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Swan and Helena Rivers

Swan and Helena Rivers

The EMRC, its six member councils, Swan River Trust and the WA Planning Commission continue to work in partnership to enhance the Swan and Helena Rivers through carefully planned land use activities that improve environmental, economic and social values of one of the state's most unique and valuable natural assets.

Further information is available below by scrolling down or clicking on the below links;

Research undertaken by EMRC identified a range of sites located within the region that already contribute, or have the potential to contribute, to regional values. These sites include natural heritage sites that require conservation, protection or rehabilitation, areas suitable for some form of appropriate business or tourism development and active and passive recreation areas.

Swan and Helena Rivers Management Framework

The Swan and Helena Rivers Management Framework was completed  with support from the Departments of Planning and Transport (previously the Department of Planning and Infrastructure) and the Swan River Trust.

Consultation in development of the framework identified the following major issues as impeding outcomes for the rivers.

  • Approvals process and lack of regional coordination;
  • Management/maintenance of the river banks;
  • Access to the foreshore; and
  • Foreshore stabilisation.

Three high priority projects recommended in the framework were completed in 2009 and include:

The Swan and Helena Rivers Management Framework was announced as a finalist in the prestigious national Environs Australia 2009 Sustainability Awards and received a commendation for Outstanding Sustainability Partnerships.

A full electronic copy of the Swan and Helena Rivers Management Framework report is available to download below in two parts.

Swan and Helena Rivers Regional Recreational Path Development Plan

The Swan and Helena Rivers Regional Recreational Path Development Plan (2009) sets out an integrated trail network along both sides of the Swan River foreshore from Windan Bridge to Guildford, providing public access to social, cultural and natural heritage experiences along the Swan River.

Investment is required to upgrade exisitng foreshore paths, complete missing links in the path and to design and install directional signage.  The EMRC is supporting member councils to secure this investment.

An electronic copy of the report is available to download below in ten parts, with the full report plus nine maps.

Swan and Helena Rivers Management Framework Heritage Audit and Statement of Significance

The Heritage Audit and Statement of Significance (2009) for the Swan and Helena Rivers provides a valuable reference for river projects that will guide theming, development and location of interpretive experiences along the river foreshore trail.

The Statement of Significance identifies overarching themes that link the natural, indigenous and historic values and include:

  • River of life;
  • Power of the landscape; and
  • Sustainability.

Investment is required to develop an interpretation plan that identifies specific sites for interpretation of values and the methods and costs for interpretation.  The EMRC is supporting member councils to secure partners and funding for interpretation.

An electronic copy of the report is available for download below.

Foreshore Stabilisation Project

The Best Management Practices for Foreshore Stabilisation (2009) report provides locally relevant information on a range of best practice techniques to improve foreshore stabilisation management. The report was prepared by consultants, Oceanica Pty Ltd for the Swan River Trust in collaboration with the EMRC and its member councils.

A decision support framework has been developed to assist the identification of appropriate foreshore stabilisation techniques for specific site situations and provides information to ensure that specialist advice for stabilisation is targeted and cost effective.

The report is accessible from the Swan River Trust's website - click here to access the report.

Regional Aboriginal Consultation Guidelines

In 2010 the EMRC commenced development of  Regional Aboriginal Consultation Guidelines to assist EMRC member councils in dealing respectfully, efficiently and effectively with river management, project planning and approvals with Aboriginal heritage and engagement with the Aboriginal community, whilst also ensuring compliance with the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1972.

The guidelines will build on previous work undertaken by the EMRC and its member councils and more recently the Swan Canning Riverpark Iconic Trails Project (SCRITP) with the South West Aboriginal Land and Sea Council (SWALSC), Perth Region Natural Resource Management and the Swan River Trust.

The Swan Canning Riverpark Iconic Trails Project  aims to connect the community to the natural and cultural environment surrounding the Swan Canning Riverpark through the development of a network of trails. Development of the project is coordinated by the Swan River Trust. The project will map out significant Noongar, European and natural heritage sites, identify missing links in the existing trail network and implement on-ground works to complete a continuous trail network. The EMRC is represented on the SCRITP Steering Group.

Stage one of the project has been completed and the project report and related documentation can be downloaded from the SWALSC website at:

http://www.noongar.org.au/news.php

 

For further information please contact:
Robbie Circosta - Environmental Projects Officer
Phone: (08) 9424 2212
Email: roberta.circosta@emrc.org.au

Last modified: 04:11 pm Wed, 31st of Oct 2012