- Six South West regional estuaries targeted for action
- Made possible by Royalties for Regions
Oyster Harbour is one of six waterways in the State’s South West set targeted for action under the State Government’s $20 million Regional Estuaries Initiative.
Nationals Member for the South West Region Colin Holt MLC said the four year program would be funded through Royalties for Regions.
The initiative will spend $2 million to improve Oyster Harbour’s health through new science and modelling, regional capacity, employment, training and a range of on-ground works such as soil and water testing, farm effluent management upgrades, fencing, revegetation and drainage site works.
Mr Holt said improving water quality in Oyster Harbour was a vital step toward ensuring this important regional waterway would support ongoing social and economic goals.
“Restoring the function and improving the water quality of Oyster Harbour will contribute to the sustainability of our region and its communities for future generations,” Mr Holt said.
“The initiative brings together government, industry, landowners and the wider community and unites current activities and future actions across all of these groups for a greater collective impact.
“Business and recreational activities around our regional waterways are a valuable part of creating a vibrant and livable community.
“It is great to see Royalties for Regions investments such as this contributing to the longevity of the state’s natural beauty and paving a brighter future for everyone in our regions.”
Visit www.water.wa.gov.au for more information on the Regional Estuaries Initiative.
Fact File
Estuaries targeted are Peel-Harvey $6 million, Leschenault $7.5 million, Hardy Inlet $2 million, Wilson Inlet $2 million, Oyster Harbour $2 million, Vasse Geographe $0.5 million.
Priorities and actions in the region include:
- Funding regional groups for training, employment and long term management strategies for regional estuaries and catchments
- Partnering with catchment and industry groups and farmers to reduce the nutrient runoff from farms and improve soil health
- Assisting farmers with information on fertiliser use and application to support improved farm productivity and estuary health
- Stream restoration, revegetation and movement of stock away from waterways
- Increased monitoring in Oyster Harbour and its catchments
- Improvements in agricultural and urban drainage networks to improve water quality in Oyster Harbour
