Cleaning Up the Canning works deliver major waterway improvements across the City of Canning

Significant works are underway across the City of Canning as part of the Cleaning Up the Canning program a suite of projects funded under Round One of the Australian Government’s Urban Rivers and Catchments Program.

The program supports projects that improve waterways in urban and peri-urban areas by restoring riparian and aquatic habitat, improving water quality and hydrology and strengthening connections for native aquatic species. Where these objectives are met, projects also contribute to improved urban green space and community access to nature.

Within the City of Canning, three major sub projects are being delivered at Shelley Rossmoyne Foreshore, Yagan Wetland and Queens Park Basin.

At Shelley Rossmoyne Foreshore, works are focused on enhancing the 7 kilometre foreshore corridor through large scale revegetation and erosion control. Around 7,000 native plants will be planted by July 2027, strengthening riparian habitat, improving water quality and reducing erosion risk along the riverbank.

Yagan Wetland is undergoing extensive revegetation. This year, approximately 11,000 native tubestock are being planted to enhance biodiversity and restore habitat within the Banksia Woodland threatened ecological community.

Queens Park Basin is being transformed from a traditional drainage basin into a constructed wetland within the Canning Plains Catchment. Works include clearing of non-native species, basin excavation and drainage modifications to increase flood capacity. Landscaping and revegetation will follow, improving water quality, hydrology, biodiversity and flood management while enhancing community green space. A bird watering station will also be installed to support endangered black cockatoos.

The City of Canning’s conservation team said the projects address long standing pressures on local waterways.

“These works are about tackling the causes of waterway decline at a catchment scale. By restoring riparian vegetation, stabilising soils and filtering stormwater before it reaches our rivers and wetlands, we are improving water quality and creating healthier habitat for native species.”

Mayor Hall said the initiative balanced environmental protection with community benefit.

“Cleaning Up the Canning is delivering long term improvements for our waterways while also creating greener, cooler and more resilient public spaces. While there will be some short term disruption during works, these projects will deliver lasting benefits for the environment and the community.”

The City of Canning is notifying the community ahead of works where temporary impacts such as noise, dust or restricted access may occur and will continue to share progress updates as milestones are reached.

This project is funded by the Australian Government’s Urban Rivers and Catchments Program, Water Corporation’s Assets for Liveability Program, and the City of Canning with the support of the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions.

For more information about Cleaning Up the Canning and project updates, visit https://www.canning.wa.gov.au/about-us/major-projects/queens-park-basin