Hurlingham Living Stream

The City of South Perth is launching a new conservation initiative as part of the Swan Canning Riverpark Urban Forest program.

This project, valued at $925,708, is supported by $602,350 in funding from the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, with the City contributing the remainder.

The project will transform the Hurlingham Drain and parts of the surrounding grass area into a vibrant, planted living stream, aligning with the City’s South Perth Foreshore Strategy and Management Plan 2015 for Node 7: The Lakes.

By planting native shrubs, rushes, and sedges, the living stream will improve water quality flowing into the Swan Canning Estuary and foster greater biodiversity.

This man-made channel will not only enhance the park's natural beauty but also create a diverse habitat for local wildlife, contributing to the area's ecological health.

Works will take place in two stages and is set for completion in August 2026.

Stage 1: February 2025 to August 2025

Stage 2: February 2026 to August 2026

The following works will be completed in both Stage 1 and Stage 2:

Turf removal
Removal of timber channel boards
Reshaping of the drainage channel
Installation of limestone pathways
Planting of approximately 40,000 native tube stock plants
Installation of temporary fencing to protect small plants during the establishment period.

Find out more at Your Say South Perth.

Project Map

Proposed Images

A current view of the stormwater channel at the South Perth Foreshore next to a rendered image of the Hurlingham Living Stream Project

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The project will be implemented in two stages over two years commencing in 2024 and will be due for completion late 2026.

February to April 2025: Stage one earthworks and path installation
May to June 2025: Stage one planting.
Stage two works in 2026 will occur in the same order and months of the year.

Refer to the plan for the extent and location of each stage of the project.

The project will have no impact on the seasonal water inundation in the area but creates environmental diversity in an area that is unusable for many months of the year.

The design will ensure the park will remain useable as future predicted sea and river estuary levels increase.

The treatment will slow the movement of water and also increase the water holding capacity of the drain through widening and regrading of the narrow channel.

The project aligns with the South Perth Foreshore Strategy and Management Plan, water sensitive urban design principles, and the State Government’s Perth Water Buneenboro Locality Plan.

The Swan Canning Riverpark Urban Forest program is part of the State Government’s Kep Katitjin – Gabi Kaadadjan – Waterwise Perth Action Plan 2, which aims to establish Perth and Peel as leading waterwise communities by 2030.

A living stream is a modified stormwater channel that looks and functions like a natural stream. A living stream project converts the existing drain to an ecosystem that mimics the characteristics of a natural stream.

Native plants and vegetation will be installed along the regraded banks of the living stream. These plants will assist in filtering the water by removing nutrients and creating an improved natural habitat for wildlife.

A selection of approximately 45,000 tubestock plants, including native shrubs, rushes and sedges, will be planted along the living stream to enhance the biodiversity of the area.

The majority of the plants will be propagated and grown in the City’s nursery.

The project’s planted areas have been divided into three zones with appropriate plants selected for each of the zone types – wet, intermediate and dry.

Advanced native trees will be installed adjacent to existing trees to retain views.

Works set to commence on Hurlingham Living Stream

Media Release 21 January 2025

Hurlingham Living Stream

The Hurlingham Drain is one step closer to becoming a vibrant living stream with works on the project set begin in February.

The conservation initiative, which forms part of the Swan Canning Riverpark Urban Forest program, will improve water quality flowing into the Swan Canning Estuary and foster greater biodiversity.

The $925,708 project is supported by $602,350 in funding from the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, with the City contributing the remaining funds.

City of South Perth Mayor, Greg Milner said he was excited to see the project come to life when work officially began.

“Not only will this project transform an open drain into a thriving ecosystem, but it will also elevate the park’s natural beauty, making it an even more inviting space for the community,” he said.

The living stream will include access paths made from compacted crushed limestone through the length of the area for pedestrian and maintenance access.

“The new path will offer visitors the chance to explore the living stream and appreciate the diverse flora and fauna that call it home,” Mayor Milner said.

A selection of approximately 45,000 tubestock plants, including native shrubs, rushes and sedges will be planted along the living stream to enhance the biodiversity of the area.

“I’m eager to see the living stream develop into a vibrant habitat for local wildlife, further enriching our treasured foreshore,” Mayor Milner said.

DBCA Acting Riverpark Manager Michael Shaughnessy said the project would complement and enhance community use of Sir James Mitchell Park with consolidation of turf adjacent to the drain, reprofiling of the banks and the establishment of native vegetation to support urban biodiversity.

The project, which will be implemented in two stages over two years, is due for completion late 2026 and is part of the City’s approach to urban greening.