A French researcher visiting CQU is developing a model and collecting data to indicate the amount of environmental flow required to prevent Byfield's Waterpark Creek changing from a freshwater, rainforest-bounded community into an estaurine, mangrove-bounded community.

Thomas Aubron (pictured) from Esitpa Ecole d'ingenieurs Agriculture in France is based at CQU Rockhampton as an intern student for six months (from late February to late August).

He is conducting research into water quality in relation to the volume of environmental flow required in Waterpark Creek, under the supervision of Associate Professor Kerry Walsh and Associate Professor Jurek Piorewicz.

The Capricorn Coast population has been using up to 100% of water flow in Waterpark Creek, so the waterholes downstream of the pump station (just above the road crossing) have been becoming saltier.

The photo is of a high-tide event in early February, pushing salt water upstream into a freshwater hole during a period of 100% water extraction further upstream.

Thomas' project is in conjunction with the Livingstone Shire Council.

At the end of his stay he will present a report to the council and will present his findings during a CQU Plant Sciences Group seminar.

For more information, please contact Kerry Walsh 4930 9707 or Thomas Aubron 4930 9606.