WITH Maylands foreshore facing a dire erosion crisis, federal environment and water minister Tanya Plibersek visited the river this week to announce a government commitment of $1.42 million.
In the past few years Bayswater council has struggled to come up with enough cash to fight the ongoing erosion exacerbated by climate change, water levels and boat wake (“River cash crisis,” Voice, November 21, 2019).
The strip along Tranby House is particularly vulnerable, with footpaths and trees on a timer before they succumb to erosion.
The funding will be split between $950,000 for Tranby House foreshore, $450,000 for the often-sick and midge-ridden Maylands Lakes, and $20,000 for Bardon Park’s wetlands which are currently undergoing a community-led restoration effort.
Bayswater mayor Filomena Piffaretti told us via email: “This funding will enable the City to undertake riverbank restoration works at Tranby House foreshore, a much-loved historic precinct on the banks of the Swan River.
“It will address the water quality at Maylands Lakes and include revegetation works along the foreshore at Bardon Park.
“This funding ensures our community can continue to enjoy these beautiful natural areas we are so fortunate to have in our city.”
The cash comes from the federal Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment, and Water, and is part of a $200m pool to try to stave off the ravages climate change is wreaking on rivers, wetlands, and the critters they host.
by DAVID BELL
Perth Voice Interactive 
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