The Western Australia Local Government Association (WALGA) has requested that people heading for riverside parks and reserves this Australia Day to minimise waste and clean up after the public holiday celebrations.
 
About 21 Local Governments that surround the Swan and Canning river system have united in their effort to increase community awareness on the health of the rivers, with Mayors from the local governments signing a charter for the river system in October last year.
 
WALGA President Mayor Troy Pickard said the many celebrations taking place on and around the river system on Australia Day highlighted the importance of the rivers to the Perth lifestyle and the impact our usage can have upon river health.
 
“The ‘Discover Your Rivers’ campaign encourages local residents to explore ways in which they benefit from our iconic rivers, and Australia Day celebrations are certainly one of those benefits,” Mayor Pickard said.
 
“But the state of the river is in decline and we need to think about how we can all help to keep our rivers healthy.
 
WALGA’s Swan Canning Policy forum draws members from the 21 Local Governments along the rivers and other stakeholders and was formed due to pressing concerns with the current state of the river system and the increasing pressures being placed upon it.
 
This year, there was also a plan to increase the profile of the river system and empower the community to protect one of the city’s assets.