L-R: Katrina Zeehandelaar Adams, Biodiversity Program Manager, Leschenault Catchment Council; James Khan, Noongar Elder; Cr Ian Miffling, Shire President, Shire of Collie; Jodie Hanns, MLA, Member for Collie Preston; Scott Geere, Director Operations, Shire of Collie; Phil Ugle, Noongar Elder.
Community Caring for the Collie River
The Leschenault Catchment Council (LCC) is pleased to announce successful funding of $49,900 from the 2024 State NRM Community Stewardship Grants Program to deliver a community led project to restore and rejuvenate the Collie River foreshore in central Collie. This funding application is further strengthened by a $43,837 contribution previously awarded to the Shire of Collie by South32 Worsley Alumina for river rehabilitation. The project is due to commence in early 2025 and will run for 18 months.
Member for Collie-Preston Jodie Hanns MLA said, “I’m thrilled that the Leschenault Catchment Council has been successful in securing a Cook Labor Government NRM Community Stewardship grant.”
“The health of the Collie River is an important local issue and funding opportunities for its rehabilitation is something I’ve continued to advocate for on the community’s behalf.”
“I’d like to thank those people who care for the Collie River including the Shire of Collie, traditional owners, Friends of the Collie River and the Leschenault Catchment Council and encourage community members find out how they can assist with the vital work of rejuvenating the Collie River and foreshore area.”
Aligned with the 'Collie River Revitalisation Strategy’, and in collaboration with the Shire of Collie and the Friends of Collie River, the project will control introduced weeds, replant native foreshore vegetation and provide habitat for native fauna, adjacent to Soldiers Park.
The foreshore restoration program will also engage Noongar Traditional Custodians and Collie community members in interactive events providing opportunities for community to learn about the natural and cultural values of the river and participate in on ground restoration activities.
“LCC is extremely pleased to bring our community driven conservation model, used successfully on the Preston River in Donnybrook, to Collie. We will be delivering a program aiming to enhance ecological health, whilst fostering community stewardship for the river”, said Anne-Marie Offer, Chair of the Leschenault Catchment Council.
The planned foreshore rejuvenation complements LCC’s aquatic habitat restoration project already underway in river pools of the Upper Collie River. Also funded by the State NRM Community Stewardship Program with generous support from South 32 Worsley Alumina, this project is restoring instream habitats for fish and crustaceans that inhabit the Collie River.
“It has been fantastic to see the Collie community engage with this innovative program, learning about the fish, marron and other native species that live in the river from the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation’s Healthy Rivers Team”, said Anne-Marie.
“LCC is very thankful for the significant funding from the State NRM Program and the financial and in-kind support from the Shire of Collie and South 32 Worsley Alumina to make this foreshore restoration project a reality. Working closely with community is one of our core values and we look forward to again engaging the Collie community to bring vitality back to the Collie River”.
Cr Ian Miffling, Shire President of Collie added, “This is wonderful news and congratulations to all involved in the project. The issue of the Collie River, and particularly foreshore covered by this grant, has been spoken about for many years and now, through the efforts of the Leschenault Catchment Council, real progress can be made on much needed remedial work.”
“Restoration of foreshore vegetation and removal of feral weeds is a much bigger task than any one agency can handle so the combined efforts of all involved will bring about a pleasing outcome; it will be a complete team effort.”