Joint media release: Cleaning up the Canning River

The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for the Environment and Water
The Hon Matt Keogh MP, Member for Burt
Zaneta Mascarenhas MP, Member for Swan
Sam Lim MP, Member for Tangney

The Albanese Labor Government is cleaning up – with a $10 million investment in better protecting and preserving the Canning (Djarlgarro Beelier), Southern and Wungong Rivers.

The Labor Government is committed to cleaning up urban waterways, to not only improve ecological health and water quality, but to look after our local native species like Quendas (Southern Brown Bandicoot) and the Slender Tree Frog.

Project activities will include erosion control and sediment reduction, weed removal and planting native vegetation which will improve habitat and water quality for local native wildlife. 

This 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 Albanese 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.

Quotes attributable to the Minister for the Environment and Water, the Hon Tanya Plibersek MP:

“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. 

“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.”

Quotes attributable to the Member for Burt, the Hon Matt Keogh MP:

“Our community is so lucky to be home to such beautiful wetland and river areas, but over the last decade they 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.

“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.”

Quotes attributable to the Member for Swan, Zaneta Mascarenhas MP:

“Perth is known for its stunning rivers. We need to protect them for future generations. Restoring the water system will also mean a thriving for our local wildlife."

Quotes attributable to the Member for Tangney, Sam Lim MP:

“I’m incredibly proud to announce jointly with the Member for Burt, and Swan our delivering of the election commitment for the Urban Rivers and Catchments Program. This initiative will help restore and revitalize habitats, ensuring that our local wildlife thrives and that future generations can cherish the same natural wonders that define our extraordinary electorates."