The Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (DWER) featured prominently at this year’s Australian Water Association’s National Awards. After winning the State award category for Program Innovation, DWER’s Revitalising Geographe Waterways initiative was a finalist in the National Program Innovation Award competing against other great projects at the Ozwater ’19 Gala Dinner, held in Melbourne...Continue Reading
Over 50 enthusiastic community members saw water quality management in action last week at GeoCatch’s 2019 Revitalising Geographe Waterways Community Bus Tour. Attendees welcomed the opportunity to speak directly with farmers and waterway managers from DWER GeoCatch, WC and City of Busselton. They viewed five sites: Vasse surge barrier, Lower Vasse River, Vasse Diversion Drain...Continue Reading
The McGowan Government is extending an award-winning water improvement program with $1.6 million allocated in the upcoming State Budget. The money is earmarked for the Revitalising Geographe Waterways program which aims to improve water quality, waterway health and better manage the Geographe waterways. The program, which is due to finish its four-year, State-funded run in...Continue Reading
A trial to physically remove a rotting algal mat along the shoreline of the Vasse Estuary was carried out last week to see if the algae could be removed successfully to alleviate foul smells and provide relief to Wonnerup residents. Sandgroper Contractors used a liquid waste truck with a boom hose to remove the algal...Continue Reading
A health check of the Vasse River has revealed its significant ecological value with a system rich in native fish and crayfish. Scientists from the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (DWER) compared three sites as part of the Healthy Rivers program. The findings, which included data on water quality, vegetation, fish and macroinvertebrate (bugs),...Continue Reading
The sandbar at the entrance of the Vasse Diversion Drain in Busselton has been opened as part of a trial to improve water quality in warmer months. During summer, water quality in the lower parts of the drain can deteriorate due to low flows, warm water temperature, and high levels of nutrients. At this time...Continue Reading
Three draft plans that will help determine how our local wetlands and waterways are managed into the future are now available for public comment. The three plans will guide future management actions to improve waterway health and water quality in the Lower Vasse River, Toby Inlet and the Vasse Wonnerup wetlands. The City of Busselton...Continue Reading
Local soil testing contractors will finish soil sampling across 21 farms in the Geographe catchment this week as part of a three year program that is hoped will be a win-win for both farmers and our waterways. The soil testing is part of a three year program that is helping farmers make evidence-based decisions on...Continue Reading
A research project is about to start on the Vasse Wonnerup wetlands looking at the relationship between seagrasses and black swan grazing. The project, being undertaken by Masters student Caitlyn O’Dea from Edith Cowan University, will be conducted across three estuaries; the Swan-Canning, Leschenault and Vasse-Wonnerup. “ This project aims to improve our understanding of...Continue Reading
Changes to the management of Vasse Estuary water levels to prevent algal blooms and fish kills have gained support from the local community. More than 40 community members attended a meeting in Busselton last week about the proposed changes to improve water quality – which include opening the Wonnerup Inlet sandbar and Vasse surge barrier...Continue Reading
