A $1.2 million project to help improve the quality of water flowing into Oyster Harbour
by creating a new wetland system in Albany’s Centennial Park precinct is now complete.
The project which was jointly funded by the State Government and the City of Albany, has transformed around 1.1 hectares of Yakamia Creek into a new wetland system.
This new wetland system uses native sedges, low shrubs and trees to naturally filtrate the water and remove nutrients and sediment to improve the quality of water that flows from the creek into Oyster Harbour.
Poor water quality saw a dramatic seagrass decline in Oyster Harbour which has gradually improved over the last two decades thanks to additional seagrass planting.
This new wetland system will minimise the impact of continuing urbanisation on seagrass meadows which are important parts of estuarine ecosystems, providing habitat and food for birds and marine life, and contributing to good water quality.
The 18-month construction phase for the project has had a positive impact on local businesses and jobs, with around 95 per cent of the workforce living locally.
The State Government and City of Albany each contributed $620,000 to the project.
As stated by Water Minister Dave Kelly:
“Albany’s Oyster Harbour is important for the local economy and local jobs, with industries such as fishing and tourism reliant on the health of this beautiful waterway.
“With concerns about excess nutrients and sediments causing algal growth and causing harm to the health of the harbour and the marine animals found within it, this project was a good investment.
“The transformation of Yakamia Creek is just another example of the McGowan Government working to create a cleaner, more sustainable environment for our regional communities.”
As stated by Albany MLA Peter Watson:
“The wetlands provide the community with a new, vibrant place to connect with nature while also playing an important role in protecting our waterways.
“This project is a great example of the on-ground impact achieved through partnerships between local and State Government.
“The restoration work also created a positive economic impact on businesses in the local community.”
