Strand vegetation occurs on the foredunes of the region's ocean beaches. The main plants are goats' foot convolvulus and spinifex, with a localised variety of succulent plants. Urban development has displaced much of the strand vegetation of the mainland beaches. Around the sheltered islands of Moreton Bay and in the lower reaches of the streams which discharge into it, mangroves are found up to the tidal limits. The tidla and muddy flats and banks are conducive to the growth of mangroves.
Mangroves are breeding grounds for marine life, especially prawns and crabs.
Mangrove associations occur in the muddy area between the tidal limits. The undulating hills, adjoining plains and river flats support predominantly Eucalyptus open forests. The cane farming industry is centred east of the Pacific Highway around Beenleigh. Beef cattle grazing in the region supports an abattoir at Beenleigh. The region also contains a number of piggeries and poultry farms.