State Government invests $5 million to help restore Peel-Harvey Estuary

The State Government is fulfilling an election commitment, investing $5 million to help restore the Peel-Harvey Estuary.

The Peel Development Commission will receive $3.7 million, with projects to be delivered through the Peel-Harvey Catchment Council targeting priority areas near the Serpentine River and surrounding waterways.

Projects include revegetating 142ha of land along the Serpentine River, installing 10km of fencing to exclude livestock and pests, launching a tailored education program for primary schools in Mandurah and Dawesville and supporting community groups involved in river and estuary restoration.

"The Peel-Harvey estuary is the lifeblood of our region - central to our lifestyle, our wellbeing, and our local economy. It's fantastic to see this investment flowing directly into community-led projects that care for and restore our waterways," Mandurah MLA Rhys Williams said.

An additional $1.3 million has been allocated to support Bindjareb Traditional Owners and strengthen ties with local Aboriginal corporations.

Key initiatives include continuing the Bindjareb Djilba Kaadadjan Bidi Yarning Circle for collaborative governance, partnering with Winjan, Waroona and Harvey Aboriginal Corporations and enhancing a digital cultural mapping tool to embed cultural values in decision-making.

"As Bindjareb Noongar people, we've cared for and governed our waterways for over 50,000 years," Bindjareb Elder George Walley said.

"The Bindjareb Djilba Kaadadjan Bidi Yarning Circle of Elders welcomes the funding, which supports continued Bindjareb-led cultural health initiatives with our Aboriginal Corporations."

Dawesville MLA Lisa Munday, Peel Harvey Catchment Council CEO Jane O’Malley, Minister Don Punch, and Mandurah MLA Rhys Williams. PIC: Supplied