- $120,000 available in latest round of Community Rivercare Program
- Fifty-one community groups supported and 104 restoration projects funded to date
- Cook Government committed to enhancing and protecting waterways in the Swan Canning Catchment
Community volunteer groups committed to improving the health of Perth's northern waterways can apply for a share of $120,000 in grants in the latest round of the Cook Government's Community Rivercare Program.
Grants of up to $15,000 are open to community groups to help improve the waterways in the Swan Canning Catchment's North Subregion.
The North Subregion includes parts of the cities of Bayswater, Fremantle, Nedlands, Perth, Subiaco, Swan and Vincent, the towns of Cambridge, Claremont and Mosman Park, Stirling, Wanneroo, and the Shire of Peppermint Grove.
Groups can receive assistance for projects to improve habitat for native fauna, enhance foreshore conditions and water quality, and prevent erosion.
The funding delivers on the Western Australian Labor Government's 2021 election commitment to provide $4 million over four years to support community-led efforts to improve and protect waterways in the Swan Canning Catchment.
The program has supported 51 community groups to deliver 104 restoration projects to date, including community-driven weed control and native species habitat improvements at the Bardon Park wetlands in the City of Bayswater.
Other projects funded through the program have contributed to the revegetation and stabilisation of foreshore areas, and enhanced habitats for fish, native birds, and other species that rely on healthy river systems.
Full grant guidelines and eligibility details are available here .
Applications close on 22 June 2025.
As stated by the Environment Minister Matthew Swinbourn:
"Community volunteers play a crucial role in protecting and caring for the health of our waterways right across WA and their efforts are having a real impact on our environment.
"The Cook Government recognises the importance of these grassroots groups and is committed to supporting them to care for the Swan Canning Catchment through our successful Community Rivercare Program."
Comments attributed to Maylands MLA Dan Bull:
"Every little bit counts when it comes to improving the health and resilience of the Swan and Canning Rivers and the Community Rivercare Program is delivering so many wonderful local success stories.
"Thanks to this program, the City of Bayswater and Bardon Park Malgamongup Friends Group have made great strides in the rejuvenation and removal of exotic weeds at the Bardon Park wetlands, enhancing the habitat for local species."
