The WA 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 June 2019, has been extended for a further year to ensure water quality improvements and nutrient reductions in the Geographe catchment can continue under the oversight of the interagency Vasse Taskforce.
Since the inception of the program in 2015, there has been a significant reduction in nutrients (phosphorous and/or nitrogen) in 75 per cent of Geographe waterways. Improved fertiliser management over the last 10 years has also seen 2,000 kilograms a year of less phosphorous entering the Vasse Wonnerup wetlands and Geographe Bay.
This additional funding will add value to the existing program through a range of actions which will continue the substantial improvements made to the Geographe catchment while raising awareness and information to the community on water quality issues and progress.
The Revitalising Geographe Waterways program – 2018 WA Water Association Award winners in the Program Innovation category – is supported by the State Government’s $20 million Regional Estuaries Initiative.
Source: WA Government