Drab drain set for a fab future

Published on 28 July 2025

A landmark project to convert a concrete drain into a captivating creek bed has started at a Loganlea park.

Logan City Council’s Sturdee Park channel naturalisation project will transform 380 metres of concrete drain into an environmentally friendly waterway.

The $1.95 million project – the first time drain naturalisation has happened in the City of Logan – has been funded through the Queensland Government’s South-East Queensland Community Stimulus Program.

The project was an initiative of City Lifestyle Chair and Division 6 Councillor Tony Hall.

Cr Hall said smart urban design could encourage more people to visit public spaces.

“This project is about swapping grey for green and making a popular park even better for our community,” Cr Hall said.

“Maintaining the natural flow of water through this area is important, but a stark concrete channel isn’t the only way to achieve that.

“This new design will fit in with the local landscape while also making this neighbourhood feel cooler, cleaner and more connected.”

“This is an exciting opportunity to bring nature back into the heart of our community,” Cr Hall said.

“The new design will support local wildlife and provide a relaxing and attractive space for the whole community to enjoy.”

Minister for Local Government and Water, Ann Leahy, said the Crisafulli Government was proud to support Logan City Council to deliver this green space upgrade.

“Our government is committed to working with Councils across the state to deliver the vital infrastructure they need to ensure their communities thrive - this project is a perfect example,” Minister Leahy said.

“As the South East continues to grow, improving public parks and cultivating greater liveability is key to a sustaining a thriving community, and I’m sure this is set to be a space residents will enjoy for years to come.”

The naturalised waterway will feature two ponds and new native plants along the water’s edge.

Strategically placed boulders, tree logs and vegetation will help control and prevent erosion.

Local lizards will enjoy a specially designed habitat and basking rocks, with many to be repurposed from the existing concrete structure, while litter will be managed through a gross pollutant trap.

There will also be a viewing deck and multiple seating areas for the community to enjoy the waterway.

Extensive flood modelling was undertaken as part of the planning process to ensure the new design would not increase local flood risk.

Works are expected to be complete later this year, weather permitting.

Image: Division 6 Councillor Tony Hall (left) with Mayor Jon Raven, inspect work at Sturdee Park.