Harvey River restoration project recognised at state awards

A unique project to support marine life in the Harvey River was recognised at the annual Western Australian Water Association Awards in Perth last week.

Now in its third year, the project is coordinated by Water Corporation, Harvey River Restoration Taskforce (HRRT) and Greening Australia.

The nomination recognised the collaborative approach by all the project partners, including the Department of Water Environmental Regulation, Greening Australia, Murdoch University, and Harvey Aboriginal Corporation.

Funding is provided by State Natural Resource Management Program WA, Peel-Harvey Catchment Council, Alcoa Foundation and Water Corporation.

The trial project is the first of its kind in Western Australia and is already showing remarkable improvement in habitat along the Harvey drainage system.

Water Corporation South West Regional Manager Nicky Waite said the project created pockets of habitat, or ‘stepping stones’, to allow freshwater species like marron and fish to more easily migrate up and downstream of the drains, as well as a series of revegetation projects.

“We’ve traditionally sought to avoid changes to water flow through the drainage system, but we’re now excited to be showing that these innovative ideas supported by research are helping to restore and improve the sustainability of the system,” Ms Waite said.

“As a committed part of the local community, Water Corporation is eager to build on this good work and we look forward to seeing more positive outcomes through this trial project.”

Harvey Aboriginal Corporation, Greening Australia and the HRRT have revegetation projects in place and are working with the Harvey community through their partnership with Alcoa.

The project is supported by an annual grant of $45,000 from Water Corporation.