- Upper Collie Aquatic Habitat Restoration Project delivers positive outcomes
- Community-led project successfully restores two at-risk river pools identified as critical refuges for native flora and fauna
- Local Noongar landcare group, Danju critical to project's success
The aquatic habitats of two at-risk Collie River pools that were considered critical refuges for native flora and fauna during Western Australia's dry season have been restored thanks to a successful community-led program.
The Upper Collie Aquatic Habitat Restoration Project - partly funded by the Cook Government through the State Natural Resource Management Program - focused on restoring the river pools which were experiencing declining fish and crustacean populations.
This involved removing woody weeds and introduced grasses, replanting native foreshore vegetation and installing woody debris such as fish hotels, logs, and root balls, to enhance biodiversity and improve ecosystem resilience.
The two-year project was led by the Leschenault Catchment Council which worked with Traditional Owners and the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation's Healthy Rivers team to restore the pools.
Members of the Danju - Jobs Together program played a central role in building the fish hotels as well as clearing the pools of woody debris.
Educational workshops were also held with local schools with students helping to build some of the new habitat.
As stated by Water Minister Don Punch:
"The Upper Collie Aquatic Habitat Restoration Project shows how working together can lead to real environmental improvements that help both nature and the local community.
"The project is a great example of how restoring the environment can also bring social and economic benefits - like creating jobs, building skills, and strengthening cultural ties for local Noongar people."
As stated by Collie-Preston MLA Jodie Hanns:
"The Collie River is such an important asset in our community, and I am proud to support efforts to restore and protect this valuable natural resource.
"This project highlights the power of community-led action - and the incredible work of organisations like Leschenault Catchment Council and the Danju team, whose contribution made a real difference to the success of this restoration."
