RIVERVIEW The Swan Canning Riverpark’s magazine ISSUE 4

FEATURES

The changing face of our rivers Gone crabbing Birds of a feather Monitoring the heartbeat of our rivers

REGULARS • River Guardians • Competitions • Creature FeatureRiverView, • RiverView Issue 4, Autumn/Winter interview 2015 1 WELCOME We have another varied offering of stories in this fourth edition of RiverView, reflecting the multiple values the rivers hold for the Perth community.

You don’t have to look hard to see the major transformation taking place around the river near Perth. We have included a snapshot of developments such as Elizabeth Quay, Waterbank, Point Fraser, the new Perth Stadium and Belmont Racecourse which will have a massive bearing on how our city relates to the river. Naturally, the Trust works closely with planners and developers to ensure these developments meet environmental standards and to ensure high quality outcomes for judge I can attest it just keeps the community and the long term getting harder to pick the winners health of the waterway. from such an array of talent. The Riverpark’s aquatic user We have more amazing bird landscape has also changed photographs with Mike Bamford’s dramatically and new wave sports piece on our feathered friends – such as kiteboarding, stand up what Mike doesn’t know about birds paddle boarding and wakeboarding on the rivers is probably not worth have changed the way we recreate knowing. on our rivers. These sports have Mike makes reference to the osprey brought with them new freedoms, nesting tower recently installed at technologies and recreational Pelican Point through the efforts of challenges that will unfold over the the Swan Estuary Reserves Action next decade. Group and others. I was lucky to Our feature on monitoring the rivers’ attend its official unveiling and heartbeat gives a glimpse into the was happy to learn that within two critical work the Trust does with weeks of the tower’s installation a its key partner, the Department of pair of prospective osprey tenants Water. was making inspections. Build it Each and every week we measure and they will come. the health in the Swan and Canning, As always, I acknowledge our many not to collect numbers merely to fill partners who make all this work reports – we use this information possible. every week to help make informed Reflect for a moment on people management decisions about the such as volunteers Richard and river in both the immediate and the Jo Stone featured in our Canning long term. River story on page 39 who have This edition has some remarkable devoted so much of their personal Issue 4, Autumn/Winter 2015 photographs of life in and around lives – a quarter of a century - to the © Swan River Trust the rivers. We have a magnificent well-being of the Riverpark. Where Contributions and comments are sample of photos from this year’s would these precious waterways be welcome and should be sent to River Guardians photography without people like that? [email protected] competition. Photo: Matt Kleczkowski Rod Hughes Cover photo: Lori Sharkey It was another year of record entries General Manager Back cover photo: Matt Kleczkowski – and with the privilege of being a Swan River Trust Design: Miranda Holker and Rachel Hutton, Swan River Trust 2 RiverView, Issue 4, Autumn/Winter 2015 Subscribe at www.swanrivertrust.wa.gov.au/ news/riverview-magazine/subscribe CONTENTS

The watersports revolution 4 Feathered friends 8 Photographers share their river stories 13 Reshaping city rivers 19 Swimming Matilda 22 Monitoring our rivers’ heartbeat 23 River Guardians 26 River Rangers 30 Riverpark News 32 Crabbing in the Riverpark 35 Landcare heroes 39 Campaign for river gains 42 Swanfish - fishing for the future 44 RiverView Interview 46 Wild Life 48 Creature feature 50

NGAALA KAADITJ WHADJUK MOORT KEYEN KAADAK NIDJA BOODJA. WE ACKNOWLEDGE THE WHADJUK PEOPLE AS THE ORIGINAL CUSTODIANS OF THE LAND AND WATERS.

RiverView, Issue 4, Autumn/Winter 2015 3 THE WATERSPORTS REVOLUTION

Traditional watersports such as rowing and sailing were born in the Swan River during the 1880s and still enjoy strong followings today. But in the past 10 years new wave sports such as kiteboarding, stand up paddle boarding, sea kayaking, wakeboarding and jetskiing have transformed how aquatic users interact with the Swan and Canning rivers. 4 RiverView, Issue 4, Autumn/Winter 2015 Wakeboarding is visually exciting and has really connected with young river revellers. Picture: Luke Baker. Previous page picture of kiteboarding by Matt Kleczkowski.

Story: Mark Thornley around 5000 people are using the He also stressed environmental ot since windsurfing Swan and Canning rivers at various consideration must be given to the first became popular times to recreate by some means of launch sites for these craft to help in the 1990s has there watersport - a rapid increase since protect the Riverpark’s reed and been such an aquatic waterskiing began on the Swan and foreshore areas from random use revolution. Colourful, Canning rivers almost 70 years ago. and degradation. Nspectacular and extremely mobile, these new watersports offer river “Certainly having newer sports such “WARWSA have for the last users unprecedented access to as kiteboarding, stand up paddle few years conducted a regular reinstatement process at our facility popular and remote Swan Canning boarding and even jetskiing has put and as a result have reversed Riverpark destinations. an extra level of pressure not just on our sport but on the river system in the erosion of the foreshore and Rather than driving their cars general,” said WAWSA president Paul re-established a viable beach at people now kayak or paddle board Hobbs. Burswood,” he said. to riverfront restaurants, cafes, “This work is ongoing and should events and friends’ houses. “But it is a huge positive for our state that new watersports are be required at future launch sites for Breaking the traditional sports club developing all the time. The other watersports.” model, enthusiasts can now choose challenge now is to accommodate To help manage potential to launch from many riverfront them on the river system and watersport conflicts the Swan River locations, setting their own course help the new sports develop and Trust and Department of Transport through the jostling Riverpark. administer their sports through well recently revised waterski zones and Apart from an obvious increase in managed governing bodies.” boat speed limits under the Aquatic aquatic traffic these watersports Use and Management Framework. WA Recreational Watersports There is now a dedicated jetski have introduced new technologies, Association President John new events and new challenges zone in Melville Waters and five Pettersson believes the rivers are dedicated public waterskiing zones to the Riverpark’s aquatic user big enough for everybody but landscape. in Freshwater Bay, Point Walter and watersport enthusiasts need to stick Point Heathcote on the Swan River. Like any significant environmental to defined activity areas. change many issues have begun The largest zone on the Canning “There is adequate capacity for begins just south of the Canning to emerge including user group the accommodation of the newer conflict, foreshore erosion, varying Bridge, taking in Deep Water Point watersports on the Swan River and stretching to Aquinas Bay. This interpretations of watercraft rules, but potential for conflict and access is balanced with a number council parking dilemmas and accidents must be eliminated by the of exclusion zones and jetskis are commercial operator licensing. enforcement of designated areas for restricted at Alfred Cove, Pelican The Western Australian Water Ski each type of activity,” Mr Pettersson Point and Milyu in the Swan Estuary Association (WAWSA) estimates said. Marine Park.

RiverView, Issue 4, Autumn/Winter 2015 5 MOST POPULAR WATERSPORTS

Stand up paddle boarding Stand up paddle boarding is one of the fastest growing recreational sports in the world and is emerging as a watersport favourite around the Riverpark. It’s easy to learn and great exercise for your core strength. Some people even do yoga classes on them. Extremely portable, stable and ideal for people of all ages and fitness levels stand up paddleboards (or SUPs) are relatively easy to control in the Riverpark’s sheltered bays but become increasingly harder to handle and navigate in strong Sea kayaking and canoeing are great ways to explore remote Riverpark bays. Picture: Jane Hilton. winds. to complete. From Deep Water Point enthusiasts carving and jumping Available in many sizes for flat water to Kent Street Weir is 11km and a boat wakes while contorting paddling or wave riding SUPs have full day return paddle. Both offer an themselves into gravity defying attracted a large following primarily amazing experience for novice and positions. interested in social exercise and experienced paddlers. Deep Water Point in Mount Pleasant recreational paddling. Participants will often see dolphins, and the Burswood foreshore are Giving river users access to places long necked tortoises and over renowned for waterskiing and where boats can’t reach, SUPs offer 30 species of birdlife. There are wakeboarding and offer great boat experienced paddlers great touring no rapids in this section of river ramp launching facilities and good possibilities along dramatic cliff but there are plenty of channels protection from the prevailing lines in North Fremantle, Blackwall and islands to explore. There are southerly winds. Reach and Freshwater Bay. designated canoe launching sites at Both locations offer smooth Other popular SUP locations include Masons Landing, Kent Street Weir, stretches of water for wakeboarders the relatively sheltered Riverside Riverton Jetty Park and Woodloes and water skiers to hone their skills. Park. Gardens in Bayswater, Bardon Park Kiteboarding in Maylands, Fishmarket Reserve In winter more experienced Colourful, exhilarating and able and Mosman Bay. kayakers turn their attention to Bells to be packed into a small carry Rapids and the confluence of the Kayaking the Canning bag, kiteboarding epitomises the Avon and Swan rivers to negotiate freedom and convenience of our Sea kayaking has grown rapidly in some challenging white water modern lifestyles and has gradually the Riverpark and is a great way to conditions and the annual Avon replaced windsurfing as the newest view wildlife, explore remote bays Descent event. and pack a gourmet picnic to enjoy and most fashionable watersport in on the riverbanks. Wakeboarding and Waterskiing the Riverpark. In fact canoeing is general has The Western Australian Water Ski Kiteboarding combines aspects thrived and is a great way to Association has approximately of wakeboarding, windsurfing, discover the natural beauty of the 350 members that regularly use surfing and paragliding into one Canning River Regional Park. gazetted areas for waterskiing, extreme sport and during 2012, wakeboarding, barefoot skiing the International Sailing Federation Hidden in Perth’s southern suburbs and tournament waterskiing. estimated there were 1.5 million this serene stretch of the Canning While waterskiing has been a kiteboarders worldwide. River is lined with paperbarks, regular fixture in the Riverpark A windsurfing and kiteboarding extensive sedge lands and fringing for 70 years, wakeboarding is mecca, Pelican Point offers full woodlands that make this estuarine a relative newcomer that grew exposure to the fresh Fremantle vegetation some of the best in the out of “skurfing” on conventional Doctor seabreeze during the Riverpark. surfboards. summer months and captures the The Canning River canoe trail runs Capturing a younger demographic brunt of strong north westerly gales from Mt Henry Bridge to Hester Park wakeboarding uses slick boats and during winter. An ideal location and takes about 2.5 hours one way brightly coloured wakeboards with for novice kiteboarders who can

6 RiverView, Issue 4, Autumn/Winter 2015 experiment, fall off and practice in the shallow waters, Pelican Point also offers experienced sailors access to more challenging offshore sailing in the busy traffic of the main boating channel. Other popular kiteboarding locations around the Riverpark include Melville Beach Parade and Point Walter. Windsurfing Set in the world’s third windiest city, windsurfing exploded in Perth during the 90s and soon took over the Riverpark’s landscape. The sport’s varied forms of slalom and wave sailing appeal to people of all ages and today the community still enjoy windsurfing at a range of locations including Point Walter, Pelican Point, Matilda Bay and Melville Beach Parade. Popular with beginners wishing to learn how to sail windsurfers or kiteboards, Melville Beach Parade and Pelican Point capture most of the prevailing south westerly winds. Both locations are shallow for a long way out and do not attract major Above: Windsurfing is still very popular around the Riverpark. Below: Stand up paddle boarding boating traffic close to the shore. has resonated with women seeking social exercise. Pictures: Matt Kleczkowski.

RiverView, Issue 4, Autumn/Winter 2015 7 FEATHERED FRIENDS

Birds are colourful visitors to the Swan Canning Riverpark, with the over 100 species recorded around the rivers.

8 RiverView, Issue 4, Autumn/Winter 2015 Story: Mike Bamford, BirdLife WA Chair and productive shallows of the persist. There are also adjacent parks Riverpark, especially in summer with some bushland and often n recent years, over 100 bird when many inland wetlands are with freshwater wetlands along species have been recorded in dry. Some are local birds that spend the two rivers as far downstream the Swan Canning Riverpark most of their time as residents. as Blackwall Reach. These areas including 80 different support a range of bushbirds as well The Riverpark is not all about waterbirds. At Alfred Cove, as other wildlife. Ione of the largest and most diverse waterbirds. Birds of prey include birdlife sites on the rivers you Eastern Ospreys, Little Eagles, Unfortunately, shoreline vegetation will find ospreys, swans, a range Australian Hobby, Black-Shouldered has been lost from large stretches of ducks, sandpipers, plovers, Kite, Brown Falcons, Whistling Kites of the Swan River around Perth and cormorants, gulls, terns, herons, ibis, and Sea Eagles. They can often be Melville Waters, and continues to be oystercatchers and even shy crakes seen hunting schools of mullet in threatened by shoreline erosion and and rails. the shallows or small rodents and vandals, but there are replanting lizards on the riverbanks. programs in place. Many of these species are migrants that breed in the northern Shoreline vegetation is largely intact This sort of revegetation allows the hemisphere and visit Australia only in the upper reaches of both the shoreline to act as a corridor for to avoid the northern winter. Other Swan and the Canning, so even shy wildlife to move up and down the birds come from across Australia bushbirds like the Splendid Fairy- river, through the suburbs and even to seek refuge on the reliable wren and Yellow-Rumped Thornbill right past the city doorstep.

Above: Pied Oystercatchers are something of a mystery. A largely marine species unknown to the Riverpark until the late 1980s, there are now several hundred resident around Melville Water and the Swan River’s lower reaches. Pairs have also attempted to breed on the Point Walter sandbar. Perhaps the lower estuary is becoming more marine as freshwater flows decline and tides push a little higher, creating an environment that attracts these striking birds. The bird pictured above has fishing line wrapped around both legs. Rubbish, including discarded fishing line and tackle, is a growing problem for Riverpark wildlife. Initiatives like the Swan River Trust’s fishing line bin project are helping address the issue. Facing page: The Eastern Great Egret is a stately wading bird that can be seen in small numbers throughout the Riverpark. There are usually three or four of these majestic birds in the samphire marsh of Alfred Cove, and up to seven along the Canning River Regional Park. Egrets feed by stalking small fish, insects and crustacea, then quickly striking down to snap up their prey. The Eastern Great Egret is listed as migratory under federal conservation legislation, although the birds in Australia are not true migrants. Pictures: Matt Kleczkowski.

RiverView, Issue 4, Autumn/Winter 2015 9 10 RiverView, Issue 4, Autumn/Winter 2015 The Curlew Sandpiper (above) breeds in northern Asia. It occurred in its hundreds at Alfred Cove and Pelican Point up to the 1990s, but its numbers have declined. There are small populations along Waylen Bay in Applecross and in the Milyu Marine Reserve. It has diminished across much of its range, possibly due to habitat destruction in east Asia. The Curlew Sandpiper forages by touch, probing their sensitive bills into soft mud to catch small invertebrates such as shrimps and tiny molluscs. Their bills are equipped with sensory organs that can detect the movement of their hidden prey. Picture: Lochman Transparencies. Facing page: Perth is extraordinarily lucky to have resident pairs of magnificent Eastern Ospreys, with one nest in a pine tree above the Old Swan Brewery and other nests located along the Peppermint Grove and Blackwall Reach cliffs. Nesting platforms have also been installed at Alfred Cove and Pelican Point. So desperate was one osprey pair that several years ago they attempted to construct a nest on an idle crane on Mill Point Road, South Perth. Picture: Matt Kleczkowski. Where to see them - bird watching hotspots Alfred Cove Sir James Mitchell Park Excellent for a range of waterbirds including What were once open drains destined to be filled sandpipers, herons and egrets. Try for a photo of in have been widened into a network of lakes. more than 100 Black Swans with the city skyline Ducks and other waterbirds are abundant. in the background. Small numbers of migratory Bull Creek sandpipers and plovers still occur here. A quiet refuge not far from busy Leach Highway. Point Walter A favourite of the curious Musk Duck which loaf Very good for waterbirds including Pied in the sheltered waters. The fringing forest and Oystercatchers, with the added advantage of nearby bushland support a variety of bushbirds. a large woodland reserve with bushbirds like Canning River Regional Park Red-Tailed Black-Cockatoos and the bonus of spectacular views across Blackwall Reach. Excellent for a range of waterbirds, including elusive crakes and rails, along the Canning River Pelican Point and at Wilson Lagoon, Carden Lakes and Liege A variety of bird species are still present. Watch out Street Wetland. Australian Grebes also nest along for the Variegated Fairy-wrens. These birds have the river and canoeists should enjoy these birds persisted in isolation for decades and have recently from a distance. A wide variety of bushbirds can be spread into Kings Park. found in the surrounding areas. Over 100 species Milyu Marine Reserve have been recorded in this park alone. A surprisingly good place for waterbirds given Eric Singleton Reserve and Bird Sanctuary the Kwinana Freeway is only metres away. Take An urban freshwater wetland, Eric Singleton your binoculars for a bike ride but remember to is about 8km from the city in Bayswater. The keep left, as the cycleway is one of the busiest sanctuary is home to many birds including herons, commuter routes in the city. robins, honeyeaters and hawks.

RiverView, Issue 4, Autumn/Winter 2015 11 Left: Until about 2008, Red-Tailed Black-Cockatoos were virtually unknown around Perth except in the Eastern Hills. Around that time the birds began to expand their range on to the coastal plain. In 2010, harsh conditions and poor flowering of Marri trees, their major food source, may have given the ‘Red- Tails’ some incentive. These enormous cockatoos discovered bushland reserves throughout Perth, and learnt to forage on plants they would not traditionally have eaten, such as the seeds of the Cape Lilac. The Red-Tails have stayed in the suburbs, with one group seen regularly around Point Walter where there are still Marri trees in the reserve as well as gardens that provide a smorgasbord of other food-plants. Picture: Doug Lim.

Below left: The iconic Black Swan is one of the Riverpark’s winners. For much of the 20th Century, Black Swans were a rarity on the river named after them, but early in the 21st Century something changed. A fence at Alfred Cove to keep dogs out of the reserve surely helped, but higher water levels may have improved foraging habitat for swans. They can now be seen from the Kwinana Freeway and a few pairs are breeding around Sir James Mitchell Park and Point Walter. Picture: Matt Christie.

Below: A budgie-sized visitor that breeds in Siberia, the Red-necked Stint once occurred in its thousands on the fertile mudflats of Alfred Cove, roosting at high tide along Milyu Marine Reserve and at Pelican Point. It is now rare to see more than a dozen of these little stints. Habitat destruction in east Asia has seen them lose the refuelling stations where they forage on migration, while in the Riverpark itself, a gradual change in water levels means that the mudflats are rarely exposed so there is nowhere for them to feed. Pelican Point, once described as the jewel in the Swan River’s ornithological crown and visited early one morning in the 1960s by Prince Phillip specifically to see the birds, now lacks swirling flocks of chattering stints. Picture: Lochman Transparencies.

12 RiverView, Issue 4, Autumn/Winter 2015 Smooth by amateur category winner Nathan Eaton captured the textural splendour of the South Perth foreshore. PHOTOGRAPHERS SHARE THEIR RIVER STORIES The Swan and Canning rivers took centre stage in the 2015 River Guardians photography competition. The stories and images of some of Perth’s talented amateur photographers have been featured across the Community Newspaper Group.

hotographers around activities around Perth’s Swan and “In some ways it’s taken me on Perth have shared their Canning rivers, as well as capturing a journey - I feel like I’ve truly stories of the Swan beautiful images of our unique discovered our beautiful Swan. Canning Riverpark in the wildlife. “Over the past few years the talent 2015 River Guardians Winners shared in digital cameras, I’m seeing is incredible, it just keeps Pphotography competition. And the Scitech passes and Finn kayaks. getting better and better.” results are stunning. Competition judge Dan Paris, The winners: This year’s competition attracted who rose to fame in the 90s on Amateur category: First prize a record number of entries, with popular Australian television Nathan Eaton, second prize Kay more than 500 submissions across show Neighbours, is now forging a Cypher. amateur, junior, people’s choice and successful career as a photographer Junior category: First prize a new Instagram category. and said he was impressed with the Maximillian Karelis, second prize The theme ‘What’s your story’ calibre of the entries. Tyler Armenti. saw talented image makers share “Studying each entry in detail is an Instagram: Nicole Tien. their favourite places, people and absolute joy,” he said. People’s choice: Sarah Guiton.

RiverView, Issue 4, Autumn/Winter 2015 13 Clockwise from top: Sunset Como Jetty by Dianne Kelsey, Mexican Wave Tern Style by Sue Harper, Reflections of Mount Lawley by Emily Carroll, Bells Gold by Dougal Topping, Successful Dawn Hunt by Melissa Zappelli, Sailing Away by Maximillian Karelis (junior category winner), Dolphin Watching by Sarah Guiton (people’s choice winner).

14 RiverView, Issue 4, Autumn/Winter 2015 RiverView, Issue 4, Autumn/Winter 2015 15 Instagram entries left to right: @brizza79, @yellodarg, @tarz75, @nicolezehn (Instagram category winner), @_mattchristie_

Clockwise from above left: Bridge Between Two Banks by Tyler Armenti (junior category second prize winner), Canning Gem by Douwe Hoeksema, Simple Pleasures by Chris Owen, Matilda’s Sunrise by Vanessa Stylianou, Stormy Summer Nights by Jesse Mouritz.

16 RiverView, Issue 4, Autumn/Winter 2015 Instagram entries left to right: @brizza79, @yellodarg, @tarz75, @nicolezehn (Instagram category winner), @_mattchristie_

Above: Oh What A Night by Kay Cypher (amateur category second prize winner), left: Getting Active by Ceri Foster.

RiverView, Issue 4, Autumn/Winter 2015 17 FRIENDS OF RIVER GUARDIANS

Friends of River Guardians are Perth riverside businesses that help support RiverWise initiatives by providing discounts on goods and services for River Guardians members. To view the special offers provided by our Friends, please visit riverguardians.com

18 RiverView, Issue 4, Autumn/Winter 2015 Waterbank is one of several major developments taking place around the Swan River. RESHAPING CITY RIVERS Some of the largest riverfront developments in Perth’s history are set to change the way we interact with our rivers.

Story: Miranda Holker major revamp of These goals are shared by the Perth our vision to see more natural, softer Perth’s river foreshores community and were highlighted edges in the design, protection of is underway, and the through consultation by Lend Lease the river, and recognition of the Swan River Trust is in the early stages of the Waterbank heritage of the area. closely involved in project, which will connect the “The overwhelming requirement of the planning process for projects Perth CBD with Burswood. A all the stakeholders was to provide such as the new Perth Stadium, Lend Lease Project Director Tim greater opportunity to interact with Waterbank and Elizabeth Quay. Urquhart said the consultation the Swan River.” Trust Statutory Planning Manager process run through the Hornery The location of these major Glen McLeod-Thorpe said the Institute asked stakeholders riverfront developments on Trust’s role varied – from providing including government agencies, sensitive foreshore areas means advice to decision-making community groups and potential protecting the environmental authorities, to issuing approvals visitors, residents and tenants health of the rivers is of paramount and making recommendations to about their vision for the Waterbank importance. the Environment Minister for larger project. projects. Encouragingly, many developers “The masterplan was updated to are increasingly prioritising the “The Trust helps set environmental reflect that community vision of environment in their designs. conditions and mitigation strategies having connection to the greater Waterbank, for example, will include for developers on issues such as site public spaces, a softer more water sensitive urban design with dewatering and public access,” Mr natural environment with more bio filtration to strip nutrients using McLeod-Thorpe said. opportunities to interact with the plants and a stormwater system that water and improved landscape “Regardless of the approval will naturally filter the water before quality,” Mr Urquhart said. framework, the Trust’s goals are it finds its way into the river. There always the same – to help achieve “We also ran a consultation process are also plans to include education the best outcomes for the ecological with families representing the on sustainability and river health health and community benefit of traditional owners and those issues which may be realised as the Swan and Canning rivers.” workshops influenced a key part of public art or interpretive signage.

RiverView, Issue 4, Autumn/Winter 2015 19 “THE ASPECT I’M EXCITED ABOUT, BOTH FROM THE TRUST’S PERSPECTIVE AND AS A RIVER USER MYSELF, IS THE IMPROVED OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE BIG PROJECTS RECREATING IN AND AROUND THE RIVERPARK.” - GLEN MCLEOD-THORPE

Department of Treasury Principal Product Director John Tondut said the new Perth Stadium Environmental Management Strategy is focused on protecting the health of the Swan River and the flora and fauna in the area from impacts of the development. “The project team and the construction contractor, Brookfield Multiplex, are charged with the responsibility of continually monitoring and assessing environmental data, ensuring the protection and long term use of the Swan River and Burswood Peninsula,” he said. Elizabeth Quay is already well underway with bulk excavation works due to begin in May 2015. The Trust reviews weekly water quality and turbidity monitoring results, and meets regularly with the Metropolitan Redevelopment Authority’s (MRA) project managers New Perth Stadium and Sports Precinct. View from south east. and contractors to ensure continued compliance with management plans New Perth Stadium and Sports Precinct and conditions. Location: Burswood Peninsula The MRA have responded with a Land size: 6ha of the northern portion of the Burswood Peninsula raft of environmental controls to protect the Swan River’s ecology Value: $1.2 billion over the life of the contract, covering the costs during construction. These include during the design and construction phase, as well as the 25 year independent marine mammal observers maintenance period to ensure dolphins aren’t close to the Project description: Multi-purpose sport and entertainment venue project site during noisy works like pile within an activated Precinct driving, triple silt curtains to contain any debris created by excavation, and Length of foreshore in development area: Approximately 1km the use of photosynthetically active Key river interaction points: The design of the Stadium will radiation (PAR) loggers, which monitor incorporate views of the Swan River and Perth City while the the amount of light available to the Sports Precinct will include a number of walking and cycling river’s aquatic flora. tracks, children’s playgrounds, picnic and barbecue areas and an Trust Statutory Planning Manager Glen amphitheatre located on the banks of the Swan River. Existing McLeod-Thorpe said he was excited, pathways around the river will be enhanced by a new boardwalk both from the Trust’s perspective and as around the river-fed lake that forms a feature of the Sports Precinct. a river user, for improved opportunities The Swan River Pedestrian Bridge will provide new connection from for recreating in and around the East Perth to the Burswood Peninsula and will be designed to be an Riverpark. entry statement into the Sports Precinct. The existing Windan Bridge will provide another pedestrian route for visitors to the Stadium and “The projects are being designed to Sports Precinct. A covered Community Arbour, representing Noongar offer both passive and active recreation Community stories, will link the six-platform Stadium Station to the opportunities as well as the opportunity Swan River. to have a meal or coffee in a new riverside café or restaurant,” he said.

20 RiverView, Issue 4, Autumn/Winter 2015 View of Elizabeth Quay from the planned BHP Billiton water park.

Elizabeth Quay Location: The project area is framed by William Street, Length of foreshore in development area: The newly The Esplanade and Barrack Street in the Perth CBD. created inlet covers 2.7 hectares Land size: 10 hectares Key river interaction points: Elizabeth Quay will create a new waterfront precinct at the foot of Perth's Value: $440 million Government investment funding central business district where people can interact the cost of public infrastructure, including construction with the Swan River and enjoy a café culture around of the inlet, roads and services and the creation of an inlet. The inlet will house 24 boat moorings; in public space, and $2.2 billion in investment attraction. addition Transperth ferries will operate from the Project description: Offices, apartments and a Western Promenade. Visitors will be able to move Ritz-Carlton hotel set around a 2.7 hectare inlet and down the steps of a landing on to decking and literally connected by waterfront promenades lined with cafés, touch the water’s edge. An island surrounded by rock bars and restaurants. When complete, the precinct will revetments will also be accessible along with Williams be a future workplace for 10,000 people and home to Landing, located at the southern edge of the Western 1400 residents. Promenade.

Waterbank Location: East Perth between Trinity College and Key river interaction points: Waterbank will have the Causeway formal and informal beach areas where there will be opportunities for the public to launch canoes and Land size: 6ha paddleboats. Developers believe it will offer an ideal Value: $1 billion swimming location with easy entry, shallow water, Project description: Commercial, residential and retail good surveillance and calm water. There will also be opportunity to enjoy a diverse range of food and Length of foreshore in development area: 350m beverages with river views.

RiverView, Issue 4, Autumn/Winter 2015 21 Swim Thru competitors enjoy perfect conditions as they enter the Swan River in their category waves. SWIMMING MATILDA Story and pictures: Mark Thornley Despite many changes to the younger days in South Africa, Mr course and distance over the years Blackbeard is now a regular top atilda Bay is the event has always been held place getter in Perth’s open water synonymous with in the Swan River in January. A swims, including third place in the swimming legends highlight of Perth’s busy open 2014 Rottnest Channel Swim. and is the site of water swimming calendar the Swim Australia’s oldest Taking out the women’s event – and Thru attracts swimmers of all ages Mopen water swimming event. third place overall – was 33 year old and standards and celebrates the Jaime Bowler in 54 minutes and Founded in 1912 the prestigious Swan Canning Riverpark with a 18 seconds while 11 year old Joshua Swim Thru event continues to community barbecue under the Edwards-Smith took out the Ron attract leading Western Australian trees at Matilda Bay Reserve. Grannery Trophy for the youngest and Australian swimmers. This swimmer to complete the 4km year a record field of over 250 Blessed with beautiful warm, still conditions participants posted course, in an excellent time of competitors tackled the Swan 1 hour, 2 minutes and 59 seconds. River’s challenging 1.6km or 4km fast race times in their quest for course in the Minara Resources thousands of dollars of prizes while Claremont Masters Swimming Club Swim Thru. a large spectator crowd soaked up coordinated the event and donated the sun and colourful spectacle. $6000 of proceeds from the entry Over the race’s 103 year history fees, raffle and kiosk to the WA it has only been interrupted by Reflecting the event’s age diversity, Disabled Sports Association. the two World Wars and a polio line honours went to 56 year old epidemic. The event has been swum Paul Blackbeard in a time of Entries open each November for and won by olympians and world 54 minutes and 5 seconds, closely the annual Swim Thru race which is champions including event patron followed by Torsten Schlitter (36), in usually held on the third Sunday of and seven times world marathon 54 minutes 14 seconds, with third January. swimming champion Shelley Taylor- place going to Samuel Lade (20), in Please visit the event website - Smith who first entered and won the time of 54 minutes 37 seconds. www.swimthruperth.org for more the race as a 12 year old girl. An accomplished swimmer in his information.

22 RiverView, Issue 4, Autumn/Winter 2015 MONITORING OUR RIVERS’ HEARTBEAT RiverView, Issue 4, Autumn/Winter 2015 23 The management of the Swan and Canning rivers is underpinned by one of Australia’s most robust water quality monitoring programs, providing scientists with vital data to protect the estuary into the future.

Story and pictures: Jennifer Eliot picture of water quality in the Swan Canning estuary. he comprehensive river monitoring program “This allows us to track how began on the Swan and environmental factors are changing Canning rivers in 1995 throughout the year while also and 20 years on the providing consistent long-term data partnershipT between the Swan River which is critical to identify emerging Trust and the Department of Water trends,” Mr Hams said. is putting science at the forefront of river management. “SAMPLING IN THE The monitoring program tests 21 sites on the Swan River and 19 sites CATCHMENT PROVIDES on the Canning River each week DATA ON NUTRIENT and 32 sites in the Swan Canning INPUTS TO THE SYSTEM Catchment each fortnight. AND GIVES SCIENTISTS The catchment monitoring focuses THE INFORMATION on nutrients entering the system as NEEDED TO DETERMINE they are the driver of algal growth and biological activity, while the THE IMPACT OF estuary monitoring focuses on RESTORATION AND Chlorophyll-a and algal species and REMEDIATION WORKS IN abundance as a response to nutrient THE CATCHMENT.” levels. The program also examines suspended solids, dissolved oxygen, - ALEX HAMS salinity, water temperature, pH, dissolved organic carbon, silicon Mr Hams said data collected from dioxide and alkalinity. the water monitoring program allowed the Trust, the Department Trust River Health Program Manager of Water, community groups and Alex Hams said the program took riverfront land managers to make samples in the river and in the informed management decisions “Long-term, consistent data is catchment to provide a comparative based on solid science. invaluable,” Mr Hams said. “We are constantly reviewing the Jane Brook information and feeding it into the management of the river system. Middle Swan Bridge “We use the data to help guide how Bennett Brook we operate the oxygenation plants Helena River Swan River sites and to monitor the effectiveness Canning River sites of the plants and the impact they have on the health of water quality

Tonkin Highway Bridge within the oxygenation zone. This is why there are so many sites in the

Narrows Bridge upper reaches. Heirisson Island “The data also helps indicate when or where harmful algal blooms

Canning Bridge are occurring which allows us to alert the community and relevant Shelley Bridge stakeholders. “The monitoring helps us to

Fremantle Tra c Bridge determine any improvement and Mt Henry Bridge changes in the river system. It looks N 1 0 1 2 3 4 5 km at what trends are emerging and the impacts they might have on the

24 RiverView, Issue 4, Autumn/Winter 2015 Above: Water quality samples are collected from 32 sites every fortnight at the outlets of each of the sub-catchments to provide a comparative picture of nutrients entering the Swan Canning river system. Pictured are Department of Water Environmental Officer Dominic Heald and Swan River Trust Indigenous Trainee John Narrier. Below right: Catchment monitoring focuses on nutrients and other important water quality data. Previous page: Swan Canning Riverpark sampling sites. Page 23: Department of Water Environmental Officer Mark Shackleton monitors algal species and abundance on a Swan River monitoring run. ecology of the rivers and enables us The Trust publishes quarterly water to respond proactively.” quality reports for both the Swan The Swan River Trust publishes Canning estuary and catchment this water quality information in a that summarise the data collected variety of formats on its website. for that year. The information is accessible weekly Sub-catchment nutrient reports are to the public as raw data, reports also available that summarise the or easy to understand graphics. nutrient levels entering the system It includes vertical plots showing from priority catchments. salinity, oxygen content (mg/L and percentage saturation) and water temperature. The Trust also produces the For more information visit: Microalgae Activity Report which tells the public if there is a low, www.swanrivertrust. medium or high algal activity wa.gov.au/the-river-system/ at various sites throughout the evaluation-and-reporting/ Swan Canning estuary. This report is published weekly in the West Australian newspaper.

RiverView, Issue 4, Autumn/Winter 2015 25 Picture: Stewart Allen

RIVER GUARDIANS

Swan Canning Riverpark home. Volunteers have submitted 13,673 LOVE OUR RIVER reports since the project began CLEAN UP DAY making amazing discoveries about his year is promising the dolphins. to be a bumper one More than 60 people turned for the River Guardians The Prawn Watch project continues out at Bicton Baths on 1 March program. There are more to train and involve volunteers in to lend a hand and help clean members, a hugely collecting Western School Prawns up the foreshore from the Baths popularT photo competition and from the Riverpark to help monitor up to Point Walter. Clean Up fantastic member discounts. and restock the population. Australia Day sees volunteers With more than 2600 River More ‘Reel It In’ fishing line bins work to remove rubbish from Guardians members and close have been installed around the all corners of the country, and to 1000 trained citizen science riverbanks to tackle the ongoing it was great to see Perth people volunteers, Perth people are problem of discarded fishing line, banding together for the Swan proving that they care about the tackle and bait bags. Our partners River. The City of Melville, Keep Riverpark. Native Animal Rescue (NAR), Keep Australia Beautiful Council Australia Beautiful Council and WA and the Trust hosted the We would love your help to Recfishwest have been assisting river clean up to promote the encourage more people to join our with the collection and auditing need to protect our rivers and program and stay informed about of the fishing waste and raising waterways by keeping them the state of the rivers and how we community awareness. litter-free. Local dive clubs can all help them. If you have been also cleaned up under jetty thinking about doing something for Stay informed by visiting the River areas and retrieved a 40kg boat the environment, there are several Guardians website - battery, two tyres, a deckchair great projects you can get involved www.riverguardians.com. The and three bottles containing with. ‘What’s On’ section features events octopus! The event showcased and activities you can get involved Citizen science the partner organisations in with your friends and family. through a variety of displays Dolphin Watch now has 889 trained See you around the Riverpark! and activities encouraging volunteers assisting research riverwise behaviours and river into the Indo-Pacific Bottlenose Marnie Giroud health education. Dolphin community that calls the River Guardians Program Manager

26 RiverView, Issue 4, Autumn/Winter 2015

NEW DOLPHIN CALVES IN THE Quick tips RIVERPARK • Enjoy dolphins from a distance – never approach a wild dolphin and ensure 2015 has started with some exciting healthy and is well protected by news about the resident community mother and up to 13 other resident you keep at least 30 metres of Indo-Pacific Bottlenose Dolphins dolphins. away if you are in the water (Tursiops aduncus) that calls the or 100 metres if you are in Akuna is one of our most distinctive Riverpark home. Several dolphins a boat. resident dolphins with a notch out have welcomed new calves, of the top of her dorsal fin. Between boosting numbers of dolphins in October 2013 and October 2014, • Slow down for dolphins. the Swan and Canning rivers to a Akuna was not seen in the Swan They often form resting new high. Canning estuary or in adjacent groups in the middle Delphine Chabanne is a PhD coastal waters during the surveys reaches of the estuary. candidate from Murdoch University conducted by Delphine’s research Keep an eye out for them, studying the Riverpark dolphin team. and slow down if you spot community. Ms Chabanne is In November 2014, Akuna was seen any. collecting biological and ecological with Moon and her calf (now about data through boat-based surveys in 10 months old) and another small • Take your rubbish home. order to improve the assessments dolphin. It was only recently that Dolphins, especially of the conservation status of the Delphine could confirm that the calves can suffer from dolphin population. small dolphin is Akuna’s calf, who is entanglement from During her survey work Ms around one year old. discarded fishing line. Chabanne has been able to confirm On one of her last surveys for the the presence of several new calves summer season, Delphine spotted in the Riverpark during 2015. a newborn calf which she identified Highnitch’s new calf was first seen as Panuni’s calf on 17 February 2015. on 13 January 2015. Highnitch was With the exciting addition of four the mother of Highhope, a calf born new calves to the Riverpark dolphin in August 2011 who died in January community we would like everyone 2013. The cause of death was to keep an eye out for them. unable to be determined, however Highnitch’s new calf is looking

Moon’s calf with Akuna’s calf Nala. Picture: Delphine Chabanne.

RiverView, Issue 4, Autumn/Winter 2015 27 Picture: Tenielle Armour

Volunteering in Monkey Mia The Department of Parks and temperature, wind and barometer Wildlife Monkey Mia Volunteers readings, number of watching by Jennie Hunt contribute to this research in much visitors and names of other dolphins There was lots of excitement when I the same way we do as Dolphin – 17 came in one morning. arrived at Monkey Mia in December Watch volunteers in the Swan 2014. A dolphin named Surprise Canning Riverpark. Our roles were Highlights for me included seeing hadn’t appeared for the morning varied and included helping Parks Surprise and her day old calf, feed and on my second of five days and Wildlife rangers with the contributing to the research, volunteering with the Monkey Mia Dolphin Interaction Program by walking in the bush in the evenings dolphin research program, she and preparing fish for feeding sessions, and seeing so many birds, native her new calf came in for their first manning the visitor information plants, and lizard and kangaroo public outing. They swam along the desk, collecting data for the trails in the sand. shore near the line of moored boats, researchers and sweeping decks. closely followed by researchers Top of the list for me was being so The Dolphin Interaction Program close to the dolphins. We talked observing and photographing their is carefully monitored by rangers with visitors between fish handouts every move. and the dolphin research team. Five while the dolphins rubbed against The Monkey Mia dolphin research female dolphins are fed regularly program is a long term study – Nicky (the oldest at 39), Surprise, our legs. No one is allowed to touch which started in 1984. It examines Puck, Piccolo and Shock. There is the dolphins, but they haven’t read Bottlenose Dolphin social a large population of dolphins in the rule books! All up, an amazing structures, behaviours, patterns of the Shark Bay area, and many have experience. foraging, socialising and caring for names. Jennie Hunt is a River Guardian and their young as well as the impact of Each morning the dolphins arrive Dolphin Watch volunteer. Please environmental factors. at about 7.45am and wait as the note Monkey Mia has a carefully A large group of international rangers talk to the gathering crowd managed dolphin interaction zone scientists including Dr Lars Bejder of visitors. Then the dolphins where dolphins are fed under ranger at Murdoch University contribute are fed. Each dolphin receives a supervision. Dolphins should never to the ongoing research. An carefully measured amount of be fed outside regulated interaction interesting web site - fish with up to three feeds each www.monkeymiadolphins.org - morning. In the minutes before zones. It is illegal and leaves them describes the project and some each feed we collected data for the vulnerable to entanglement, boat findings. researchers including tide height, strikes and disease.

28 RiverView, Issue 4, Autumn/Winter 2015 A REAL ADVENTURE ON THE SWAN Swan River Scenic Cruises • Fremantle Cruises Bus, Lunch & Tram Tours • Perth’s Famous Wine Cruise Upper Swan Lunch Cruise • Twilight Cruise • Zoo Cruise

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Pier 3 Barrack Street Jetty, Perth WA 6000 | B Shed, Victoria Quay, FremantleRiverView, WA 6160Issue 4, Autumn/Winter 2015 29 RIVER RANGERS

Picture: Jennifer Eliot

ecosystem by improving water “The day provided hands-on WETLAND IN quality and planting 150,000 native learning experiences like water FOCUS FOR plants. The activity day supported sampling, dolphin watching and by the City of Bayswater recognised animal encounters,” Mrs Brown said. STUDENT the important contribution students make to their environment and “Environmental activity days are a ACTIVITY DAY communities. great way for local students to learn about their environment and how Swan River Trust education officer they can help to protect it.” The Eric Singleton Bird Sanctuary Linley Brown said students in years was recently the centre of attention 4 to 7 participated in activities Ongoing support is provided for students from City of Bayswater to help them better understand to schools to engage them in schools who participated in an the wetland project. They action-based wetland restoration activity day focused on their local were encouraged to view their activities including planting at the environment. community as an ecosystem and to construction site, drain stencilling Restoration of the wetland is understand the relationships and around school grounds, ongoing underway, with the project processes necessary to support water monitoring and learning aiming to mimic a natural healthy healthy environments. about nature through art projects.

30 RiverView, Issue 4, Autumn/Winter 2015 “These students are ideally placed Riley MacDonald was one of those STUDENTS to look after the river and its unique lucky students to see the dolphins GET SAVVY ON dolphin population and to engage that day. He said, “learning about in action based science projects like dolphin behaviours like snagging DOLPHINS Junior Dolphin Watch,” Mrs Brown and chasing fish was fun. It was said. great to be able to see some of When Brendan Goggins heard Mr Goggins attended a free Dolphin these behaviours in action.” about Junior Dolphin Watch - a Watch training evening where he Luke Willard, now a fully fledged new Swan River Trust citizen learnt about the Riverpark dolphins, Junior Dolphin Watcher, said the science program - he jumped at the how to identify individual dolphins best thing about the project was chance to take part. Mr Goggins, and to document observations. With learning the names of the dolphins a science teacher from Aquinas this newly acquired information and how to identify them. He was College, is passionate about he embarked on the project concerned that some dolphins are science and environmental issues immediately. Ninety Year 7 students impacted by rubbish like fishing and recognises the benefits of the were soon trained as Junior Dolphin project. line, but thought it was cool to Watchers and Mr Goggins took know the public were trained to “Given the unique location of our them out to the river on a quest to look after them. school, Aquinas students have spot dolphins. a long history with the river,” Mr Schools don’t need to be on the Goggins said. Both teacher and students were river to take part in Junior Dolphin elated by the appearance of Watch. The project is open to “Long term stewardship for the river dolphins on their very first visit to all schools in the Swan Canning relies on knowing river issues and the river. catchment and to date 750 students how to take action on those issues.” “On the first Dolphin Watch from 13 schools have undertaken Aquinas College is lucky to sit on excursion my class saw three learning activities about our the banks of the beautiful Canning dolphins come into the bay,” Mr Riverpark dolphins. River and students are in the perfect Goggins said. situation of being able to visit the For more information or to get river without leaving the school “They put on a great show for involved in the program, contact grounds. This is one of the reasons us, jumping out of the water and Swan River Trust Education Officer that Swan River Trust education generally being playful. The boys Linley Brown on 9278 0900 or officer Linley Brown first contacted were thrilled and I was the teacher linley.brown@swanrivertrust. the school. of the year (for that lesson at least).” wa.gov.au.

Picture: Miranda Holker

RiverView, Issue 4, Autumn/Winter 2015 31 RIVERPARK NEWS Fishing line bin trial a success The Swan River Trust has successfully trialled its fishing line bin project on the Swan and Canning riverbanks. More than 25 dedicated fishing line bins were installed at popular jetties, fishing platforms, traffic bridges and boat ramps during 2014 to help reduce the impact of discarded fishing line and tackle on dolphins, water birds Department of Water Director of Water and Landuse Don Crawford, Environment Minister Albert Jacob, Swan River Trust Chairman Hamish Beck and BOC Limited Senior Sales Engineer - and other animals. Chemicals & Energy Graham Raywood. Picture: Jennifer Eliot. Trust Community Engagement Program Manager Jason Menzies said the ‘Reel It In’ fishing line bin NEW OXYGENATION PLANT COMPLETE project was a cost effective solution to a serious problem and delivered significant benefits to Riverpark The health of the Canning Low oxygen levels mainly wildlife and the community. River recently received a boost occur in summer and “In total, more than 8788 metres of with the completion of a autumn and are caused by fishing line, 1743 hooks and sinkers, $1 million oxygenation plant to decomposition of excess 1508 bait bags and 254 items such help reduce the impact of algal organic matter and nutrients. as lures and tackle packets were blooms and to prevent fish collected over nine months,” Mr Mr Cugley said an additional deaths. Swan River Trust River Menzies said. Systems Manager Mark Cugley $1.4 million would be The results show that recreational said the new plant at Nicholson invested to upgrade two older fishers have made excellent use Road doubled the capacity to oxygenation plants upstream of the bins that are emptied of the Kent Street Weir which fortnightly by Native Animal Rescue provide oxygen relief to the volunteers. environment upstream of the service 2.3 km of the Canning River. Seven riverfront councils are now Kent Street Weir. participating in the project and a “It ensures that an extra These two facilities are now 15 further $20,000 investment from 2.2 kilometres of river can years old and will be upgraded the State Government will see using the latest technology an additional 20 fishing line bins have adequate oxygen levels installed and maintained over the at times when levels drop to a once the performance of the next 12 months. These 45 bins are point which harms aquatic life,” new Nicholson Road plant has expected to remove up to Mr Cugley said. been confirmed. 20 kilometres of fishing line per year from the Riverpark. Nutrient stripping wetland nears completion in Bayswater Construction of the Eric Singleton restoring bird and animal habitat. The restored sanctuary will prevent Bird Sanctuary nutrient stripping The redeveloped wetland will divert almost 40 tonnes of sediment and wetland is almost complete with water from the Bayswater Brook into rubbish, 1.3 tonnes of nitrogen and planting to begin this winter. a wetland treatment system. 200 kilograms of phosphorus from entering the Swan River. Swan River Trust Drainage “Water will initially flow through a Intervention Program Manager trap to remove sediment, rubbish During construction, 150,000 native Peter Adkins said the $3 million and other debris, then through plants will be planted. It is the project would reduce sediment, open water and vegetated areas to second wetland to be built by the rubbish, phosphorus and remove nutrients, improving the Liberal-National Government in 12 nitrogen entering the river from quality of the water entering the months following construction of the Bayswater Brook while also Swan River,” Mr Adkins said. the Ellen Brook Wetland.

32 RiverView, Issue 4, Autumn/Winter 2015 Picture: Stewart Allen

River Rangers help break world record The Trust’s River Rangers have played a hand in breaking a tree planting world record. In a Guinness World Record attempt, more than 100 River Rangers teamed up with community group Men of the Trees and 2000 other volunteers in an effort to break the ‘most trees planted simultaneously’ record. In a mammoth effort, the teams put in 1978 native plants at Whiteman Park in one hour. The good work is not finished and Men of the Trees are hoping to do more planting at the park this year to continue the revegetation work.

Fish study shows rivers in good shape PRAWN RESTOCK Research into the health of the and Fisheries – uses a range Swan and Canning rivers has of metrics including diversity found that the waterways are in and number of fish species to Plans to restock the Swan and good shape. evaluate the fish community as Canning rivers with Western School Prawns (river prawns) Swan River Trust River Systems one measure of estuary health. Manager Mark Cugley said the Other measures that contribute have exceeded expectations 2014 Fish Community Index to an overall picture of river this breeding season. Swan showed that fish communities health include water quality, River Trust Principal Scientist in the Swan and Canning rivers seagrass growth and distribution, Dr Kerry Trayler said project from Mosman Park and upstream and a survey of foreshore partners Challenger Institute to the Swan Valley and Kent conditions. of Technology and Murdoch Street Weir had improved since “The 2014 Fish Community Index University had now released the mid-2000s. assessment for the estuary as more than 2.6 million juvenile The fish index – developed by a whole is consistent with the Western School Prawns as part Murdoch University over five pattern of good-fair condition of the three year project. years in collaboration with the assessments in recent years,” Mr Trust and departments of Water Cugley said. “It’s an outstanding outcome that has seen Challenger staff develop world first aquaculture techniques with release rates increasing from 1000 in 2013 to 635,000 in 2014 and almost 2 million in 2015,” she said. Dr Trayler said the three phase project - which included restocking, determining the factors affecting natural recruitment and the citizen science project Prawn Watch - had community participation at its heart. “Prawning on the Swan and Canning rivers is a popular summer pastime and reinvigorating the prawn population will ensure this will Picture: Glenn Storey continue,” Dr Trayler said. RiverView, Issue 4, Autumn/Winter 2015 33 Scitech Planetarium

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RiverviewAdvert_MK1030_0315.indd 1 27/03/2015 2:05:26 PM MIND YOUR MANNAS

RiverView, Issue 4, Autumn/Winter 2015 35 Crabbing in the Swan Canning Riverpark is a recreational institution and a big part of our river culture.

Story: Mark Thornley By day, they usually hide beneath ONE OF THE RIVERPARK’S Pictures: Matt Kleczkowski the sand with only their eyes protruding, ready to launch MOST STRIKING FAUNA, rom December to June themselves, claws outstretched, at MALE BLUE MANNA hundreds of boats dot small fish and invertebrate prey. At popular haunts such as CRABS ARE VIBRANTLY night, they become mobile, using the Matilda Bay/Crawley COLOURED IN ELECTRIC currents to help them find food. foreshore, Mosman Bay, BLUE AND PURPLE. FFreshwater Bay, Canning Bridge One of the Riverpark’s most striking and Perth Water while drop netting fauna, the male Blue Manna Crabs for the hallowed Blue Swimmer are vibrantly coloured in electric Equipped with thick gloves and or Blue ‘Manna’ Crabs as they are blue and purple, particularly on a porous catch bag divers look affectionately known. their nippers while the females for the tell-tale flash of white and are mottled brown. While the crab blue amongst the seaweed or To many families spending a day population is not as large as in other around submerged structures and on the water and catching a feed hotspots like Mandurah, the Swan boat moorings while listening to of ‘blueys’ is a pillar of the relaxed and Canning river Blue Mannas are the magnified sounds of chiming Perth lifestyle and not surprisingly highly regarded and are arguably boat riggings, party music and the Department of Fisheries say the largest specimens in the state. sometimes the excited squeals of Blue Swimmer Crabs (Portunus nearby dolphins. pelagicus) are our most widely Blessed with some of the best sought after recreational species. crabbing in decades Perth The technique for catching a Blue recreational fishermen catch tonnes Manna Crab by hand is fairly simple. These fierce crustaceans are of crabs each season. Spot the crab in your torch light, voracious hunters and can grow to wait until it is relatively still and then a claw span of 80cm from nipper Aside from drop netting, scuba tackle it. Approach the crab slowly to nipper and 25cm across the divers and snorkelers also target until you’re within 30-40cm range carapace. One of the few 10 legged these tasty crustaceans in the rivers and then lunge, grabbing the crab crustaceans found in Australia they usually hunting them early morning firmly by the body (wearing a pair of feed on molluscs, worms and other or at night while drift diving with thick welding gloves makes you feel small crustaceans. high powered waterproof torches. invincible). If you want to try this fun activity Crabbing is a treasured recreational pastime on our rivers. a float with a dive flag or strobing waterproof light and a flouro rash vest or snorkel are essential safety equipment to ensure you remain visible in the water. Scoop netting is also an effective method to spot Blue Swimmers and many river diehards wade the shallows along Waylen Bay, Applecross and the Como and Claremont foreshores in favourable conditions. Blue Swimmer Crabs are great fun to observe and catch but where do these vibrant blue hunters come from? Beginning as small larvae they float down our coastline sometimes up to 80 kilometres offshore before entering our rivers and estuaries to feed and breed. One theory suggests the Blue Swimmers walk in from Cockburn Sound during summer and then walk out to the nearby marine waters again in June/July as the first rains push the Swan Canning

36 RiverView, Issue 4, Autumn/Winter 2015 FACT BOX

A male Blue Manna displays its impressive claws while feeding on a drop off. Size limits – All recreational crabbers should use a crab estuary’s saltwater wedge back crabs to WA’s Blue Swimmer Crab gauge to measure a minimum towards Fremantle harbour. populations fluctuate considerably. 127mm from point to point A range of environmental factors In WA, Blue Swimmer Crabs were across the crab’s carapace. – including water temperature once thought to be part of a single All undersize crabs should be variations, the relative strength of returned to the river system. breeding population, with areas wind and current systems and the along the coast re-populated each amount and timing of rainfall – can Boat limits – A limit of 20 crabs year by the return of larvae from the affect the survival and growth rates per boat and 10 crabs per Indian Ocean. of crab larvae and juveniles. recreational fishing licence However, recent genetic studies The Department of Fisheries is holder apply. indicate that in some areas there currently conducting research into Please return all female blue is limited ‘gene flow’ and a high crab movements within the Swan likelihood that Blue Swimmer swimmer crabs with eggs back Canning estuary and the public can into the water. Crab populations in areas such assist by reporting any captures of as Cockburn Sound or the Swan tagged Blue Manna Crabs within Drop nets must be no wider than Canning estuary may largely the Riverpark. 1.5 metres in diameter. There is depend on their own breeding a maximum limit of 10 drop nets Providing details of where the stocks to maintain population per person or 10 drop nets per numbers. crab was caught, depth of water and if the crab was carrying eggs boat, regardless of how many Each female Blue Manna produces will help researchers monitor the people are aboard. a huge amount of eggs - between Riverpark population and assist with ‘Berried’ (egg-carrying) females 180,000 and two million - in a management initiatives into the caught must also be returned to single spawning but most of future. the water. The eggs appear as a these are consumed by fish or sea For the moment the Riverpark’s Blue jellies before reaching the shallow spongy mass under the female Manna population appears to be estuarine nurseries to feed. crab’s abdomen. The eggs turn thriving and continues to provide from orange to black as they Like our Western Rock Lobster, a treasured recreational pastime to mature. levels of recruitment of adult the Perth community.

RiverView, Issue 4, Autumn/Winter 2015 37 Partnering to protect the environment

For 17 years, Alcoa has partnered with the Since 1999, the Swan River Trust and Alcoa Landcare Swan River Trust and Perth Region NRM to Program (SALP) has provided more than $7 million to support local community groups working fund an incredible 1,210 projects. to improve the health of Perth’s wetlands, We applaud the volunteer efforts of the many hundreds bushlands and river systems. of community members working to protect the environment.

38 RiverView, Issue 4, Autumn/Winter 2015

Client Alcoa (ALCOA) Insert Date 2015-05-20 Acc Dir Prod Mgr

Campaign ALCOA000113 Riverview - Swan River Trust Poster Size (HxW) 297.0 x 210.0 Acc Coor Studio Mgr

Description 2015 Art Dir Studio Op

Filename ALCOA000113_POSTER_A4 Proof/Alt # 3 Writer

Publication Poster Date/Time 2015-04-13 11:28 Notes: Grey fields for internal sign off on hard copy proof. PDF may appear on screen not at actual size. RESTORING CANNING PARKS

Canning River Regional Park Volunteers Richard and Jo Stone. The Swan River Trust and Alcoa Landcare Program helps make the valuable work of volunteer landcare groups - like Canning River Regional Park Volunteers - possible.

Story and pictures: Miranda Holker close encounter with Volunteers to continue their work lake and a river system flowing a tiger snake, the in Litoria Flats - a flood plain that through. It’s very, very special.“ discovery of a rare in winter is mostly under water The group has endured its ups and sedge species and and in spring becomes a carpet downs – the destruction of much of witnessing the return of wildflowers. The group is also their work when a huge fire ripped of birds to their project sites are A replanting an adjoining bank with through the park in 2011 was memorable moments of Richard eucalypts and banksias to provide particularly devastating – but Mrs and Jo Stone’s 25 years with the food and shelter for cockatoos, and Stone says the rewards are vast. Canning River Regional Park building possum boxes for resident Volunteers. The Swan River Trust ringtail possums. ”There are now Black Bream and Alcoa Landcare Program (SALP) spawning at the end of the Litoria The Stone’s connection with the is helping them celebrate this Stream – it has become a nursery park runs deep, and Jo Stone says milestone with funding to continue for them – and the Blue Wrens are the ongoing support of SALP has their restoration work in Perth’s coming back. We see new birds been invaluable. southern suburbs. every time we do a survey,” she said. “This is really a special site,” she Since its beginnings in 1990, the And it’s not just fauna of the furry, said. “I live in Ferndale, and our group has worked on project sites feathered and finned variety that garden backs on to Nicholson Road across the Canning River Regional have been returning to the area. Billabong, which is quite a big Park, with a focus on building watercourse and an important bird “I was at the Nicholson Road corridors for wildlife, protecting and conservation area. I just got really Billabong and I slipped in the mud,” restoring the park’s rich flora, and interested in weeding there, and it Mrs Stone recalls. “I couldn’t get up improving water quality. The latest snowballed into forming a volunteer immediately so I sat there. And this round of SALP funding will see the group, getting a management plan Tiger Snake was swimming towards group receive more than $10,000 for together for the park and joining me. I wasn’t really scared and it restoration of a samphire flood plain wasn’t really interested in me. It just the advisory committee. – home to Suada australis, a species came on to the bank and was trying of samphire newly discovered in “There aren’t many places in the to get warm and we just sort of sat the park. The funding will also metro area that can boast wetlands, there looking at each other. It was help Canning River Regional Park a freshwater billabong, a salt water actually quite fascinating.”

RiverView, Issue 4, Autumn/Winter 2015 39 FUNDS FLOW FOR LANDCARE

Swan Canning Catchment community groups have shared in $335,500 for projects that will help improve water quality in the latest round of SALP funding. The 58 projects by 25 community groups include revegetating priority waterways, restoring bushland SALP grant recipients with representatives from the Swan River Trust, Alcoa and Perth Region areas, dieback management, fencing NRM at the 2015 funding ceremony. and weed control. This year’s funding brings the total amount distributed over SALP’s 17 year history to $7.35 million across 1210 projects. Since its beginnings in 1998, SALP - a partnership between Perth Region NRM, the Swan River Trust and Alcoa Australia - has become one of Australia’s leading landcare programs. “SALP has a big vision - to preserve the iconic catchment of the Swan and Canning rivers in Western Australia,” Perth Region NRM Chief Executive Officer Lisa Potter said. “To make this happen takes a tremendous effort at ground Friends of Lake Claremont volunteers Heidi Hardisty, Claire Brittain and Norma Hay. level. It is the small things that the community volunteers do in ‘their patch’, which makes a big difference RETURNING LAKE TO FORMER GLORY to achieving this vision. “For government, industry and not- A funding boost of $17,600 is birders paradise, with over 80 for-profit organisations to have been set to help the Friends of Lake bird species,” Friends of Lake helping the community achieve Claremont continue their work Claremont Secretary Claire such huge rehabilitation efforts in restoring the once-degraded Brittain said. the Swan region for 17 years is a wetland. It is the first year the phenomenal effort.” group has applied for SALP “Since we began revegetating funding, which will be used the area, lots of bird species Alcoa of Australia Chairman and are coming back to the lake, Managing Director Alan Cransberg to revegetate the buffer zone including ones we’ve never seen said Alcoa was delighted to be around Lake Claremont – a before.” involved in a partnership that Conservation Category wetland successfully leveraged the efforts and Bush Forever site. This includes rare birds, with of local volunteers to make such a Once heavily degraded from past Little Bitterns nesting in the area positive impact on the environment. uses as a market garden, rubbish and even Freckled Ducks, one of “I am so impressed by the dump and golf course, the lake Australia’s rarest waterfowl, being outstanding people who invest and surrounding bushland is now sighted. hundreds of hours of their own time part of an important bushland The group enjoys strong to make a tangible difference to the corridor between Kings Park and community links, with 113 environment we all appreciate and the coast, and one of the last members and attracting up to enjoy,” Mr Cransberg said. remaining Tuart woodlands in the 750 volunteers for planting days. “I am proud that this partnership area. Last year 980 Friends of Lake recognises their efforts and supports “It’s one of the few remaining Claremont volunteers spent them in advancing their local wetland areas in the Perth more than 6000 hours at Lake projects.” metropolitan area and a Claremont.

40 RiverView, Issue 4, Autumn/Winter 2015

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Above Walkers enjoy a view towards the CBD from the Perth hills. Photo – DEC National Park in the north, to Lane

22 Experience Perth Experience Perth 23 Poole Reserve in the south, Avon Valley National Park in the east and Marmion Marine Park the offshore marine parks and Rottnest Island in the west.

You need simply step from the shores of a Perth city beach to enter Marmion Marine Park. Its waters feature shallow lagoons ideal for family-friendly snorkelling, reefs and small islands home to seabirds and Australian sea lions. History The park is named after the suburb near which it occurs, which recognises settler Patrick Marmion (1815–56), who operated a whaling station in the area in 1849. Marmion was the State’s first marine park, declared on 13 March 1987.

The historic shipwreck Centaur lies in the waters of Marmion after being wrecked on the southernmost section of Marmion Reef in 1874 while Fremantle. Significant remains of the wrecken lie routescattered to three kilometres offshore in seven metres of water on Centaur Reef. An informative plaque documenting the event can be found on the coastal path at North Beach. Natural attractions The caverns and ledges of the reef areas within the marine park support a variety of fish species including western blue devils, old wives, banded sweep, crested morwong, horseshoe leatherjackets, dusky morwong, truncate coralfish, bullseyes, wrasse and red-striped cardinalfish. You may also delight in the vibrant colour of nudibranchs, as well as sponges, gorgonians, hydroids, sea urchins and sea squirts.

Humpback whales pass by the deeper waters of the park during their annual migration from about June to November each year. Bottlenose dolphins are also popular inhabitants, delighting anyone lucky enough to spot them with their seemingly fun-filled antics.

Male Australian sea lions laze on the beaches of Little Island when they are not out hunting for food. Little Island is an important site for the sea lions in the metropolitan area. To minimise disturbance to the sea lions while they are resting on the beach, people Left Humpback whale. who venture to the beach are restricted to 10-minute Photo – Hans and Judy Beste/Lochman Transparencies maximum stays. Above Old wife showing night colours. Photo – Eva Boogaard/Lochman Transparencies 40 E x p e r i e n c e P e r t h

E x p e r i e n c e P e r t h

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Exploring Western Australia’s natural wonders A must have book if you’re visiting Western Australia’s world-class parks! 327-page region-by-region guide to 64 of WA’s stunning parks and reserves. RRP $24.95 (postage additional) 20150092-0315-PDF

WA Naturally Publications can be purchased online at shop.dpaw.wa.gov.au and from good bookshops and visitors centres

WA Naturally Publications Free post Post with payment in a sealed envelope to: Reply Paid 62341, Locked Bag 29, Bentley DC WA 6983 Phone (08) 9219 9071 or (08) 9219 9072 Fax (08) 9334 0498 In person 17 Dick Perry Avenue, Kensington WA 6151 Email [email protected]

twitter.com/waparkswildlife facebook.com/dpawwa RiverView, Issue 4, Autumn/Winter 2015 41

20150092 WA Naturally AD RIVERVIEW MAGindd.indd 55 31/03/2015 11:23 am Weld Square Primary School student Stevie Nin, 11, and Gwyneth Chia, 12, check out revegetation works at the Weld Square Living Stream project with City of Bayswater Water Quality Projects Officer Rebecca Ferguson. The project has seen the Bayswater Brook main drain transformed in a bid to reduce nutrients entering the Swan River. Picture: Jennifer Eliot. CAMPAIGN FOR RIVER GAINS Perth’s drainage network is a significant contributor of contaminants entering the Swan and Canning rivers. This makes the Swan River Trust’s Clean Drains, River Gains education campaign an important river health initiative.

Story: Jennifer Eliot. It’s a simple slogan – Clean Drains, “The campaign uses kerb markers Busting a misconception River Gains – but the intended carrying the Clean Drains, River There is a common misconception outcome of this community Gains message in high profile that stormwater drains connect education campaign has the pedestrian areas to inform the to the sewer or a wastewater long-term health of the Swan and public and in other residential and treatment system before entering Canning rivers at its heart. industrial areas, the message is our waterways. The reality is stencilled to the kerb near drains. Swan River Trust Senior that whatever enters the drains Environmental Officer Dr Steeg “They serve as a visual reminder is discharged into the nearest Hoeksema said the campaign aimed to the public that their local waterway or fed into groundwater to educate the community about stormwater drain connects to the through the stormwater network the impacts of allowing rubbish river and to keep rubbish out of it.” without treatment. and contaminants such as oils, Clean Drains, River Gains kerb This means that whatever you pesticides and fertilisers to enter markers have been placed in the allow to enter the stormwater drain Perth’s stormwater drains. City of Perth on St Georges Terrace outside your home or business will “Clean Drains, River Gains is and in the Murray and Hay Street likely end up in our rivers. targeting the general public, Malls. The City of Bayswater is ready In urban areas, where much of the industry, businesses and schools in to begin installing markers and the environment is covered with hard the Swan Canning Catchment,” Dr cities of Vincent and Belmont have impermeable surfaces such as roofs, Hoeksema said. already rolled out the initiative. roads and pavement, large volumes

42 RiverView, Issue 4, Autumn/Winter 2015 of water can accumulate rapidly. critical to ensure everyone does The drainage network ensures their part to maintain a healthy that these large stormwater flows catchment,” Ms Ferguson said. drain away quickly to the nearest “The kerb markers will be installed in compensation basin, wetland, the Bayswater Brook Catchment in river or the ocean and helps to avoid flooding from impacting on high profile areas, such as wetland homes, public infrastructure and and drainage restoration projects, businesses. While the drainage the Morley city centre and near local network performs a vital function schools. In other industrial areas the in urban areas, it is important to message will be stencilled to the remember that the system was not kerb near the drains.” designed or intended to remove Ms Ferguson said the Bayswater pollutants from stormwater. Brook, like many of the stormwater drains in Perth, was a source of nutrients and other pollutants “RAISING AWARENESS entering the Swan River. IN THE COMMUNITY She said the Clean Drains, River OF THE LINK BETWEEN Gains initiative would complement DRAINS AND NATURAL the restoration of the Eric Singleton WATERWAYS IS CRITICAL Bird Sanctuary and the Weld Square TO ENSURE EVERYONE Living Stream – with the aim of reducing nutrients entering the DOES THEIR PART TO river from this catchment by 30 per MAINTAIN A HEALTHY cent. CATCHMENT.” “These projects and Clean Drains, HOW TO REPORT - REBECCA FERGUSON River Gains are focused on stopping POLLUTERS nutrients and pollutants before they City of Bayswater Water Quality enter the river,” Ms Ferguson said. Call your local council Projects Officer Rebecca Ferguson “The revitalisation of the Eric said the council was working to report individuals or Singleton Bird Sanctuary, which will businesses polluting local to reduce nutrients and other include a gross pollutant trap, will drains. pollutants in the Bayswater Brook prevent an estimated 40 tonnes of Catchment from entering the sediment and rubbish entering the Call the Department of drainage network or discharging river each year. The Weld Square Environment Regulation’s to the river and the Clean Drains, project will transform the drain Pollution Response Unit River Gains campaign provided into a living stream and is helping for emergency response to an excellent opportunity to to filter nutrients entering the complement these activities. hazardous materials and stream and eventually the river, as major pollution incidents “Raising awareness in the well as increasing biodiversity and 1300 784 782. community of the link between improving community enjoyment drains and natural waterways is of the local area.” Call the Swan River Trust to report river pollution including oil spills, fish kills and algal blooms 9278 0900 or after hours in the case of an emergency 0419 192 845. COMMON CONTAMINANTS

Oil, petrol, detergents, pesticides, paints, solvents and other chemicals, litter (including cigarette butts), fertilisers, dog waste, building City of Bayswater Water Quality Projects Officer Rebecca Ferguson and Swan River Trust Senior rubble and sand, grass Environmental Officer Dr Steeg Hoeksema use a stencil kit to spread the Clean Drains, River clippings, leaf litter and mulch. Gains message at the council’s work depot in Bayswater. Picture: Jennifer Eliot.

RiverView, Issue 4, Autumn/Winter 2015 43 Picture: Mark Kleczkowski

SWANFISH - FISHING FOR THE FUTURE

Perth’s largest recreational angling event promotes more than just fishing, with a strong focus on keeping the popular pastime sustainable. 44 RiverView, Issue 4, Autumn/Winter 2015 Pictures (clockwise from above): Two happy junior anglers with a monster Swan River Mulloway. A large European Carp capture took out the prize for the feral fish category. Contestants weighed in some huge Blue Manna Crabs during the contest. Unusual catches like this Spiny Leather Jacket and Sargeant Baker sparked crowd curiosity.

Story: Mark Thornley Pictures: Mark Thornley and Paul Cunningham erth’s largest recreational tape and then returned to the river angling event Swanfish to encourage sustainable fishing entered its 27th year practices. at Taylor Reserve in McCallum Park in late In recent years the Swan River Trust PFebruary this year. has introduced new prize categories such as the feral fish section where Over 600 anglers registered for the anglers have captured invasive event that saw boat and land based species such as Pearl Cichlids and fishers competing for thousands of this year’s winner landed a large dollars in prizes at popular fishing European Carp. locations throughout the Swan Canning Riverpark. Trust Communications Manager Mark Thornley and Environmental Co-ordinated by the Melville Officer Dr Jeff Cosgrove took the Amateur Angling Club and opportunity to showcase the Recfishwest, the competition agency’s Prawn Watch, Fishing featured many categories for juniors Line Bin and Feral Fish community and seniors including up to $3000 engagement projects to a large worth of cash and tackle for landing crowd. The fishing line bins tagged fish in the rivers. attracted particular interest and it’s Blessed with great conditions great to see so many recreational anglers landed a diverse range of anglers using and spreading the fish species including some giant word about the ‘Reel It In’ bins that Mulloway, Tailor, huge Black Bream, have collected over nine kilometres Flathead, Skippy and Yellowfin of fishing line in the past year. Whiting suggesting our capital city Family fishing is encouraged at waterways are in good shape. Swanfish. There is a sausage sizzle Participants could also submit each morning, free fishing clinics their entries for the first time via a for kids, great giveaways and a phone App in an online catch and spectacular weigh in on that attracts release category. These fish were a big crowd to see what everyone photographed next to a measuring has caught.

RiverView, Issue 4, Autumn/Winter 2015 45 Wendy Yorke reconnects with one of her favourite spots on the Swan River in North Fremantle.

crabs, prawns and seahorses and exploring its hidden depths and fascinating wrecks. There are many secretive wilderness places to be RIVERVIEW discovered; tree temples for shaded picnics and quiet areas for watching wildlife; and soothing places for reflection and spiritual connection. Coming from the UK, does INTERVIEW anything strike you as unique about the way Perth people WENDY YORKE interact with the rivers? The Swan and Canning rivers have Story and pictures: Miranda Holker a great sense of stillness, calm and beauty, in contrast to the ormer North Fremantle now with the Government of tumultuous background and history resident Wendy Yorke may Western Australia European Office of the Thames. When I first arrived live 15,000 km away in promoting WA across the globe. in Perth this was totally refreshing London, but Perth’s iconic She also published her first book, and I embraced that attitude. For waterways will always Exploring the Thames Wilderness, me, it was a new experience to Fhold a special place in her heart. A winning the John Coleman Trophy understand how Perth people former Communications Manager for outstanding contribution to the appreciate waterways for what they with the Swan River Trust, Wendy Thames. She shares her perspective are; a natural and unique water was instrumental in establishing on the ways rivers shape cities. playground in an urban space, in programs like River Guardians the middle of the State capital city. and the Swan Canning Cleanup What are your earliest memories of Perth’s rivers? You have a unique perspective Program. The rivers played a big having been closely involved in part in Wendy’s life outside work The incredible sense of adventure the management of rivers in Perth too as she and her family sailed, they conjure up, whether walking and London. What similarities and swam, and dived their waters. and collecting shells or pieces differences do you see between Since moving back to her native of wood on the foreshore; wind these river systems in the way England in 2010, she has worked surfing, rowing and sailing; or scuba people interact with them and with the Thames Rivers Trust and diving at night to seek out the their value to the community?

46 RiverView, Issue 4, Autumn/Winter 2015 I believe the Swan and Canning promote WA internationally, across Watchers in the Swan and Canning. rivers have a much more powerful many sectors ranging from trade Government resources are limited sense of place, which provides to technology. At every expo and so volunteers can provide that extra identity for Perth people. Also, there conference we work with other ability to get things done on the is the rivers’ spirituality, due in part State Government departments ground with a sense of urgency, to the Indigenous people and their and the City of Perth to show responsibility and commitment. close association and connectivity large-scale, colour backdrops of The management challenge all with the rivers. The Thames Perth CBD framed by the Swan over the world is raising peoples’ contributes to London’s identity; but River. It is our State identity even in awareness of the many benefits and it always was and still is considered Europe and globally. The rivers are opportunities that rivers provide. a functional drainage system out to integral to the work we do because the sea; for catchment floodwaters the river promotes WA, Perth and If we can increase their human and for sewage overflow. the attractive lifestyle that people value and social capital, people will expect to embrace there. feel the desire; the incentive to be There are fundamental and part of the action in looking after historic differences between the Your roles both at the Swan the waterways for the future. As way Perth people interact with River Trust and Thames Rivers humans, we tend to invest in and their rivers and British peoples’ Trust had a focus on community look after what we care about. attitudes to waterways. In the UK, involvement and volunteers. And finally, is there a special place their interaction with the rivers What is their importance in in the Riverpark for you? has for generations been based protecting urban rivers? on their historical use of the rivers: The most special place for me is the Community involvement is the very for trade and transport; industry North Fremantle foreshore, where heart of successful conservation and commerce; and defence from I used to walk my dog Bobbins because we are actually conserving foreign invaders. Perth people seem every day. Under the old Fremantle nature for the community. This is to have a greater attitude of respect traffic bridge, past the new housing a subject that is very important to and sense of spirituality with their developments and marina, to me; that people take responsibility waterways; the places where they Harvey Beach, from where you for their actions; not simply in their play and enjoy a wide variety of can see the ospreys nesting in the interaction with other people but sports and recreational activities. wilderness areas of the Mosman also with nature. If we do not look Park cliffs. I will certainly be visiting Your current role sees you after nature, who else will? these places on my next trip to WA. promote Perth – as well Community involvement as Western Australia – I miss the light and the colours in protecting the rivers is internationally. From your and the wide open space of demonstrated by the popularity of perspective, what role do you feel Perth’s rivers; the movement and the many citizen science programs the Swan and Canning rivers play constantly changing picture of we have introduced in the last nature; and the often silent, yet ever in defining Perth? decade. Whether it’s River Keepers present knowledge that the river The waterways in Perth completely and eel monitoring in London; is there; waiting to be discovered, define the city. In my work now we or River Guardians and Dolphin both spiritually and physically.

Wendy Yorke’s first book Exploring the Thames Wilderness, and Ms Yorke during her time as Communications Manager with the Swan River Trust.

RiverView, Issue 4, Autumn/Winter 2015 47 WILD LIFE BOOKS, DVDS AND COMPETITIONS

Small Wonders Perth of the natural Award-winning nature world and the David Whish-Wilson’s Perth is a photographers Stanley and trailblazers, place of surprising beauty, of Kaisa Breeden explore Australia’s the rebels, the sand-swept peace and brilliant small animal life to reveal the occasional light, yet a place where the wonder and beauty of looking ghost and deeper historical currents are closely into nature. Their specially the ordinary never too far beneath the developed digital photography people surface. Like the Swan River techniques make it possible to that bring see intriguing details you may that flows in two directions at Australia’s never have suspected were there. once at certain times, with the remotest city This beautiful book features over fresh water flowing seawards to life. 80 stunning fine art photographs above the salty water flowing - NewSouth Books using the focus stacking in beneath it, Perth strikes technique the pair are famous perfect harmony with the city’s WIN: We have a copy of Perth to for. Stanley Breeden began contradictions and eccentricities. give away to one lucky reader. photography as a teenager in the It looks beyond shiny glass Email your name and address to late 1950s and has published 20 facades and boosterish talk of miranda.holker@swanrivertrust. books on Australian and Indian mining booms to the richness wa.gov.au before May 31 2015. wildlife, contributed to most major English language nature Swamp – Walking the wetlands of the Swan Coastal Plain magazines and has received two Emmy Awards for his work In this collection of poems, Nani beauty of our inability to return, as a documentary-maker with Chinna uncovers the lost places and the ways in which we can National Geographic. Stanley and that exist beneath the townscape use the dual practice of writing Kaisa were the ANZANG Nature of Perth. For the last four years and walking to reclaim what we and Landscape Photographers she has walked the wetlands have lost. Her poems speak with of the Year in 2006, won the of the Swan Coastal Plain – and urgency about wetlands that are ANZANG Portfolio Prize in 2007 the paths and streets where the under threat from development and claimed the 2010 Eric Rolls wetlands once were. Chinna today. Prize for natural history writing. writes with great poignancy and - Fremantle Press - Fremantle Press

WIN tickets to Wild Women Perth Zoo’s Wild Women is a unique networking event connecting influential women to each other and the environment. Held on Wednesday 27 May 2015 in the unique surrounds of Perth Zoo, it will include talks from two recognised conservation leaders, a seated three-course luncheon, networking activities, animal experiences and opportunities to win an animal close encounter. For your chance to win two tickets to this prestigious event please email [email protected] by Sunday 17 May 2015. Winners will be notified by Monday 18 May 2015. For more information visit perthzoo.com.au.

48 RiverView, Issue 4, Autumn/Winter 2015 6060 wild women riverview advert A4 2015 20/04/15 2:31 PM Page 1 Wild Women Please join us at Perth Zoo for a unique networking event connecting influential women with each other and the environment. Date: 27 May 2015

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RiverView, Issue 4, Autumn/Winter 2015 49 CREATURE FEATURE COBBLER Cnidoglanis macrocephalus

Picture: Matt Kleczkowski

A big part of our river folklore cobbler, or catfish as they’re known outside Western Australia, are endemic to our nation.

Prized by recreational fishermen evade major predators, such as relatively small number of eggs for and avoided by prawners, cobbler pelicans and shags, by being a fish. can grow up to 91 centimetres in nocturnal and hiding during the Although the cobbler in marine length, weigh up to 2.5 kilograms day. With poor eyesight, they use and estuarine environments are and live for 13 years. They live in their extremely sensitive barbels to known to be the same species, the southern half of Australia, in search the muddy bottoms for tiny they are separate breeding stocks, coastal and estuarine waters up to invertebrates, such as molluscs and with little or no mixing between 30 metres deep. small crustaceans, to eat. the populations. Historically, it’s Cobbler belong to the Plotosidae A major threat to cobbler thought there were two stocks family, commonly known as eel- populations is the destruction of living in the Swan estuary – the tailed catfish. There are about 40 their habitat, including a lack of estuarine stock in the upper species in the family, with most shelter offered by seagrass, floating estuary and an oceanic stock that found in tropical waters from weed mats or rocky reefs. Cobbler bred outside the estuary and then Japan to Australia. These fish are burrows are rarely seen. However, ventured into the lower estuary as characterised by a long tapering observations in estuaries in the juveniles. body and barbels (fleshy whisker- State’s south-west have indicated Commercial fishing for cobbler like organs) around the mouth, the burrows are built under began as early as the 1940s and which they use to find food. structures such as rocks or seagrass historically, cobbler has been a root mats. They have venomous spines on popular fish species known for their dorsal and pectoral fins that Destruction of suitable breeding its soft and delicate flesh. The can cause a painful wound if you habitats may have contributed estuarine cobbler population in step on one. If you get stung by to a decrease in cobbler in some the Swan estuary dropped to such a cobbler place your foot or the areas. Cobbler in the Swan Canning low levels that, in July 2007, a 10- affected area in very hot water to estuary ‘spawn’ in spring and year recreational fishing ban was offer relief from the pain. summer between October and imposed in both the Swan and With a soft, scaleless body, and only January and female cobbler lay Canning rivers to allow the stock to their spines for defence, cobbler between 500 and 3500 eggs, a recover.

50 RiverView, Issue 4, Autumn/Winter 2015 OUR PARTNERS

Principal Funding Partners

State Government Department Department of Department Office of the Office of the WA of Agriculture Environment of Planning Environmental Chief Scientist and Food Regulation Department of Protection State Natural Department Department Parks and Wildlife Authority Resource of Finance of Health Department Department of Management Office Department Department of of Transport Local Government Department of Fisheries Aboriginal Affairs and Communities of Water

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Inspiring and empowering sustainable communities RiverView, Issue 4, Autumn/Winter 2015 51 www.swanrivertrust.wa.gov.au

GOVERNMENT OF This publication is www.riverguardians.com WESTERN AUSTRALIA printed on recycled paper sourced from sustainably grown forests.