Warrina Lakes Wetland Expansion

Projects /

Natural Resources

Detailed design for a constructed treatment wetland

Project Owner

Cassowary Coast Regional Council

Location

Innisfail

Completed

2025

Civil IQ delivered the detailed design for the Warrina Lakes Wetland Expansion in Innisfail, developing a constructed wetland that enhances water quality while integrating hydraulic performance, environmental outcomes and cultural significance. The project formed part of the Reef Guardian Council Action Plan and involved close collaboration with Traditional Owners and a broad range of regional stakeholders.

Project Overview

Civil IQ was engaged by Cassowary Coast Regional Council to prepare the detailed design for the Warrina Lakes Wetland Expansion. Developed as part of the Reef Guardian Council Action Plan, the project required extensive collaboration with Traditional Owner groups, River Trust, Landcare and Catchment Management Authorities to create a wetland that delivered environmental, hydraulic and cultural outcomes.

The design addressed complex site constraints including acid sulfate soils, groundwater conditions, existing services and vegetation, while incorporating Water Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD) principles and detailed hydraulic design. A defining feature of the project was the incorporation of the culturally significant Juban Eel into the wetland layout, creating infrastructure that is both functional and reflective of the region's cultural heritage.

Challenges

$
Managing acid sulfate soils and groundwater during design.
$
Working within existing service and vegetation constraints.
$
Selecting wetland species suited to seasonal water levels and ongoing maintenance.
$
Integrating the culturally significant Juban Eel form while maintaining hydraulic functionality and constructability.

Outcomes

$
Delivered a wetland footprint that minimised impacts on existing environmental constraints and underground services.
$
Successfully collaborated with Council and 48 project stakeholders to achieve project approval.
$
Completed early investigations into geotechnical, groundwater and acid sulfate soil constraints to inform design.

Scope

$
Geotechnical investigations and assessments
$
Acid Sulfate Soil Management Plan (ASSMP)
$
Detailed design
$
Hydrology and hydraulic modelling
$
Water Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD)
$
Bill of quantities

Back to Projects

Concept plan for the proposed Juban Wetland. The wetland layout incorporates the form of the culturally significant Juban Eel, integrating engineering design with local cultural values.