Following recent major flood events in south east Queensland,  significant channel erosion has resulted in significant  economic and environmental impacts. Damage to public and private infrastructure, increased costs associated with water treatment, loss of water storage capacity and impacts on fisheries and port operations in Moreton Bay have had major economic implications. Furthermore the huge sediment loads that entered Moreton Bay have had major implications for the Ramsar listed marine ecosystem. Given the majority of streams in south east Queensland are in a degraded condition, prioritising waterway rehabilitation works for erosion reduction given budget constraints can be a daunting task.  We present a method that uses geospatial analysis and an understanding of historical and contemporary processes to prioritise areas for waterway management. Using this method areas can be targeted for investment based on where the greatest sediment reductions can be achieved for the least cost.   The method is demonstrated on the North Pine River in south east Queensland