The Minister for Water Hon Dave Kelly MLA, joined Member for Albany Peter Watson MLA and representatives from the City of Albany, South Coast NRM, the Menang Noongar community and Department of Water and Environmental Regulation on 20 December 2017 to celebrate the signing of two partner agreements to rehabilitate parts of Yakamia Creek in the picturesque City of Albany.
Under the $520 000 agreement signed with the City of Albany, about 210 metres of Yakamia Creek will be transformed from an existing detention basin to a 1.1 hectare nutrient stripping basin vegetated with native sedges, low shrubs and tall trees.
South Coast NRM has also been given $50 000 to work with the community and landowners in the lower Yakamia Creek catchment to implement a Fish Friendly Farms project. The project will engage and educate landholders in riparian protection work to improve water quality and habitat for native fish.
Minister Kelly MLA, said the State Government is committed to supporting the health of regional estuaries as they are a valued asset to communities and support local jobs.
“The restoration work on Yakamia Creek at Centennial Park will help restore and protect Albany’s natural environment, making it an even better place to live, work and visit.
“Oyster Harbour is widely used by the community for both recreational and commercial purposes – from fishing for fun to supporting local jobs through the farming of oysters and mussels.
“It also supports the local economy through tourism given its unique attractions including ancient Aboriginal fish traps, giant rays and birdlife.”
Local Member for Albany, Peter Watson MLA said that it was great to see local government and groups partnering with the Government and the Menang people to achieve real outcomes for Albany.
“If we can restore Yakamia Creek in a way that cleans up the water running into Oyster Harbour as well as improving our public open space and native habitat, then we will continue to have high quality waterways and sustainable commercial and recreational use of the estuary.”