Editorial by Wayne Cameron

Pollution of waterways in Brisbane's industrial areas is widespread, judging by two recent events on the one coastal wetland site at Hemmant (see News > Press Releases/Articles for more on this).

When there is evidence of E. Coli, faecal coliforms, high bacterial counts and volatile chemicals, you would expect some action by the investigative authorities.

Our site at Hemmant is being rehabilitated and revegetated, but shows the signs of continued contamination and dumping of liquid wastes. It is directly connected to the Lindum Wetlands, a "protected" conservation area.

Coastal vegetation and ecosystems are not to be written off if they are in industrial areas. They are needed to filter pollution and function as habitat for aquatic species and perform the vital service of carbon capture.

Mangroves, sea grass and salt marsh areas take up 15 times more carbon than forests and are a vital part of our future in addressing climate change and natural ecosystem services.

The Bulimba Creek Oxbow Wetlands was almost 'written off' in 2000 because it was in such a degraded state with multiple infrastructure easements dissecting it. It was in the too hard basket then, but in 2011 it is a recovered system of ecosystems harbouring 32 species of juvenile fish and prawns - a genuine fish nursery!

It is important we recognise that industrial areas do not have to be environmental wastelands. They perform vital ecosystem services and habitat, and protect our coastal assets. We now need cooperation between industry and Governments to maximise the potential of these sometimes small but valuable areas.

Stop pollution and indifference - start recovery!