action primarily took place between Mt Crosby Weir and Milton with small operations between Milton and East Brisbane. The Port of Brisbane is now responsible for maintanance dredging of the lower reaches to maintain a deep channel for cargo vessels. The extensive dredging operations over the years has significantly deepened the river causing river bank instability. The banks of the river have serviced a foundation for city growth. The reaches of the river between Wivenhoe and Mt Crosby Weir are most aethetically pleasing with a rural atmosphere and green vegetation. Between Mt Crosby and Jindalee the river widens flowing through rural and rural residential areas, human interference is evident. From Jindalee to the Botanical Gardens human occupation and urban development is obvious has high rise building line the banks of St Lucia and Toowong. Strong urban development is particularly evident throught the city and south bank reach. As the the river continues towards Pinkenba industrial and commercial areas dominate. (fig1). From the Murarrie to the mouth the river bocomes a mangrove lined estuary dominated by commercial shipping activity. A distinct industrial character dominates the area with the huscle and bussle of a major port. The speed of the river is generally determined by season. The river exhibiting maximum flow in summer with its characteristic high rainfall levels, and minimum flow in Winter where rainfall is generally minimal. Due to the slow water flow accumulation of pollutants and general dterioration of waterquality can occur. However, the release of water from storage dams upstream can eliminate this accumulation. Somerset and Wivenhoe dams release set amounts of water to satify Brisbanes water needs. Wivenhoe allows for a more even flow of water throughout the year, improving the general water quality of the River. Wivenhoe is also used as a flood prevention mechanism to reduce water flow from the Range. Concentrated la...
