Foreshore Restoration Information

The Swan and Canning Rivers are a dynamic physical and ecological system where changes occur naturally over time and as a result of human impacts. The system has significant environmental ecosystem function value - and protecting and improving the health of the system has long lasting benefits through supporting water quality, biodiversity, habitat and environmental flows.

This environmental value is now being considered equally against the recreational, cultural and economic value of the Swan and Canning Rivers. Ultimately, the health of the system is the dominant factor in the river being able to provide those recreational, cultural and ecnonomic needs. Without a healthy river, we lose all those additional benefits.

The foreshore specifically is the interface between human interaction with the river system. It is one of the most threatened areas of the river system, with impacts from the shore, from wave action on the water and in-direct impacts through off site water quality or pollution runoff.

Point Walter is a heavily modified landscape, in particular as a result of European settlement including impacts from erosion, weed invasion and pollution. The existing native vegetation is currently unable to provide effective ecosystem function. Throughout the entire project area there is less than 5% coverage of native foreshore vegetation that once existed.

Through the implementation of restoration projects such as this, we are taking steps to reduce the current impacts on the foreshore and protect it from future degradation. When implemented, the restoration project will provide an example of how we can come to enjoy the foreshore area whilst allowing native vegetation to be reintroduced and provide essential environmental function and value.