Image
Camera IconImage Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Volunteer groups to be called on to enhance Swan and Canning river foreshores

Bryce LuffMelville Gazette

VOLUNTEER community groups will be called on to enhance the Swan and Canning river foreshores.

The Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions is currently sounding out interest in projects including foreshore restoration and native fish and waterbird conservation.

Small and large restoration projects will be delivered over three years by community volunteers, with $300,000 to be allocated annually from 2018-19 to 2020-21under the State Government’s Community Rivercare Program.

PerthNow Digital Edition.
Your local paper, whenever you want it.

Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE

Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.

READ NOW

Swan Estuary Reserves Action Group (SERAG) secretary Catherine O’Neill said the money would support the health of the Swan Canning Riverpark, an internationally significant area treasured by Perth people.

She said SERAG would be interested in applying for funding for foreshore re-vegetation and weed control projects

“The river lends grace and beauty to (Perth) and is central to our way of life,” she said.

“It needs to be carefully managed and protected.”

Bicton Environmental Action Group president Peter Neesham said the group had done a lot for the local foreshore and “would certainly be interested in any funding opportunities to further that work”.

City of Melville chief executive Shane Silcox said any funding for protection of the Swan and Canning rivers would help address threats including habitat loss, pollution, climate change and vandalism.

“The City of Melville is fortunate to have a number of very active groups along the river who are already doing great work,” he said.

“Access to these funds will help them continue to achieve great outcomes.

“The City foresees that any funding received by Melville friends groups would be used for their foreshore restoration projects that incorporate small scale erosion and weed control and revegetation measures.

“These are areas where our Friends groups have been able to make a real difference over the years and we thank them for their significant efforts.”

MORE: Perth Makers Market a chance to check out handmade goods

MORE: Wilson man arrested following house fire

MORE: Police investigating out of control Hamilton Hill party