Healthy Estuaries WA

Healthy Estuaries WA is a $25 million State Government commitment, building on the work of the Regional Estuaries Initiative and delivering core actions of Revitalising Geographe Waterways. Launched in June 2020, Healthy Estuaries WA focuses on improving the health of Peel-Harvey estuary, Leschenault estuary, Vasse-Geographe waterways, Hardy Inlet, Wilson Inlet, Torbay Inlet and Oyster Harbour.

Fencing and revegetation

Funding is available with landholders to erect stock exclusion fencing and/or to undertake riparian revegetation and buffer planting. This program is open to both large and small scale properties in the Leschenault Catchment. Landholders must contribute at least 50 per cent of the cost of the project through either cash or in-kind contributions. Follow the link to register your interest in this great opportunity.
Expression of interest form

Soil testing

DIY Soil testing training assists landowners and managers to adapt their fertiliser applications so it targets only what is required, improving productivity, lowering costs, and reducing nutrient loss to waterways.
Current program is fully prescribed, get in touch with Project Officer Tony Battersby to discuss eligibility details and opportunities.

Publications

The stunning Leschenault Estuary is highly valued by our community as a place of social, cultural and ecological importance, where fishing, crabbing, and other recreational pursuits are a popular way for the Greater Bunbury population to engage with nature. The Estuary also exhibits significant ecological values, including; being home to a resident pod of dolphins, part of the East Asian Australasian Flyway, an important habitat to resident waterbirds and other wildlife, an important habitat to a range of marine flora and fauna and an important interface between the Leschenault Catchment’s river systems and the Indian Ocean.

Unfortunately, in recent times the estuary has shown signs of ecological distress and water quality degradation, with sedimentation, nuisance algae, harmful algal blooms and fish deaths becoming more common. There is an urgent need to balance growing urbanisation and intensification of agriculture with long-term health of the estuary.

On Thursday 5 June 2020, Minister Kelly announced the State Government's $25 million Healthy Estuaries WA program.

The Healthy Estuaries WA program builds on the work of the Regional Estuaries Initiative and will drive action in catchments to improve water quality and restore the environmental balance of estuaries.

The program will continue work to reduce nutrient inputs from priority catchments, use the latest science to monitor and effectively manage waterways, and continue to build collaboration between community, scientists, government and industry.

The estuaries to be funded as a part of the program are the Peel-Harvey estuary, Leschenault Estuary, Vasse-Wonnerup wetlands, Hardy Inlet, Wilson Inlet, Oyster Harbour, and expands to include Torbay Inlet.

This program funds a range of on-ground works which are undertaken by the LCC in partnership with landholders and other government and non-government agencies throughout the catchment. These include soil and water testing, farm effluent management upgrades, fencing, revegetation and drainage, as well as new science and modelling, building regional capacity and programs to reduce fertiliser use in urban areas.

For more information on Healthy Estuaries WA visit https://estuaries.dwer.wa.gov.au or https://estuaries.dwer.wa.gov.au/estuary/leschenault-estuary/, and if you would like to stay up to date with this project and hear about upcoming volunteer opportunities, please sign up to our mailing list!