The Minister for Primary Industries, Fisheries and Rural and Regional Queensland,,The Honourable Tim Mulherin and the Minister for Climate Change and Sustainability,The Honourable Kate Jones have jointly released latest test results for Southern Moreton Bay
The first round of test results for southern Moreton Bay has delivered positive news for the environmental health of the area.
Climate Change and Sustainability Minister Kate Jones said sampling conducted by the Department of Environment and Resource Management (DERM) in southern sections of the bay shows the flood waters have not affected the key parameters of turbidity and salinity, key elements for a healthy ecosystem.
"This is particularly welcome news given the significant areas of quality seagrass in this part of the bay," Ms Jones said.
"The test results in regards to turbidity and salinity have shown the impact on the seagrass beds in the southern part of the bay isn't likely to be as significant as first feared.
"The area should continue to provide a healthy environment for seagrasses to grow, providing important feeding grounds and habitat for local populations of turtles and dugongs and other marine creatures.
"This means, even though seagrass beds in the northern part of the bay have been affected, the animals should be able to find alternative food sources in the southern areas."
Ms Jones said water quality testing undertaken by the department last week in the Albert, Pimpana, Coomera River and Southern Broadwater estuaries that feed into Moreton Bay and the Broadwater have returned stable results, similar to those taken during the month of January in recent years.

"Environmental testing continues across Moreton Bay, to assess the long term impacts of the floods on this unique marine environment," she said.
"We will continue monitoring impacts on seagrasses and the animals that live and feed there over the coming months as sediment settles on the seabed and the underwater environment adapts."
Chief Health Officer Jeanette Young said Queensland Health had also had the samples from southern parts of Moreton Bay tested for enterococci, an indicator of sewage contamination.
"Samples taken at four sites in Southern Moreton Bay and the Broadwater have been tested for enterococci and all samples showed levels were within accepted health guidelines or unable to even be detected.
"These results were confirmed by Gold Coast City Council testing at 23 locations along their beaches and in other recreational waters.
"The Council has been monitoring water quality at their beaches since 2003, as required under the Public Health Act, and they advise the latest results are consistent with their regular testing.
"Together these results confirm what we expected in this area - that the water quality does not pose a risk to people on Gold Coast beaches or in the estuaries feeding into the southern part of Moreton Bay.
"However, people should continue to heed the advice of their local authorities when it comes to beach safety, and any closures that are put in place by the local council."
Dr Young said enterococci results for Brisbane River had also been received, confirming levels of concern.
"As we expected, tests from the Brisbane River returned higher than acceptable levels of enterococci and our warning remains that people should avoid contact with this waterway and other waterways affected by flood water or sewage contamination connected to the river system."
Minister for Primary Industries, Fisheries and Rural and Regional Queensland Tim Mulherin said that in Moreton Bay, where the sediment-filled flood plume was still dissipating, commercial fishers were continuing their voluntary stoppage on fishing in the worst-affected area for another week to ensure the quality of their product.
"Despite this, Queenslanders are being urged not to turn their backs on the state's fishing industry after reports of a decline in seafood purchases following recent floods," Mr Mulherin said.
"Quality Queensland seafood products are still readily available, with the seafood currently on the market being caught outside of the affected areas.
"While the first round of water quality testing shows the bay has so far avoided any major sewerage contamination, Government and industry have agreed to be cautious and continue the voluntary stoppage.
"Further testing is being expedited by Government so the all clear can be given to commercial and recreational fishers for Moreton Bay.
"We are keen to get both commercial and recreational fishing sectors back up to full capacity as soon as possible."