Springbrook and Tamborine Mountain for industrialised bottled water.
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We recognise that we are all custodians of this land and aim to bring people into relationship with country to protect our waters above and below in our world heritage-listed biodiverse Gondwana landscapes
Advocating for a Water Plan to protect people and nature for the next generations
Be A Voice for Nature
Water is foundational to healthy ecosystems and their services that in turn support our healthy society, economy, cultures, and way of life.
But how is our water managed? The Gold Coast Water Plan was developed almost twenty years ago and is currently under review.
Key areas of this State legislation need improving to govern more sustainable management of water both for a growing Gold Coast population and to support a healthy environment.