The Swan and Canning rivers and their major tributaries are iconic features of Perth’s landscape. They are prized for their natural values, recreational opportunities and cultural and social importance.

The Cook Government is committed to protecting and enhancing the health of the river system, supporting restoration projects undertaken by community volunteer groups through the Community Rivercare Program. For the next two years, grant funds will be available to enable on ground works by community groups. This program is administered by the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA).

Projects can run for up to two years and will be implemented from 1 July 2024.

Grants of between $3,000 and $20,000 (ex GST) in total for the duration of the project will be provided to community volunteer groups to conserve the natural, cultural, and social amenity values of the rivers, tributaries and urban drains within the Swan Canning Catchment.

This will be achieved through projects that deliver:

• Habitat improvement for birds and/or other species dependent on waterways.
• Foreshore revegetation and weed control.
• Weed control to promote natural regeneration.
• Bank stabilisation to repair or prevent foreshore erosion.
• Water quality improvement.

Projects must be in the Swan Canning Catchment or other catchments that feed into the Swan and Canning rivers.

To date, the Community Rivercare Program has funded 75 projects resulting in the revegetation of foreshore.