An urban drain located in Bunbury's Brockman Park is being transformed into a vibrant living stream for the benefit of the environment and community, through a $350,000 partnership between the McGowan Government and the City of Bunbury.
Flows from a piped stormwater drain will be diverted through a new wetland system funded by the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation's Regional Estuaries Initiative program.
The wetland will be planted with native species to remove nutrients and sediments from the water that could otherwise contribute to algal blooms in downstream rivers and estuaries.
The revamp of the parkland in East Bunbury, next to Cooinda Primary School, will also provide a more enjoyable, shady recreational area for residents and visitors.
Works are expected to be completed in August 2019, with students from the neighbouring school to help plant native species along the banks of the waterway.
The Brockman Park improvements are jointly funded with $190,000 from the City of Bunbury, $120,000 through the Regional Estuaries Initiative and $40,000 from the Water Corporation.
The Regional Estuaries Initiative is a $20 million State Government investment in the health of at-risk South-West estuaries, supporting liveable and productive communities.
As stated by Water Minister Dave Kelly:
"As climate change continues to impact our South-West, it's important to look at how we can use nature to help us manage water quality in our rivers and estuaries.
"The transformation of Brockman Park will not only help protect Bunbury's waterways, but provide a clean, green and beautiful recreational space that will be valued and enjoyed by the community.
"The project is an example of how the McGowan Government is working with local governments to deliver on our priority for a cleaner, more sustainable environment in WA."
As stated by Bunbury MLA Don Punch:
"It's great to see local and State governments collaborating on a project that will have real benefits for the Bunbury community.
"This is a fantastic opportunity for our local primary school students to engage with nature and learn about the role water plays in our environment."
