Water Minister Dave Kelly today announced the McGowan Government would be providing $900,000 in funding for four new projects that will fast track water quality improvements in key waterways across the Geographe catchment.
The funding will support two projects in the Lower Vasse River, which flows through the centre of Busselton and experiences water quality problems over the summer months.
The City of Busselton will lead one project that will see sediment removal from a priority area within the river. This project will be complemented by broad scale application of Phoslock, a water treatment product that binds with phosphorus in the river to reduce algal blooms, which will be led by the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation.
The third project will involve further sediment removal works in the Vasse Estuary alongside residential areas. Exposed sediment over summer months contributes to persistent odours that impact upon local residents.
This project will see 330m2 of sediment removed from the estuary near Estuary View Drive, with the aim to reduce odours and improve the amenity for nearby residents.
Funding for a fourth project will enable the expansion of the successful Geographe fertiliser management program, increasing the capacity of local Natural Resource Management group GeoCatch to meet farmer demand. This important soil testing program is led by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, which works with local farmers to help reduce nutrient run-off from local farms into the Geographe catchment.
The four new projects will complement a range of other actions to improve water quality in Geographe waterways delivered through the Revitalising Geographe Waterways program.
Revitalising Geographe Waterways is overseen by the Vasse Taskforce and is part of the State Government's Healthy Estuaries WA, which works to protect and improve the health of estuaries across the South-West. More information on the program can be found at https://rgw.dwer.wa.gov.au/
As stated by Water Minister Dave Kelly:
"These projects will pave the way for a healthier river system and address the concerns of the Busselton community about water quality in the Lower Vasse River.
"The soil testing program has been highly successful in supporting farmers reduce nutrient run-off that contributes to poor water quality in Geographe waterways.
"This funding will help expand GeoCatch's capacity to deliver this program and enable more farmers to get involved - leading to further reductions in nutrients entering Geographe waterways."
As stated by South West Region MLC Jackie Jarvis:
"A number of local residents have raised concerns with me about the health and amenity of the Lower Vasse River in the summer months.
"The community will welcome these additional resources to help reduce nutrient run-off and tackle algal blooms, so we can enjoy a healthy river all year round."
