Restoring life in the Harvey River

A passionate group of researchers have come together to bring life back to the Harvey River.

Harvey, the heart of dairy country

It's no secret the south west of Western Australia is an incredible place. Did you know it's also 1 of only 36 biodiversity hot spots worldwide? 

The region is home to many unique flora and fauna species. Over 80% of freshwater fishes are found nowhere else in the world! But the greatest threat to local biodiversity, is the clearing of native vegetation.

Harvey lies in the heart of south west dairy country. In the early 1900’s part of the Harvey River was channelised for farming use. Flood prevention was necessary and so the flow of water was interrupted. Changing the natural landscape caused vegetation along the riverbank and aquatic life to disappear. 

It’s time for sustainable change

We are always learning about our unique ecosystem. One of our business wide goals is to make sure we are making a positive impact on our environment. Marron and gilgie are unique freshwater crayfish species declining from the Harvey River. The need to conserve them is a key driver to restoring the river. 

Our South West Regional Manager Nicky Waite explained our understanding of the environmental has changed significantly. “With the help of science, we are now looking towards more sustainable ways to integrate our infrastructure into the natural environment.”

Gilgie

Restoring stream habitat 

The Harvey River Restoration demonstration project is the first of its kind in regional Western Australia. The aim is to bring back the natural habitats for wildlife around the rural drain.

To establish healthy ecosystems, work includes revegetating drainage banks and using wooden logs to imitate a natural stream. 

This has helped form deep pools within the drain through the natural scouring process of water moving along the river. The logs also provide shelter and a permanent water source throughout the year to attract fish and crustaceans.  

Murdoch University scientist Steven Beatty is part of the team delivering the project. He said once established, the new habitat would provide a home for native animals such as marron, gilgie, quenda, freshwater turtles, birds and water bugs.

Harvey River restoration project

Life is returning to Harvey River

This highly collaborative project is led by Harvey River Restoration Taskforce, Water Corporation and Greening Australia. However, this would not be possible without our partners: Department of Water Environmental Regulation, Murdoch University, and Harvey Aboriginal Corporation. Funding is provided by State Natural Resource Management Program WA, Water Corporation, Peel Harvey Catchment Council  and Alcoa Foundation.

Traditional Custodians are working on country to restore the waterway. School groups have undertaken revegetation along the banks and reserves. Citizen scientists are engaged in monitoring activities. Surrounding landowners are reducing stock movement through the area.  

We are all working together to improve the sustainable ecosystems around us. And everyone is thrilled to see aquatic life returning! Marron and other native fish species can now be spotted along the riverbank. 

Best of all, the project will change the management of agricultural drainage across the southwest now and into the future.  

Visit the Harvey River Restoration Taskforce Facebook page to stay up to date with the project.