The Federal Government is spending $10 million to clean up the Canning, Southern and Wungong rivers.
The project includes erosion control and sediment reduction, weed removal and planting native vegetation which will improve habitat and water quality for local native wildlife especially local native species like Quendas (Southern Brown Bandicoot) and the Slender Tree Frog.
The Federal Government said it will not only improve conditions along the rivers, but also boost community awareness of our native plants and animals.
This project will be delivered by the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions in partnership with a project steering group which comprises a number of local government organisations, South East Regional Centre for Urban Landcare (SERCUL), Armadale Gosnells Landcare Group (AGLG), and local traditional owners.
This is part of the Government’s $200 million investment in projects that help community groups, NGOs, councils and First Nations groups clean up and restore local urban rivers and waterways.
This includes activities like planting native species along creeks and building small-scale wetlands to improve water quality.
“We want to leave nature better off for our kids and grandkids, and that means repairing damage to our environment and better protecting it for the future,” Environment and Water Minister Tanya Plibersek said.
“That’s why we’re investing $200 million in projects to revitalise our urban rivers and creeks. We want to support the groups on the ground who understand the needs in their community and are working to better manage and restore their local environment.
“Nearly half of all nationally listed threatened animals and a quarter of our threatened plants occur in urban areas. We need to act now to protect them.”
Burt MP Matt Keogh said over the last decade the rivers haven’t received the investment they deserve.
“The Albanese Government is committed to investing in our south eastern suburbs to improve the quality of life for our community and that means making sure our waterways are both looked after and protected,” he said.
“I’ve worked with Armadale Gosnells Landcare Group (AGLG) and SERCUL for many years, they do some awesome work and have some fantastic volunteers. I’m proud to be part of a government that’s supporting them to deliver this important project.”
