Western Australia
Location: Swan River Perth
Threat: Degradation through lack of coordinated government action

Significance of Place

Since settlement, the City of Perth and the Port of Fremantle have developed along the Swan River. Poor planning and ad-hoc management over many decades have seen the increasingly destructive impact of urbanisation and industrial development impacting this unique natural resource.

The Swan River is the dominant and determining feature of the City of Perth and the Port of Fremantle. Its significance covers aesthetic, scientific, historical, cultural, social, educational, indigenous and tourism values.

The health of the river impacts on all residents and visitors to Perth and Fremantle.

Description of Threat

Decades of political rhetoric and ad-hoc planning and poorly coordinated development controls have seen a once unique resource polluted beyond world health standards.

In June 2003 the then Minister for the environment, Dr Judy Edwards MLA, launched “Riverplan” for public comment. The plan addresses key issues of management and the implementation of the Swan-Canning Rivers Environmental Protection Policy.

The initiative was reinforced in February 2004 with the announcement of a multi-million dollar funding boost for community based programs that address the health of the Swan River. The National Trust of Australia (WA) supports the initiatives of the state Government, who are operating in conjunction with the Swan River Trust, as a step in the right direction. In particular, the National Trust supports increased funding to keep communities active and involved

Outcome Sought

Government accountability in fulfilling responsibilities towards heritage places in public ownership, in accordance with existing legislation and policy.

Government commitment to a 10-year fully funded conservation and management program agreed in the present term.

Key elements of the program to include:

• Catchment wide orientation
• Multi disciplinary research
• Coordinated regulatory activity
• Active engagement of communities through consultation and participation.