Episode: WA Special
Date: 24th January
Story: River Guardians
Presenter: Neville Passmore

The Swan River and Canning River are iconic symbols of Perth; the two rivers are home to more than 120 fish species. Neville joins the ‘River Guardians’ to discover the environmental pressures on our rivers and what people can do to save it.

Quick Facts

• In the dreamtime – long ago – Nyoongar people believe the Waugul or Rainbow Serpent formed the river bed of the Swan River when it slid through the sand with its huge body.
• In 2004, the Swan River was declared Western Australia’s first official heritage icon, as part of the 175th anniversary of the founding of the Swan River Colony
• Algal blooms are naturally occurring. Excessive nutrients from fertilisers used on lawns and gardens are a cause of algal blooms and fish kills.

River Guardians

• Keep rivers healthy
• Membership gives opportunity to network with friends of the Swan and Canning river
• Help protect and restore rivers and foreshores
• Members take part in river events and their cultural heritage
• Active members create awareness on the importance of looking after rivers
• Networking, volunteering and training opportunities available
• Members can do as little or as much as they want
• Volunteers are active in, planting, weeding, constructing access tracks, boardwalks or fences and rubbish removal.
• River Guardians are identified by a colourful black swan symbol because they are the iconic guardians of our rivers.

Boating Tips

• Keep your engine serviced to prevent fuel and oil spilling into rivers
• Check the riverbed for sea grasses before dropping your anchor
• Avoid damaging native vegetation and riverbanks when launching your boat, dinghy or tender
• Maintain your boat and dispose of used chemicals properly
• Keep your speed down to avoid damaging shorelines and disturbing wildlife.

Fishing Tips

• Fish from jetties or platforms to protect foreshore vegetation
• Make sure you are fishing on public land. There are penalties for trespassing
• Digging for bait worms in the Swan Estuary Marine Park or the Canning River Regional Park is not permitted
• Know fish regulations, including bag size and limits
• Put unwanted or undersized fish back into the rivers.

Gardening Tips

• Only apply fertiliser when it’s needed in spring or early autumn, and never over water
• Grow local native plants – they need less water and fertiliser, and attract native birds, lizards and insects
• Compost your leaves and grass clippings so they never wash into drains and add nutrients to the rivers
• Keep garden weeds away from drains - they may end up in rivers and overtake foreshore vegetation.

Active at home

• Wash your car on the lawn to keep detergents out of storm water drains
• Take your rubbish home with you when you’re out enjoying the rivers
• Pick up your dog’s waste and put it in a bin or worm farm – it is full of nutrients that can feed algal blooms
• Check with your local council where to dispose of paint, oil and chemicals - they can end up in the rivers if tipped down the drains
• Use phosphorus-free detergents when washing clothes or dishes because phosphorus is one of the main nutrients that feed algal blooms.

Active at schools

• Organise a visit and learn more about your school’s local wetland or river
• Compost garden and canteen waste and plant native gardens in your school grounds
• Keep the playground free of litter
• Stencil storm water drains surrounding your school
• Discover where storm water from your schools goes and find out how to reduce nutrients flowing into it
• Hold a water festival at your school, with lots of fun activities about water, wetlands, and rivers
• Adopt your local waterway or wetland and help to monitor and look after it
• Get involved in the Swan River Trust’s Ribbons of Blue Program

Contact

The River Guardians Program is managed by the Swan River Trust,
located at

Level 1 Hyatt Centre
20 Terrace Road
EAST PERTH
WESTERN AUSTRALIA 6004
Ph: 08 9278 0900
After hours: 0419 192 845
River Guardians queries guardians@swanrivertrust.wa.gov.au
Swan River Trust queries: info@swanrivertrust.wa.gov.au
Media queries: media@swanrivertrust.wa.gov.au

www.riverguardians.com