Story Title: Our Swan River
Episode: Summer Garden Special
Date: January 15th 2010
Presenter: Chris Ferreira

The Swan River provides a magnificent backdrop to Perth, an aquatic playground for Perth’s residents and visitors, and habitat for a variety of unique wildlife. However it is under strong environmental stress and to ensure the river’s future health here are some of the things you can practice at home.

What you can do at home

1. Fertilise wise. Only apply fertiliser when it’s needed in spring or early autumn, and never over-water.
2. Wash your car on the lawn to keep detergents out of the storm water drainage system.
3. Grow local native plants in your garden. They need less water and fertiliser and attract native birds, lizards and insects.
4.  Take your rubbish home with you when you’re out enjoying the rivers.
5.  Pick up your dog’s waste and put it in a bin or worm farm. It’s full of nutrients that can feed algal blooms.
6.  Check with your local council where to dispose of paint, oil and chemicals. They can end up in the rivers if tipped down the drain.
7.  Use phosphorus-free detergents when washing clothes or dishes. Phosphorus is one of the main nutrients that feed algal blooms.
8.  Compost your leaves and grass clippings. If washed into storm water drains, they can contribute to nutrient overload in the rivers.
9.  Keep garden weeds away from drains. They may end up in the rivers as invasive weeds.

About Swan River Trust.

• Manage and protect the river system
• Work with State and local government and other bodies to provide facilities around the rivers
• advise the Minister for the Environment on development proposals in the Trust Development Control Area
• Control and prevent pollution of the rivers and keep them clear of rubbish
• Advise on and control erosion of riverbanks
• Provide advice to local governments and the Western Australian Planning Commission on town planning issues affecting the rivers
• Promote community awareness of issues affecting the health of the river system and increase community involvement in river protection and restoration.

Contact
Swan River Trust
www.swanrivertrust.wa.gov.au