Boating for the future

 The Swan and Canning rivers are a wonderful social, environmental and scenic resource for all West Australians. The Swan River Trust encourages the people of Perth to enjoy the rivers as well protect them for future generations.

 The demands of our lifestyle present constant challenges which can result in negative impacts on our rivers. They are showing signs of environmental stress, similar to other waterways around the world, with an increase in algal blooms, low oxygen levels and seasonal fish deaths.

 Everyone who uses the rivers or lives in the Swan Canning Catchment can help maintain and improve its health. (householder tips)

 Reducing high levels of nutrients from fertilisers and other sources is a priority to keep our rivers healthy.  Other environmental problems include erosion, sedimentation, decreased river flows and loss of foreshore vegetation.

 Boating on the rivers has long been a part of Perth’s lifestyle. However, a growing population and an increase in boats have resulted in a large increase in recreational activity on the Swan and Canning rivers. (boating tips)

While the Trust encourages the boating community to enjoy the rivers, it is vital that the impacts on this precious resource are managed.

The Trust is driving a strategy, in consultation with other State and local government, the boating industry, community and other river care groups, to provide a coordinated and sustainable approach to boating management.

 The strategy covers:

• Moorings

• Foreshore dinghy storage

• Boat maintenance practices

• Boat wash and noise

• Fuel and oil discharge

• Boat launching facilities

• Sewage disposals

• Jetties

• Anchor and boat damage to the riverbed.

The public are invited to have their say on the future of boating on the Swan and Canning rivers. Look out for the Swan River Trust marquee at the boat show and have a chat to the Trust officers on site. They can answer your questions or provide some helpful information about how you can help preserve the beauty and ecological health of the rivers.

You can either submit comments on the draft strategy at the boat show or you can email your comments through to info@swanrivertrust.wa.gov.au

To view the strategy visit www.swanrivertrust.wa.gov.au