Canning Swan river: More than $600,000 in community river care grants to fund huge restoration projects
Major restoration work will soon begin at Canning River Regional Park after environmental group Gosnells received State Government funding to progress the project.
The Southeast Regional Urban Land Care Center (SERCUL) was one of 14 community groups approved to receive community river care funding. The $93,655 grant was one of the largest grants allocated in the last round of funding.
The community river care program aims to improve the health of the Swan Canning catchment and protect local waterways for future generations.
SERCUL community landcare officer Abbie Tucknott will lead the Canning River Regional Park project, which aims to improve water quality and habitat in the river over the next three years.
“The main aim of this project is to control invasive weeds to improve the habitat and water quality of the Canning River, as well as promote the natural regeneration of native plants,” Ms Tucknott said.
“This new project is divided into five project sites, all located within the regional park. These sites include clay loam, salt marsh, wetland and riparian zones, each with their own unique ecosystems and challenges navigating the restoration process.
“By combining these areas into one project we are helping to provide greater connectivity and connect the mosaic of degraded areas along the Canning River.”
Ms Tucknott said the project would support Canning River Regional Park volunteers who care for the area.
“The majority of the funds will be used to control the most prolific and significant weeds causing damage in these areas,” he said.
“Funds will also be spent on infill planting of degraded areas to provide more habitat, connectivity and feeding grounds for wildlife.”
The State Government has distributed more than $655,000 to 14 community groups, allowing them to fund a range of projects to restore and revegetate riverbanks and wetlands.
Environment Minister Matthew Swinbourn said the programme, now in its ninth year, supported the local knowledge and experience base of volunteer groups.
“Every project funded through the community river care program contributes to a healthier, more resilient Swan Canning catchment for current and future generations,” he said.
“I look forward to seeing the positive environmental outcomes their projects will deliver.”
The Swan Estuary Reserves Action Group has received more than $80,000 to restore and protect the Alfred Cove grade A nature reserve and foreshore.
Friends of Maylands Shamphires and Bibbul Ngarma Aboriginal Association have also received significant funding for their own projects.
