Revitalising Geographe Waterways has been recognised at the state’s recent WA Australian Water Association Awards.
The program, which aims to improve water quality and health management of Geographe waterways, took out the WA Program Innovation Award.
The Department of Water and Environmental Regulation’s project manager Dr Kath Lynch said the program had been acknowledged for its partnership approach to improving water quality, community consultation and relationships.
Dr Lynch said the interagency Vasse Taskforce, which oversees the program, had been critical to its success.
“The Taskforce has ensured a truly combined government approach and created strong partnerships with community and industry groups – vital to improving water quality,” she said.
“The success of the 30 projects that make up the Revitalising Geographe Waterways program are a credit to the many project delivery partners and the support of interagency project teams and the community.
“We have learnt and achieved so much more than we would have working alone and ultimately our waterways and community will benefit.”
Ongoing initiatives that have contributed to significant improvements include working with farmers to reduce nutrient loss off farms and supporting gardeners to improve fertiliser use in home gardens and providing education around nutrient management.
Scientific investigations have also been undertaken to better understand and manage waterways.
