Riverbank restoration project secures over $2 million in Australian Government funding

Media Release 7 January 2025

The City of South Perth has secured $2,107,048 in Australian Government funding for a major riverbank restoration project that will enrich the environment along the Swan River foreshore near Coode Street.

The project will complement and enhance existing uses by connecting and linking established wetlands within Sir James Mitchell Park with the foreshore, restoring the local habitat and improving biodiversity in the area.

Jointly funded by the Australian Government’s Natural Heritage Trust under the Urban Rivers and Catchments Program, the WA Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions and the City of South Perth, the large-scale project will create a vegetated foreshore area using native sedges and rushes.

This will restore significant habitat for both terrestrial and aquatic fauna, including the vulnerable fairy tern, the locally threatened native water rat rakali, and the State’s iconic black swan.

The Coode Street project is one of 57 projects announced by the Australian Government under Round Two of its $200 million Urban Rivers and Catchments Program.

The new projects add to dozens already announced under Round One that are restoring the health of urban waterways for the benefit of native species and local communities, including $15 million for Perth’s waterways.

Federal Minister for the Environment and Water, Tanya Plibersek said the critical funding was good news for native wildlife and the community – improving the quality of the urban spaces that we all share and love.

“We want to leave nature better off for our kids and grandkids and that’s why we’re restoring rivers and waterways in our suburbs with a $200 million investment,” she said.

Mayor Greg Milner said he was thrilled the City had secured funding for the project, which would have long-lasting environmental and community benefits.

“This project will enable us to protect and restore vital habitats as well as enhance the beauty and sustainability of our foreshore,” he said.

“We are proud to lead this important initiative that will protect and improve our precious waterways and the wildlife they support,” he added.

Mayor Milner said the riverbank restoration project was a great example of how all levels of government could work together to improve our natural environment.

DBCA’s Parks and Wildlife Service Executive Director of Conservation and Ecosystem Management Fran Stanley said the works delivered through this project built on the success of the nearby Djirda Miya waterbird refuge and adjacent foreshore restoration works.

“The Sir James Mitchell Park foreshore reserve is renowned for its breathtaking views of Perth’s CBD and the Swan River, and it’s vital that we work together to protect and preserve its natural values,” she said.

“Restoration works along this section of the foreshore was identified as a priority and the State Government has invested $850,000 over three years towards the planning and delivery of critical upgrades.

“It’s fantastic to see this investment in a community asset that will deliver and sustain ecological outcomes along the river’s edge for current and future generations to enjoy.”

Federal member for Swan Zaneta Mascarenhas said she was proud to work alongside the City of South Perth and the State Government to deliver this important restoration project for the community.

“We’re fortunate to have stunning wetlands and rivers on our doorstep, but they’ve been overlooked for too long,” she said.

“Generations of West Australians have treasured our iconic Swan River, and it’s our responsibility to protect it for the future.

“The Albanese Government is stepping up with a $2 million investment to restore the Swan River near Coode Street, improving ecosystems and supporting thriving local wildlife.”

South Perth MLA Geoff Baker said: "In South Perth, we love our foreshore. Local residents and committed volunteers have been asking for this and we are pleased to deliver an important upgrade that will support and protect our native wildlife in such an iconic South Perth location.”

The project is expected to be completed by December 2027.