New master plan for Swan and Canning rivers

Perth's much-loved Swan and Canning rivers will remain vibrant and accessible for all West Australians, according to a new State Government strategy released today (October 20).

Environment Minister Albert Jacob said the Swan Canning River Protection Strategy provided a master plan to guide investment, keep the rivers healthy and ensure they were accessible for the community to enjoy in the long term.

"For the first time, we have a whole-of-Government strategy that sets out a shared vision on what needs to be done to make sure our rivers are better protected while meeting the demands of a growing city," Mr Jacob said.

"This strategy will better co-ordinate work between the government agencies involved in managing the rivers with the aim of improving benefits to the community and ensuring the rivers continue to be attractive and desirable places.

"This improved integration between agencies will lead to more efficient use of the State Government's substantial investment in the management of our rivers with better outcomes for river health and community use and enjoyment."

The Minister said the Government had already implemented some priority projects outlined in the strategy, including reducing excess nutrients, improving oxygen levels in the rivers and supporting riverbank restoration to enhance natural and cultural values.

The State Government has developed nutrient stripping wetlands at Ellen Brook and in Bayswater and has upgraded river oxygenation systems in the Canning River.

The unacceptably high nutrient flow into the Swan and Canning rivers, the nitrogen and phosphorous levels, are as a result of agricultural fertiliser use in the catchment that environmentalists say should be banned.

Meantime, more than $16 million has been allocated to the Department of Parks and Wildlife in 2015-16 for the management of the Swan and Canning rivers.

"A key priority is encouraging greater community awareness and collaboration with about $2 million provided this financial year for priority Riverbank projects," Mr Jacob said.

Implementation of the Swan Canning River Protection Strategy is led by an interagency working group co-ordinated by the Department of Parks and Wildlife.

 Fact File
>> The strategy has been developed in partnership with 21 local government authorities, State Government agencies, NRM groups and extensive community consultation
>> The Swan Canning River Protection Strategy is required by the Swan and Canning Rivers Management Act 2006 and follows the release of a draft strategy for public comment in 2011

The river protection strategy is available at at this website.