Published on Friday, 2 July 2021 at 12:52:57 PM
The City of Busselton is progressing plans to commence the removal of sediment from the Lower Vasse River, with the aim of improving water quality.
Nutrient-rich sediments have built up on the bed of the Lower Vasse River over many decades and are an important factor in fuelling the cycle of summertime algal blooms.
The City is seeking funding and environmental approvals to remove sediment in the area either side of the Causeway and Eastern Link Bridges. The aim is for that work to commence in January 2022.
The extent of sediment removal will depend upon the amount of funding available. It is envisaged that works this coming summer will be the first stage of sediment removal and that, subject to funding, further stages will follow. The key reason these areas have been identified as the first stage is because they are the areas where the highest volume of sediment is present and is where algal blooms often first appear.
City of Busselton Councillor and Chair of the Lower Vasse River Management Advisory Group, Sue Riccelli advised “The removal of sediment has received high community support in consultation undertaken. It will help control a key source of nutrients in the River and contribute towards the reduction of algal blooms.”
Cr Riccelli further advised “Sediment removal alone will not be sufficient in preventing algal blooms and the City and the Lower Vasse River Management Advisory Group will continue to work collaboratively, exploring a range of further actions, with the aim of improving water quality.”
City of Busselton Deputy Mayor Kelly Hick advised “Around five years ago the City agreed to take on the role of interim ‘asset manager’ for the river. Since then it has worked hard, collaborating with other key stakeholders and the community to develop and implement strategies that will improve water quality and ecological health of the Lower Vasse River. Sediment removal represents a significant step in this work.”
“While having agreed to act as the lead agency, the City will not be able to fix the river on its own. State Government continues to have primary responsibility for the Lower Vasse River and we will continue to need the support of State Government to solve what are very complex issues.”
Objectives outlined in this statement are aligned with Key Theme 1 in the City of Busselton’s Strategic Community Plan 2021: An environment that is valued, conserved and enjoyed by current and future generations.
Ends. Media enquiries can be directed to media@busselton.wa.gov.au
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