Healthy Estuaries WA
Healthy Estuaries WA is a $25 million State Government commitment, building on the work of the Regional Estuaries Initiative and delivering core actions of Revitalising Geographe Waterways.
Launched in June 2020, Healthy Estuaries WA focuses on improving the health of Peel-Harvey estuary, Leschenault Estuary, Vasse-Geographe waterways, Hardy Inlet, Wilson Inlet, Torbay Inlet and Oyster Harbour.
Why estuaries?
More than 80 per cent of the Western Australian population lives around our estuaries, making them one of our most valuable environmental, economic and recreational assets.
While there are 166 estuaries in Western Australia, it is the estuaries in the south-west of the State that are the most heavily impacted by housing, agriculture, industry and recreation.
Healthy Estuaries WA coordinates and implements common actions across at-risk estuaries, building regional capability, promoting whole-of-industry engagement, and strengthening cooperative networks to share resources and knowledge.
The program will include work to reduce nutrient inputs from priority catchments, use the latest science to monitor and effectively manage waterways, and continue to build collaboration between community, scientists, government and industry.
The Department of Water and Environmental Regulation and our partners have over 25 years experience and scientific understanding of estuary science and conditions. This knowledge has been used to shape the practical solutions and management tools that make up Healthy Estuaries WA.