front cover: cocconeis · 2015-11-16 · front cover: microscopic view of cocconeis, a diatom algae...

Front cover: Microscopic view of Cocconeis, adiatom algae that attaches itself and grows onother plants (i.e. epiphyte). It occurs mainly inthe lower reaches of the Swan River.

Courtesy Water and Rivers CommissionPhytoplankton Ecology Unit

TH

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GOVERNMENTO

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S T E R N A U S T R

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A N N U A L R E P O R T

2 0 0 0 – 2 0 0 1

Swan River Trust

3rd Floor, Hyatt Centre, 87 Adelaide TerraceEast Perth Western Australia 6004

Telephone: +61 8 9278 0400Facsimile: +61 8 9278 0401

PO Box 6740 Hay Street East, East Perth 6892

http://www.wrc.wa.gov.au/srt

ISSN: 1033-9779


2 Swan River Trust Annual Report 2000–2001

To the Hon Dr Judith Mary Edwards, MB, BS, MLA

Minister for the Environment and Heritage

In accordance with the Swan River Trust Act 1988 and Section 66 of the FinancialAdministration and Audit Act 1985, I have pleasure in submitting the 13th annual report onthe operations of the Swan River Trust for the period 1 July 2000 to 30 June 2001.

Geoff TotterdellChairman

31 August 2001

Hon Dr Judith Mary Edwards, MB, BS, MLA

Minister for the Environment and Heritage(formerly Minister for Water Resources)

Swan River Trust Annual Report 2000–2001 3

Contents

Contents

Vision and Mission ........................................................................................................... 5

Operations Summary ....................................................................................................... 6

Chairman’s Report .......................................................................................................... 8

About the Swan River Trust .......................................................................................... 11

The Swan River Trust Board ........................................................................................ 13

Organisational Structure ............................................................................................... 16

State of the River ............................................................................................................ 18

Swan-Canning Cleanup Program ................................................................................. 24

Water Information ......................................................................................................... 27

Water Quality Monitoring and Analysis Program ....................................................... 27

Water Quality Targets ................................................................................................... 30

Sediment Nutrient Cycling .......................................................................................... 31

Modify River Conditions to Reduce the Occurrence of Algal Blooms ....................... 31

Computer Models to Support Decision Making .......................................................... 33

Riverside Development .................................................................................................. 34

Development Control ................................................................................................... 34

Regulatory Control ....................................................................................................... 37

Management Planning ................................................................................................... 39

Swan-Canning River Landscape Planning ................................................................... 39

Sir James Mitchell Park Plan ....................................................................................... 40

Bait Worm Digging Policy ........................................................................................... 40

Air Cooling Wastewater Policy .................................................................................... 40

Yacht Club and Marine Facility Environmental Management System ........................ 41

Mosquito Control Policy .............................................................................................. 41

Shoreline Dinghy Storage ............................................................................................ 41

Swan-Canning Industry Project ................................................................................... 42

Swan River Management Strategy ................................................................................ 43

Committees .................................................................................................................. 43


Protection of Waterways and Foreshores .................................................................... 45

Waterway and Foreshore Cleaning .............................................................................. 45

Foreshore Maintenance and Restoration ...................................................................... 48

Inspection and Enforcement ........................................................................................ 51

Supporting Integrated Catchment Management .......................................................... 55

Restoration Training and On-ground Works ................................................................ 56

Caring for the Canning River ....................................................................................... 58

Removing Nutrients from Tributaries .......................................................................... 60

Statutory Mechanisms .................................................................................................. 61

Community Education and Awareness ........................................................................ 63

Communicating with Stakeholders .............................................................................. 63

Motivating Behavioural Change .................................................................................. 65

Ribbons of Blue ........................................................................................................... 69

Output Measures ............................................................................................................ 71

Performance Indicators ................................................................................................. 76

Financial Statements ...................................................................................................... 86

Reporting Requirements ............................................................................................. 104

Corporate Governance ................................................................................................ 105

Contents


Swan River Trust Vision and Mission

Vision

To cherish the Swan and Canning riversas a valued river system and a sourceof enjoyment for the community forever.

We must be a creative team with adeep commitment to deliver qualityriver planning and management.

Mission

To work with the government, localgovernment and community to ensurethat the Swan and Canning river systemis conserved and managed to enhance itsenvironmental quality and public amenity.


OperationsSummary

Operations Summary

Riverside Development

Aims:

To plan for the conservation,enhancement and appropriatedevelopment of the Swan-Canningriver system.

Achievements:

❖ The Trust considered 223development applications fordevelopments within andadjoining the Swan River TrustManagement Area.

❖ Reviewed the boundaries of theTrust’s Management Area toconform to the currentboundaries for local planningauthorities and the MetropolitanRegion Scheme.

❖ Completed a review of Trustassessment policies.

Future Directions:

❖ Influence the policies of otheragencies associated withdevelopment on the river.

❖ Continue to establish partner-ships with local government topromote the Trust’s outcomes forthe river.

Water Information

Aims:

To understand the water quality ofthe Swan-Canning river system andto establish environmental stand-ards, provide information onwhether they are being met, identifyhazards to public health andrecreational use of the riversassociated with poor water qualityand to help assess overallenvironmental quality.

Achievements:

❖ Over 14 years continuousmonitoring of nutrient levels inkey catchment tributaries andseven years monitoring waterquality and ecosystem health inthe estuarine portions of theSwan-Canning river system

❖ Continuous monitoring ofphytoplankton and micro-algaeactivity in the Swan-Canningriver system and the provision ofpublic health and water qualityinformation to local authoritiesand the community.

❖ The Trust adopted estuarinewater quality targets for totalnitrogen and phosphorus concen-trations, oxygen saturation andphytoplankton abundance for theSwan-Canning river system.

❖ Provision of monitoring,experimental and trial data forreporting on progress of theSwan-Canning Cleanup Programto the wider public communityand other government agencies.

❖ Continued Phoslock™ trials in an800-metre section of the CanningRiver in February 2001.

❖ Conducted oxygenation trials inthe Swan River.

Future Directions:

❖ Increase our knowledge of thefactors contributing tophytoplankton blooms and poorwater quality, those maintaininggood estuarine environmentalwater quality and, to betterappreciate water quality trendsand their predictive value.


Community Educationand Awareness

Aims:

To increase community awarenessof and involvement in theconservation and management ofthe Swan-Canning river system.

Achievements:

❖ The Swan-Canning CleanupProgram public awarenesscampaign reached newaudiences.

❖ Thirteen community serviceannouncements achieved a 23 percent increase of awareness ofprograms to help keep our rivershealthy.

❖ A bus shelter advertisingcampaign was successfully run inMarch, April and May using asimple but direct visual image.

❖ The number of schools in theSwan Region registered withRibbons of Blue increased to 113with 36 joining this year.

❖ The number of catchment groupsworking with Ribbons of Blueschools in the Swan Region rosefrom eight to 16 this year.

❖ The Swan River Trust website atwww.wrc.wa.gov.au/srt wasupdated with weekly monitoringresults.

Future Directions:

❖ Continue the public awarenesscampaign as part of the Swan-Canning Cleanup Program withthe aim of changing behavioursto reduce pollutants entering therivers.

Management Planning

Aims:

To prepare management plans basedon sound information to ensureconservation and enhancement ofthe Swan-Canning river systemwhile allowing appropriatedevelopment and recreational use.

Achievements:

❖ The Swan-Canning PrecinctPolicy Plan progressed througha refinement of the Vision andGuiding Principles that have beenadopted by the Trust and theWestern Australian PlanningCommission.

❖ Review of existing Trust wormdigging guidelines.

❖ The Trust has developed a draftpolicy and implementation strat-egy to phase out discharges of airconditioner wastewater to stormwater drains.

❖ Sixteen local government Envi-ronmental Health Officers andseven businesses successfullycompleted Cleaner Productiontraining.

Future Directions:

❖ A draft Environmental Manage-ment System will be provided toyacht club and marinas for con-sideration.

❖ Progress the Swan-Canning Pre-cinct Policy Plan and studies forprecincts around the rivers.

Protection of Waterwaysand Foreshores

Aims:

To protect the Swan-Canning riversystem from the adverse effects ofhuman activity and to providefacilities for public use that maintainpublic safety and enjoyment of theriver.

Achievements:

❖ 515 people participated inProperty Planning field days,workshops and/or seminars.

❖ Management Plan for theCanning River developed forpublic comment.

❖ Continued oxygenation programin the Canning River.

❖ 33 beaches and 146 km offoreshores of the Swan andCanning rivers were regularlycleaned and maintained.

❖ 1821 tonnes of beach sandrelocated to replenish erodedpublic beaches.

Future Directions:

❖ Work with local government onshoreline restoration, revegeta-tion and weed control.

❖ Continue to support landownersin adopting Best ManagementPractices through workshops andfarmnotes.

❖ Launch of Caring for theCanning management plan.

Operations Summary


Chairman’s Report

This year has been both challenging and somewhat controversial for the Swan River Trust.

An important activity for the Trust is its involvement in helping regulate riverside developmentby providing advice on development applications within and adjoining the Trust’sManagement Area. Planning and development around the rivers is without doubt the mostcontroversial part of the Trust’s work. It was this issue that led to the formation of the SwanRiver Trust in 1988. There is a wide range of views in the community on the desirability offurther development around the rivers.

The Trust’s responsibility to the community is to make sure its decisions and advice to theMinister for Water Resources consider the best interests of the rivers’ health and amenity aswell as the values held by the community.

The Trust considered 223 development applications, the more notable including theconstruction of a public jetty at Minim Cove (recommended), a boat ramp upgrade atGoodwood Parade (recommended), advertising signage on the Swan River (notrecommended), and a four storey, three star hotel at Barrack Square (recommended subjectto 32 conditions being met).

To improve the level of service and to provide clearer guidance for the public the Trust hascompleted a review of its development control policies. Once formally adopted they will bepublished and become available on the Trust’s web site.

This year the Swan-Canning Precinct Policy Plan progressed through a refinement of theVision and Guiding Principles that have been adopted by the Trust and the Western AustralianPlanning Commission. The Swan-Canning Precinct Policy Plan sets out to balancedevelopment expectations, recreational activities and protection of the amenity andenvironment of the Swan-Canning river system.

Chairman’s Report

Geoff Totterdell


The Plan recognises that developments outside of the Trust’s Management Area can have asignificant impact on the river and its landscape setting. It promotes collaborative planningbetween State and local government and uses existing statutory planning mechanisms andlegislation.

The Swan-Canning Cleanup Program (SCCP) is the Trust’s major initiative utilising morethan 62% of the total budget. I believe the program is the most significant action to protectthe health and quality of the Swan-Canning river system ever embarked upon. It is importantthat this commitment is sustained in the long term if we are to achieve a reduction of nutrientlevels in the river and maintain their environmental amenity.

The second year of the SCCP Action Plan concludes with a strong spirit of cooperation andcommitment from everybody involved in the wide range of activities contributing to achievingthe program’s goals. Several of the Action Plan projects are delivered through otherorganisations. All have now commenced and most have consolidated and are beginning toshow results. A pleasing feature of these arrangements is the way in which State and localgovernment agencies and community groups have also adopted the program’s identity andare delivering its messages to the community.

This year SCCP involved 24 major projects with more than 50 people from five agenciesworking full or part time on them as well as increasing support from numerous communitybased catchment groups.

Efforts to strengthen and support Integrated Catchment Management have been a priorityof SCCP with direct funding to catchment groups totalling $404 000. As well as supportingestablished catchment groups, the funds also fostered community involvement in other SCCPpriority catchments. For example, funds provided to the Blackadder-Woodbridge catchmentgroup contributed toward development of a catchment group in Susannah Brook, a SCCPpriority catchment without an active catchment group. The Trust also helped fund theestablishment of the Canning Plain Catchment Group.

During the year 515 people participated in Property Planning field days, workshops and/orseminars as part of the SCCP property planning project. These workshops assist landholdersto develop and implement Property Plans and adopt best management practices to reducenutrient losses.

The Trust has also extended its community awareness program. The great challenge is toreach those that are unaware that their activities can and often do impact on the health of therivers.

With this in mind the Trust has extended its reach (by participating in a number of publicevents including the Australia Day Lotto Skyworks, both on the river and throughout themetropolitan area and conducted a media campaign to deliver the message HELP KEEPOUR RIVERS HEALTHY to the community).

The Trust continued its extensive water quality monitoring program. Over 14 years ofcatchment data and seven years of estuarine data have now been collected. This extendeddata series is vital in understanding the dynamics of the Swan-Canning river system andwater quality trends.

Chairman’s Report


The recent adoption of water quality targets for the estuarine portion of the Swan-Canningriver system by the Trust will help us to better evaluate the effectiveness of SCCP over thecoming years.

Work continued on assessing ways of preventing nutrients from being released from riversediments and fuelling algal blooms. This included the second year of trials using the modifiedclay Phoslock™. It was applied to an 800-metre section of the Canning River in February2001 with promising results.

The Trust again tested the practical application of oxygenation on the relatively large andhydrodynamically complex Swan River using a prototype mobile oxygenation barge. Theresults of this trial are still being assessed. The continuation of oxygenation in the CanningRiver this year was very successful and it is now being evaluated as a long term option forimproving water quality upstream of the Kent Street Weir.

The Trust was pleased to receive Commonwealth support for several of its projects throughthe Coasts and Clean Seas Initiative. This helped support activities such as the mobileoxygenation barge on the Swan River, design and planning for a constructed wetland at theAlbion townsite and the drain retrofitting project for the Mills Street Main Drain.

In addition to its work in SCCP, the Trust continued its routine environmental managementwork, including cleaning beaches, removing debris, reshaping eroded beaches, maintainingforeshore protection works and responding to pollution incidents.

Around 65 tonnes of litter was collected from beaches in the Trust’s Management Area,99 tonnes of logs and timber from fallen trees was removed and 494 tonnes of rotting seaweedwas cleared from foreshores.

The Trust also responded to 99 pollution incident reports, which included oil spills, sewagespills, dewatering or waste dumping. The most serious incident occurred when a mobilecrushing and screening trailer leaked diesel fuel into a stormwater drain in Belmont. TheTrust field operations staff, using absorbent spill booms, successfully contained the majorityof the diesel before it entered the Swan River.

This year saw one change to the Board membership with Councillor Marion Blair replacingCouncillor Jeff Munn as the local government representative. Councillor Munn made avaluable contribution bringing the local government perspective to the Trust and our thanksare extended for his contribution over his three year term with the Board.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Board members for their commitment to thegood management of the Swan-Canning river system. Dedicated and helpful staff havesupported the Board’s work and I thank them sincerely for their contribution.

Geoff TotterdellChairman

Chairman’s Report


About the Swan River Trust

About the Swan River TrustThe Swan River Trust was established in 1989to coordinate the work necessary to balance theuse and protection of the waterways andshorelines, and to restore degraded environments.The Trust is constituted under the Swan RiverTrust Act 1988 and is responsible to the Ministerfor Water Resources.

Through the Swan-Canning Cleanup Program,the Trust and the organisations working with itare identifying the sources of the nutrients thatsupport algal blooms and are developing a rangeof strategies to reduce the frequency and extentof algal blooms. A key component is encouragingthe development of community-coordinatedmanagement of the catchments so that the levelof nutrients entering the river system is reduced.

Public understanding of the importance ofprotecting and managing the river system is vitalto the Trust’s work. Production of environmentalreports and information leaflets for shorelineresidents, householders and students, communitygroups, boat owners and recreational anglersmake sure people know and care about the Swan-Canning river system.

The Trust has a very close relationship with theWater and Rivers Commission, sharing similarphilosophies and carrying out complementaryfunctions. The Commission provides the Trustwith the staff and corporate services necessaryfor the Trust to carry out its functions. However,the Trust is a separate legal entity with separateaccounting and reporting responsibilities.

The Swan River Trust provides leadership inplanning, managing and protecting the riversystem. Every member of the community has apart to play in protecting their heritage andmaking sure the waters and shorelines of theSwan-Canning river system continue to sustainthe city.

The Swan River Trust plays a vital role in theprotection and management of the Swan-Canning river system—one of the State’s mosttreasured assets.

The Swan-Canning river system is the lifebloodof Perth. Its waterways and shorelines are partof our heritage and the central focus of our urbanlandscape. The rivers provide a range ofrecreational opportunities, maintain a functionalliving environment in the heart of an urban area,support businesses and tourist enterprises andcontribute to surrounding property values.

Careful protection, planning and managementare required to ensure that our use of thesewaterways and shorelines does not result in theloss of their environmental, heritage and amenityvalues. Work is also required to restoreenvironments that have been degraded.

Specifically, the functions of the Swan RiverTrust are to:

❖ Manage and protect the river system and workwith local government and other bodies toprovide facilities around the rivers

❖ Advise the Minister for Water Resources ondevelopment proposals within theManagement Area

❖ Control and prevent pollution of the rivers andkeep them clear of rubbish

❖ Advise on and control erosion of river banks

❖ Provide advice to local authorities and theWestern Australian Planning Commission ontown planning issues affecting the rivers

❖ Promote community awareness of issuesaffecting the health of the river system andincrease community involvement in riverprotection and restoration


About the Swan River Trust

Figure 1: The Swan River Trust Management Area includes the waters of the Swan and Canningrivers and adjoining parks and recreation reservations—extending upstream from the FremantleTraffic Bridge to Moondyne Brook on the Avon River, to the lower diversion dam on the Helena River,along Southern River to the Allen Road crossing and the Canning River to its confluence with StintonCreek.

ThomsonsLake

HerdsmanLake

LakeMonger

LakeJoondalup

GnangaraLake

Water

Melville

Swan

Riv

er

River

Canning

Southern

River

Helena

River

INDIAN

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The Swan River Trust Board

The Swan River Trust BoardThe Swan River Trust Board comprises eight members drawn from the community, localgovernment and government agencies. They are:

❖ a chairman appointed by the Minister for Water Resources

❖ a member of the board of the Water and Rivers Commission

❖ nominees of the Minister for Planning, the Minister for Transport and the Coordinator ofWater Services

❖ a representative of the Local Government Association of Western Australia appointed bythe Minister for Water Resources

❖ two independent members appointed by the Minister for Water Resources

When the Trust is considering development applications, local governments from areasaffected may nominate a representative to attend Trust meetings and vote on the application.Local government representatives are also regularly invited to attend committee and othermeetings.

Membership Changes

There was one retirement this year and consequently one new appointment to the Board.Councillor Marion Blair was appointed on 25 September 2000 and replaced Councillor JeffMunn whose appointment expired on 30 June 2000 and who attended his last meeting on17 October 2000.

Swan River Trust Board

Front (l-r):Noel Robins,Pat Hart, Kim Stone.

Back (l-r):Ray Stokes, Marion Blair,Geoff Totterdell,Tim Mather.

Absent: Brian Martin.



Board Members

Mr Geoff Totterdell B.Com, FCPA, CD

Chairman

Mr Totterdell is an active river user who haschaired the Swan River Trust since August 1994.His interests over many years have includedswimming, fishing, canoeing, power boat timetrialing and yachting. He holds a Bachelor ofCommerce degree (UWA) and is a Fellow of theAustralian Society of Certified PractisingAccountants.

Mr Noel RobinsDeputy ChairmanWater and Rivers Commission Board Member

Mr Robins is a former Commissioner forWaterways who has extensive experience in riverand estuary management. He has played a leadrole in the creation of the Swan River Trust andin the establishment of various community-basedmanagement authorities to tackle environmentalproblems in waterways.

Mr Ray Stokes Dip TP (Nottm), Dip TD (L’pool),

FRAPI

Nominee of Minister for Planning

Mr Stokes is a qualified town planner and Fellowof the Royal Australian Planning Institute. He iscurrently Director Policy and Legislation withthe Ministry for Planning.

Mr Kim Stone BE, MBA

Nominee of Minister for Transport

Mr Stone has an extensive background ingovernment engineering and management roles,primarily in the areas of water supply andsewerage. He has also run his own managementconsultancy business, and is currently Directorof Coastal and Facilities Management in theMaritime Division of the Department ofTransport.

Dr Brian Martin M ScAgric, PhD

Coordinator of Water Services

Dr Martin is an economist who has worked in arange of state and Commonwealth Governmentagencies over 25 years, primarily in the area ofpolicy development. In 1996, he was appointedCoordinator of Water Services in WesternAustralia, with the task of establishing andleading the newly formed Office of WaterRegulation.

Cr Jeff Munn CMC, JP

Nominee of the Local Government Association

Cr Munn was a Senior Engineering Surveyorwith the Water Authority of WA and is now atutor in surveying at TAFE. He has extensivelocal government experience, including 18 yearsas a Councillor with the City of Armadale. Hisappointment expired on 30 June 2000 and heattended his last meeting on 17 October 2000.



Cr Marion BlairNominee of the Local Government Association

Marion Blair has been a Councillor of the Cityof Belmont since 1987 and has been the DeputyMayor for seven of those years. She is DeputyPresident of the Local Government Associationand a member of the Eastern MetropolitanRegional Council, which, as part of itsresponsibilities, looks after regional communityservices and the environment including the SwanRiver. Enjoying a childhood of swimming in theSwan River helped to develop Marion’s keeninterest in the river.

Mrs Pat HartCommunity Representative

Mrs Hart is a retired business proprietor withover 30 years involvement in rural and urbancommunity organisations. She has served onnumerous committees involved with catchmentmanagement and has been Chair of the SwanCatchment Council, Chair of the Swan-AvonIntegrated Catchment Management Group anda member of the Swan-Canning CleanupProgram Taskforce.

Dr Tim Mather BVSc, FAICD, MAVA

Community Representative

Dr Mather is a business owner/manager andretired veterinarian with extensive experience inenvironment and human/animal ecosystemrelationships. He has trained in business andfinancial management and architectural studiesand is a regular river user with an interest inrowing and yachting.


Organisational Structure

Organisational StructureThe Swan River Trust has a core staff of 19 andreceives further administrative and technicalsupport from staff of the Water and RiversCommission. The Trust is divided into twosections — Assessment and Policy and RiverManagement.

The Assessment and Policy Section evaluates andprovides advice on applications for approval ofdevelopment within and next to the Swan RiverTrust Management Area. This requires regularconsultation with developers, local governmentand other agencies whose activities impact onthe health and amenity of the Swan-Canning riversystem. Assessments are prepared for the TrustBoard and form the basis for itsrecommendations to the Minister.

This section also prepares policies for the Trustand provides advice on policy development byother agencies. Staff provide advice to membersof the public concerning development and landuse around the river, assist in interpreting policiesand legislation, and support local governmentsin the preparation of foreshore managementplans.

The River Management Section coordinates thesubstantial Swan-Canning Cleanup Program andsupports the development of catchment andforeshore management plans, undertakesenvironmental investigations and audit andenforcement activities. It also cleans andmaintains beaches and foreshores, removesderelict vessels, undertakes pollution investi-gation and control and provides logistical supportfor research activities. Its staff work closely withlocal government, the Water and RiversCommission, the Department of Transport andthe Department of Environmental Protection.

Adrian Tomlinson, Swan-Canning Cleanup ProgramManager was just one of theSwan River Trust staff whovolunteered their own timeto take part in the NationalClean Up Australia’s firstBusiness Clean Up Day on27 February 2001. Thegroup headed down to theCanning River betweenCloisters Boat Ramp and theCanning Bridge in Manningand collected 21 bags full oflitter from along the riverforeshore.




Senior Assessment OfficerVacant

Environmental OfficerAssessmentPeter Tapsell

Environmental OfficerAssessmentMelinda Reid

Planning AssistantIla Hayward

ReceptionistMellissa McClean

Administrative AssistantMara Vlaar

Environmental OfficerEnvironmental Management

Natarsha Woods

Environmental OfficerCatchment Management

Roweena Hart

Swan-Canning Cleanup Program

Adrian TomlinsonManager

Audit and Enforcement

Denis DoakOfficer

Field HandIvan Stork

Field HandDavid Dean

Field HandVaughan Smith

Field HandBen Cohen

Field OperationsSupervisor

David Fardig

Community Relations OfficerSilvana Affolter

Community RelationsManager

Wendy Yorke

Environmental OfficerRivercare

Cathy Walker

Foreshore RestorationEngineering Associate

Barry Johnson

Manager River ManagementDarryl Miller

RIVER MANAGEMENTSECTION

Principal Assessment OfficerRoss Montgomery

ASSESSMENT ANDPOLICY SECTION

Swan River TrustManager

Robert Atkins

Swan River Trust BoardChair

Geoff Totterdell

Minister for Water ResourcesHon, Dr Judy Edwards


State of the RiverOverview

State of the River

The Swan and Canning rivers underwent waterquality changes that reflected the short but wetwinter experienced between June and August lastyear. For example, in the Swan River, as freshwater flow diminished, the salt wedge movedrelatively quickly up the river and was asignificant influence in the upper Swan by midNovember rather than by late December to earlyJanuary which is more common in wetter winterand spring years. In the Canning, weir boardswere installed at Kent Street Weir in late Octoberand calm stagnant weir pool conditions becamequickly established in the upper Canning River.

The Swan and Canning rivers experienced fourmain algal alerts. A toxic blue-green algal bloomin the upper Canning between Kent Street andHester Park from 24 January to 13 February2001.

A nuisance algal bloom occurred in the upperSwan between the Causeway and Bassendeanfrom mid February to late March and apotentially harmful golden-brown microscopicalgal bloom occurred in the Swan River betweenthe Causeway and Middle Swan from 15 May to24 May 2001.

Algal alerts were also issued for a nuisance algalbloom from 8 June to 24 June 2001 in some areasbetween Guildford and Midland.

Although the frequency of warnings was low,the period for the warnings at upper Swan andthe upper Canning lasted for two months. Algaenormally responsible for fish kills and publichealth alerts were also detected this year butoccurred in very low numbers.

Warning signs installed on the foreshore of the Canning River from the Kent Street Weir upstream toHester Park in Gosnells in January 2001.


State of the River

Condition of the Catchments

Generally phosphorus levels in tributaries of theSwan-Canning river system are low. In healthytributaries phosphorus should be less than0.1 milligrams per litre of water. Monitoringsuggests that up to 70 per cent of tributaries in

the region are at or below target levels. In sometributaries phosphorus has actually decreased inthe last decade, which is probably due to acombination of community education, catchmentmanagement and below average rainfall.

Figure 2: The Swan-Canning river system and locations of problem areas in 2000-2001

INDIAN

OCEAN

5 kilometres

N

PERTH

Kent StWeir

Gosnells

Fremantle

Maylands

FreshwaterBay

Narrows

Mt. HenryBridge

Ron CourtneyIsland

HesterPark

Area affected by toxic blue-green algae(24.01.2001 to 13.02.2001)

Area affected by nuisance algae(mid February 2001 to late March 2001)

Area affected by nuisance algae(15.05.2001 to 24.05.2001)

Area affected by nuisance algae(08.06.2001 to 24.06.2001)

LOWERCANNING

UPPERCANNING

UPPERSWAN

LOWERSWAN

Midland


However there are some key exceptions to thisgeneralisation. For example, phosphorus levelsin Ellen Brook and Mills Street Main Drainremain especially high and well above targetlevels.

Seven out of 15 monitored tributaries had totalnitrogen concentrations above the water qualitytarget of 1.0 mg/L. Nitrogen levels are highestin the Ellen Brook and Mills Street Main Drain.Nitrogen concentrations in these tributaries aredifficult to reduce and only concerted andsignificant catchment land use changes andrestoration will bring them down to target levels.

Condition of the Rivers

Swan River

There is a consistent seasonal pattern in waterquality and algal succession in the Swan-Canningriver system that was observed again this yearalthough rain ceased after early September.Regular winter rainfall and dry warm summersdrive this pattern. In winter, surface andgroundwater flows deliver substantial amountsof inorganic nitrogen to the river system. Thisannual winter load of bioavailable nitrogen fuelsthe spring algal blooms in the lower Swan andlate-spring and early summer algal blooms in theupper Swan. The magnitude and timing of thespring blooms and the incidence of summerrainfall greatly influence summer algal blooms.

This year phytoplankton cell numbers in theSwan River exceeded the bloom criterion of20 000 cells/mL 21 times out of 52 occasionsthat they were sampled. Fortunately Microcystis,the toxic blue-green alga responsible for asummer bloom that closed the Swan River lastyear, was not observed in any substantialnumbers or for any significant length of timethroughout the 2000-2001 sampling period.

State of the River

Lower Swan

The Lower Swan was stratified (fresh watertowards the surface, salt water at the bottom) bythe end of winter (Figure 3). After winter rainfallhad ceased, tidal action increased salinity so thatby December the water was almost completelyexchanged with marine water. The water columnwas generally well oxygenated with low oxygenconditions only occurring in the bottom twometres of water during September and December(Figure 4).

SurfaceBottom

Lower Swan

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May June2000-2001

Sal

init

y(p

arts

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Figure 3: Lower Swan salinity

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60

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140

SurfaceBottom


Dis

solv

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xyg

en(%

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ion) Lower Swan

Figure 4: Lower Swan oxygen

In the lower Swan peak phytoplankton activityocurred in spring. This is shown by the August-September peak in chlorophyll a concentrations(Figure 5, chlorophyll a is an estimate ofphytoplankton abundance).

Diatoms dominated this springtime peak inphytoplankton activity, predominantlySkeletonema costatum. This species is a harmlesschain-forming diatom and is an excellent foodsource for invertebrates such as copepods and


mussels. Skeletonema costatum usually appearsin spring in Melville Water when the Swan Riverbecomes more saline after freshwater winter runoff subsides.

Lower Swan

0

5

10

15

20

25

July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May June

Ch

loro

phy

lla

(g/

L)µ

2000-2001

Figure 5: Lower Swan chlorophyll a

This spring phytoplankton activity occurred overa short period mostly in September. In otheryears, elevated phytoplankton activity extendsto November. The reason for this shorter periodof elevated phytoplankton activity probablyrelates to the short and wet winter rainfall seasonthis year and restricted period of nutrient inputsfrom the upper Swan tributaries.

Upper Swan

In November and December, the upper Swan wasdominated by dinoflagellate phytoplankton,mainly Prorocentrum minimum (an alga thatcauses blooms known as red-tide). Nuisancebloom warnings were issued for this species inFebruary. Phytoplankton activity subsided for avery short period in late December and thenincreased again until late February (seechlorophyll a concentrations in Figure 6). InMay, a short-lived potentially toxic raphidophytealgal bloom occurred from the Causeway toGuildford and in some areas surface scumsreached extremely high densities (> 150 000cells/mL).

The most extreme phytoplankton bloomsoccurred during a week in mid February wherecell counts exceeded 500 000 cells/mL at three

State of the River

upper Swan sampling sites. Although none ofthe blooms posed a public health risk in terms ofhuman toxicity, dinoflagellate blooms tend to beslimy and stain swimming bathers a brown-orange colour. Some swimmers at Ray MarshallPark in Midland complained of skin and eyeirritation although no direct link to this specieswas found. The dominance of nuisancedinoflagellates in January and February wasfollowed by a distinct transition fromdinoflagellates to diatoms in late March, whereSkeletonema and Chaetoceros spp. weredominant during April.

Upper Swan

0

5

10

15

20

25


Ch

loro

phy

lla

(g/

L)µ

2000-2001

Figure 6: Upper Swan chlorophyll a

Salinities in the upper Swan began to increasefrom almost fresh water to brackish water startingin October (Figure 7). By February salinitieswere close to marine water throughout the upperregion. The rapid changes during spring reflectedthe relatively fast movement of the salt wedgeup river because of the dry conditions.

SurfaceBottom

Upper Swan

2000-2001

Sal

init

y(p

arts

per

thou

sand

)

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40


Figure 7: Upper Swan salinity


Oxygen levels were very low on the bottom ofthe upper Swan throughout summer and autumn.This reflected the early arrival of the salt wedgeand continuing saline conditions and also theconstant level of algal bloom activity. As theblooms collapsed, their cells decomposed on thebottom consuming oxygen. This is a commonfeature of this region that the Trust has recordedfor over five years.

SurfaceBottom

Upper Swan

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

140


Dis

solv

ed o

xyg

en(%

sat

urat

ion)

Figure 8: Upper Swan oxygen

Canning River

The lower Canning River between Kent StreetWeir and the Canning Bridge had similar waterquality to that of the lower Swan and lowerregions of the upper Swan.

Upstream of Kent Street Weir, the upper Canningwas fresh [< 1 parts per thousand (ppt)]throughout the year. The Canning usually flowsfreely during the winter months until flowsdecline and weir boards are put in place usuallyin October, to prevent the intrusion of salinewater upstream of the Kent Street Weir. Duringthe flow season, the water column was welloxygenated, dissolved oxygen was approx-imately 80 per cent saturated from the surface tothe bottom (Figure 9).

After the weir boards were replaced in October2000 and flow declined, the river became astagnant pool and due to decomposition oforganic material washed into the river from thedrains and catchment, dissolved oxygen levelsin the bottom waters rapidly decreased.

State of the River

SurfaceBottom

Upper Canning Weir closed

0

20

40

60

80

100


Dis

solv

ed o

xyg

en(%

sat

urat

ion)

Figure 9: Canning River oxygen

The bottom two metres at the Kent Streetsampling site were from 0 to 50 per cent saturatedfor nearly six months. Results from othersampling sites were similar except for the BaconStreet site that was artificially oxygenated by aSwan-Canning Cleanup Program riverintervention trial (see page 58 for moreinformation on the oxygenation program) andgenerally had good oxygen levels throughout thesummer. Surface waters at all upper CanningRiver sampling sites were generally satisfactorywith respect to oxygen levels.

Peak phytoplankton concentrations wererecorded in November and from February toApril (Figure 10). November phytoplanktonactivity was dominated by a variety of non-toxicchlorophyte (e.g. Tetraselmis) and diatom species(e.g. Cyclotella and Thallassiosira).

The late summer peak in chlorophyll a thatoccurred this year was dominated by a toxic blue-green algae, Anabaena circinalis. The upperCanning River from Kent Street Weir toNicholson Road Bridge was closed to the publicfor recreational use for approximately eightweeks.

Following the collapse of the Anabaena bloom,a harmless chlorophyte bloom occurred fromKent Street to Bacon Street. This was a mixtureof chlorophyte species, however the harmlessCarteria species dominated. The upper Canningalso had several green to brown coloured blooms


of euglenophytes, a small animal like group thatphotosynthesises. These blooms occurredbetween late spring and early autumn and weremainly composed of Trachelmonas and Euglenaspecies.

The Canning River had over 30 phytoplanktonblooms when counts exceeded 20 000 cells/mLout of approximately 60 times that water qualitysampling occurred. The highest cell countsranged between 250 000 and 1 000 000 cells/mL.

State of the River

Upper Canning

0

2

4

6

8


Ch

loro

phy

lla

(g/

L)µ

2000-2001

Figure 10: Upper Canning River chlorophyll a




$3.5 million, more than half of the Swan RiverTrust 2000-2001 budget, was directed toimplementation of the Swan-Canning CleanupProgram (SCCP) Action Plan.

Excessive levels of nutrients, principally nitrogenand phosphorus, can cause nuisance and toxicalgal blooms in the Swan-Canning river system.The nutrients enter the system from both urbanand rural areas and pose a major threat to theenvironmental health of the estuary and its socialamenity.

The SCCP Action Plan was released by theMinister for Water Resources in June 1999 andestablishes a comprehensive Action Plan forrestoring and protecting the Swan-Canning riversystem.

The Action Plan is focused on reducing nutrientlevels in the Swan-Canning river system to avoidthe conditions that support development of algalblooms. This year, SCCP involved 24 majorprojects, more than 50 people from fivegovernment agencies as well as increasingsupport from numerous community basedcatchment groups.

Each of these projects will be mentioned in therelevant outputs section of this annual report.SCCP projects will be identified by the symbol:

A Senior Officers Group and a Project ManagersGroup coordinate and oversee implementationof the projects and ensure SCCP objectives areachieved.

The Action Plan makes 10 major recommenda-tions within a four-point plan:

1. Support Integrated Catchment Managementto reduce nutrient inputs.

2. Improve planning and land use managementto reduce nutrient inputs.

3. Modify river conditions to reduce algalblooms.

4. Monitor river health, fill critical gaps inknowledge and report progress to thecommunity.

The Action Plan recognises that a coordinatedapproach is essential to effectively secure theSwan-Canning river system and action isnecessary in all areas for effective changes. Itfosters Integrated Catchment Management wherecommunity driven on-ground work is alignedwith local government and state and federalgovernment initiatives.

In managing the program a significant focus isto recognise the role of each component projectin the context of the program. This is achievedthrough regular meeting of the project managersgroup, an electronic newsletter directed toofficers in each of the SCCP projects, and anannual information sharing day.

The major achievements of SCCP in year twowere:

❖ The adoption of estuarine water quality targetsfor total nitrogen and phosphorusconcentrations, oxygen saturation andphytoplankton abundance for the Swan andCanning rivers.

A comprehensive Action Plan for restoring and protecting the Swan-Canning river systemwas released by the Minister for Water Resources in June 1999 and has played a centralrole in shaping the activities of the Trust over the past two years.



❖ 515 people participated in Property Planningfield days, workshops and/or seminars as partof the property planning project. Theseworkshops assist landholders to develop andimplement Property Plans and adopt bestmanagement practices.

❖ The cross-media public awareness campaignreached new audiences—with the SCCP logobeing flown over the Swan River during twomajor public events, sponsored as part of thecontinuing strategy to increase publicrecognition of the logo that identifies SCCPactivities. A bus shelter advertising campaignwas successfully run in March, April and Mayusing a simple but direct visual image.

To reinforce the SCCP key message to the publica bus shelter advertising campaign wasimplemented.

❖ Sixteen local government EnvironmentalOfficers and seven businesses completedindustry training in Cleaner Production. Thistraining was designed to give local

government Health Officers an overview ofCleaner Production practices and to assistthem to conduct environmental audits ofindustrial premises. The seven businessesdeveloped a practical ‘Cleaner Production’action plan. The action plans will enable themto implement Cleaner Production options thatwill lead to the minimisation of pollution,waste and emissions.

❖ The number of schools in the Swan Regionregistered with Ribbons of Blue increased to113 with 36 joining this year.

Landholders participate in a field day run by AgricultureWestern Australia. By the end of this financial year, 515people participated in Property Planning field days,workshops and/or seminars.

Wembley Primary School students sampling for aquaticmacroinvertebrates at Herdsman Lake.


❖ 16 catchment groups are working togetherwith Ribbons of Blue schools in the SwanRegion with eight joining this year.

❖ The Department of Environmental Protectionprovided a draft report funded by SCCPexamining options for managing nutrientinputs from drains to the Swan-Canning riversystem.

❖ As well as supporting established catchmentgroups, direct funding to catchment groupstotalling $404 000 also fostered communityinvolvement in other SCCP prioritycatchments. For example, funds provided tothe Blackadder-Woodbridge catchment groupcontributed toward initiating interest in acatchment group in Susannah Brook, a SCCPpriority catchment without an active

catchment group. SCCP funds assistedestablishment of the Canning Plain CatchmentGroup.

❖ The Swan River oxygenation trial tested thepractical application of dissolved oxygen onthe relatively large and hydrodynamicallycomplex Swan River using a prototype mobileoxygenation barge operating from Novemberto February near Ron Courtney Island and theGuildford Road traffic bridge.

❖ Phoslock™ was applied to an 800-metresection of the Canning River in February 2001.Phosphorus concentrations were reduced by76% after the application of the Phoslock™and remained lower than phosphorusconcentrations in an untreated control areaover the next seventy days.

Wilson Wetland Action Group community volunteersrevegetating banks of the Mills Street Main Drain as part oftheir Swan Catchment Urban Landcare Program fundedrestoration project.



Water Information

Water Information

Water Quality Monitoringand Analysis Program

The Swan River Trust and the Water and RiversCommission have developed an extensive waterquality monitoring and analysis program toprovide information on Swan-Canning riversystem water quality. The program is fully fundedby SCCP.

The aim of this program is to:

❖ understand and monitor water quality in theSwan-Canning river system;

❖ establish environmental guidelines and assesswhether they are being met;

❖ identify hazards to public health andrecreational use of the rivers associated withpoor water quality;

❖ help assess trends in environmental quality.

The Swan River and lower Canning River arenow sampled at 10 sites weekly (Figure 11). Anadditional site in Melville Water at Heathcotewas added to allow better tracking of salt wedgemovement. Three random sites are also sampledbetween January and May. The upper CanningRiver is sampled weekly at seven regular sites.A further four sites are sampled during summerand autumn in the upper Swan when nuisanceor toxic algae are observed in water samples.

The Trust now has over 14 years of continuousmonitoring of nutrient levels in key catchmenttributaries and seven years of monitoring waterquality and ecosystem health in the Swan andCanning rivers. Two weather stations are located

Monitoring programs are necessary to measure compliance against targets and to tracktrends in concentrations. They are also vital to measure whether Swan-Canning CleanupProgram (SCCP) implementation is making a difference to the health of our waterways.

in the Swan River in Maylands to provide windand barometric pressure data in support ofmodelling and understanding of salt wedgemovement.

The Trust also continuously monitors microalgae(phytoplankton) and their numbers in the Swanand Canning rivers and provides public healthand water quality information to health and localgovernment and the community. For examplefour warnings were issued this year, two fornuisance algae in the upper Swan, one for toxicalgae in the upper Canning and the third for apotentially harmful bloom of golden-brown algaein the upper Swan between the Causeway andBassendean.

This year better identification and monitoringprocedures for potentially harmful phyto-plankton species were established and this willassist in better surveillance and warnings forfuture years.

Trust staff continued to sample 15 sites in theSwan-Canning catchment on a fortnightly basis(Figure 12). Water and Rivers Commission stafffrom the Swan Region also undertake flowmeasurements at these sites. Nine sites havecontinuous flow recording instrumentation andthe remainder have staff gauges, which are readfortnightly, and flow computed from a ratingscurve established by a series of flow-dischargemeasurements. As funds become available theselatter sites will be instrumented to record flowcontinuously with a consequent increase inaccuracy. This year the staff gauge site onBennett Brook was upgraded to continuous flow.


The Water Corporation operates three gaugingsites and the data are used in the SCCPmonitoring program.

Autosamplers located at three sites, Ellen Brook,Mills Street and Walyunga allow storm eventsto be sampled so that nutrient loading can becalculated with known precision. Thisinformation is critical to understand nutrientchanges through different stages of the flowregime so that catchment management can bebetter targeted. For example, even thoughphosphorus and nitrogen concentrations in flowfrom the Avon River meet the SCCP waterquality guidelines, the high flow volumes mean

Figure 11: Locality of sampling sites on the Swan and Canning rivers. A total of 17 sites are sampledregularly over the year with another four sites sampled in the Canning River during the summer andautumn when blooms frequently occur (for a total of 21 sites). Three random sites are also sampledbetween January and May. Nutrients, phytoplankton, chlorophyll, dissolved oxygen, salinity and anumber of other water quality parameters are sampled weekly.

Swan

River

Canning

River

PERTH

2 Kilometres

RivertonBridge (RIV)

MasonsLanding(MAS)

Nicholson RdBridge (NIC)

Ellison Dr(ELL)

Hester Park(HES)

GreenfieldStreet (GRE)

Bacon St(BAC)

Kent StWeir (KEN)Salters

Point(SAL)

NarrowsBridge(NAR)

Ron CourtneyIsland (RON)

Success Hill(SUC)

St John of God’sHospital (STJ)

MaylandsPool

(MAY)

NileStreet(NIL)

HWY

STIR

LING

LEACH

HWY

CANNIN

G

HWY

GREAT

EASTERN

HWY

HWY

TONKINALBANY

HWY

MITC

HELL

FWY

ArmstrongSpit

(ARM)

BlackwallReach(BLA)

UPPERESTUARY

LOWERESTUARY

Castledare(CAS)

CANNINGRIVER

Wharf St(WHA)

Fremantle

Heathcote(HEA)

INDIAN

OCEAN

KingsleyStreet(KIN)

Water Information

that small changes in nutrient concentration mayhave a significant impact on the Swan River.

The Trust provided monitoring, experimental andtrial data and analysis for reporting on theprogress of SCCP to government agencies,scientific bodies and the wider community. Forexample reports and analyses were provided foroxygenation, sediment remediation and nutrient-water quality flux experiments. Over a dozentalks were also given to community groups,symposia and workshops.

RiverScience was established as a publicationseries to communicate the science behind SCCP


Water Information

to a wider audience. The series are numbered sothat when placed in order they read like chaptersin a book. Six issues have been completed alongwith nine technical reports on the catchment,rivers and estuary.

Fremantle

Armadale

Gosnells

Bicton

Yule

Bickley Brook

Sou

ther

nR

iver

Kelmscott

Bickley Brook

Southern River

Upper Canning River

Bannister Creek

Hillarys

Midland

Helena

River

Brook

Jane

Brook

Susannah

Ellen

Broo

k

Brook

Bennett

Morley

Bennett Brook

Ellen Brook

Susannah Brook

Bayswater MDBlackadder Creek

Jane Brook

Crawley

Brook

ChurchlandsRedcliffe

Forrestfield

Helena River

Yule Brook

South Belmont MD

Mills St MD

Central Belmont MD

INDIAN

OCEAN

Figure 12: Locality of sampling sites for tributaries in the Swan-Canning river system. Fifteen sitesare sampled for the nutrients nitrogen and phosphorus. Sub-catchment names and sampling sitenumbers are shown.

Water quality and management information wasalso published on the toxic Microcystisphytoplankton bloom that occurred last year inthe Swan River.


Water Quality Targets

In 1999, the SCCP Action Plan recommendedtargets be developed for the nutrients nitrogenand phosphorus in the tributaries of the Swan-Canning river system. In addition it was alsorecommended that nutrient targets be developedfor the estuarine portion of the Swan and Canningrivers along with targets levels for phytoplanktonabundance and oxygen levels. A project team wassubsequently established with the task of derivingthese water quality targets.

Water Information

In 2001, the Trust approved estuarine waterquality targets for total nitrogen and phosphorusconcentrations, oxygen saturation andphytoplankton abundance (i.e. chlorophyll a) forthe Swan and Canning rivers. Now that thesetargets have been accepted, testing against themas a key effectiveness indicator will beincorporated in the next annual report. Currently,the targets apply only to surface waters howevertargets for dissolved oxygen in bottom waters ineach of the reaches are being derived.

yrautsE yrautsEnisab

elbairaV htpeD tegraT

nawS L negortin S L/gm0.905

nawS M negortin S L/gm0.708

nawS U negortin S L/gm0.9001

gninnaC M negortin S L/gm0.078

gninnaC U negortin S L/gm0.0031

nawS L surohpsohp S L/gm0.85

nawS M surohpsohp S L/gm0.911

nawS U surohpsohp S L/gm3.911

gninnaC M surohpsohp S L/gm0.061

gninnaC U surohpsohp S L/gm0.003

nawS L negyxo S noitarutas%1.28

nawS M negyxo S noitarutas%1.57

nawS U negyxo S noitarutas%2.18

gninnaC M negyxo S noitarutas%1.15

gninnaC U negyxo S noitarutas%0.91

nawS L llyhporolhc a S L/gm5.3

nawS M llyhporolhc a S L/gm0.31

nawS U llyhporolhc a S L/gm9.91

gninnaC M llyhporolhc a S L/gm0.01

gninnaC U llyhporolhc a S L/gm0.04

Table 1: Targets for the estuarine portion of the Swan and Canning rivers(L—lower reaches, M—middle reaches, U—upper reaches, S—surface waters).


Water Information

Sediment Nutrient Cycling

The SCCP Action Plan identified a key gap inour understanding of the role of sediments in theSwan and Canning rivers in supplying nutrientsto algal blooms. Information is needed to assesseffective methods and the cost effectiveness ofreducing sediment nutrient sources. Understand-ing nutrient release rates from sediment willguide the development of sediment remediationoptions and the rate at which nitrogen is returnedto the atmosphere. These are a key indicator ofriver health.

Between March 2001 and April 2001 a team ofseven scientists and technicians from theAustralian Geological Survey Organisation(AGSO) completed an intensive three-week fieldprogram studying the sediment geochemistry ofthe Swan-Canning river system. This was thesecond year of a three-year program to capturea range of river conditions. Last year the surveywas conducted immediately after the Februarybloom in the Swan River when there was strongsalinity stratification. This year the work wasundertaken in a well-mixed river.

AGSO focused effort on six sites in the Swanand three in the Canning. At each of those sitesbenthic chamber experiments were undertakenand sediment cores were collected. Surfacesediment samples were collected from another30 sites between Guildford and Fremantle on theSwan and upstream to the Kent Street Weir inthe Canning. Sample analysis from the fieldprogram was completed and a preliminaryprogress report was prepared.

Modify River Conditions toReduce the Occurrence ofAlgal Blooms

River intervention measures in the Swan-Canning river system are necessary to lessen thesymptoms of eutrophication until changes incatchment management practices result inreduced input of nutrients into the system.

Oxygenating the Swan River

The Swan River oxygenation trial aims to use aprototype mobile oxygenation barge to assess thepracticality of oxygenating the relatively largeand hydrodynamically complex Swan River.BOC Gases and the Commonwealth’s Coasts andClean Seas Initiative provided funding supportfor this trial.

Last year, in the first year of the project, a SwanRiver Trust barge ‘The Seagull’ was convertedinto a mobile oxygenation plant. The barge hassimilar equipment to the static oxygenationplants running in the Canning River (see page58 for more on oxygenating the Canning River),but can move to problem areas as required. Thebarge was upgraded over winter to increase theoxygen delivery capacity.

This year, in the second and final year of fieldtrials of the project, the barge operated fromNovember to February in the river near RonCourtney Island and the Guildford Road bridge.While in operation the barge operated 24 hoursper day, seven days per week. The impact of thebarge on river conditions was monitoredcarefully.

The field trials have shown that although the prin-ciples of the prototype barge were sound, toproperly oxygenate a significant length of theSwan River would require a system with a muchgreater capacity. A full analysis of the two yearsdata is being completed prior to the developmentof recommendations on what would be required


to oxygenate the Swan River and cost effective-ness of such an approach.

Modified Clay to Bind Phosphorus

This project continues the development ofPhoslock™, a modified clay treatment, as a riverintervention tool. The modified clay bindsphosphorus in the sediment so that it is notavailable to support algal blooms.

Last year Phoslock™ was applied to the CanningRiver in what was the first large scale applicationof this product. Initial results were verypromising but unseasonal rain complicated theinterpretation of the trial results.

In a repeat of that trial 20 tonnes of Phoslock™were applied to an 800 metre section of theCanning River in February 2001. Filterable

reactive phosphorus (FRP) concentrations werereduced by 76% after the application of thePhoslock™ and remained lower than concen-trations in an untreated control area over the next70 days (Figure 13). FRP is the dissolved fractionof phosphorus that is immediately available tophytoplankton.

In this year the project has also progressed theapproval of Phoslock™ by regulatory agenciesfor use in natural waterways and continued toassist CSIRO and industry partners with thecommercialisation of Phoslock™. It has alsobeen established through extensive ecotox testingthat Phoslock™ has negligible toxicity on thespecies on which it was tested. The results fromthe 2000 trial have been analysed and technicalreports prepared. Data collected during the 2001trial is currently being analysed.

ControlPhoslock™ onlyPhoslock™ and oxygenation

Filterable Reactive Phosphorus in Bottom of the Water Column

0

0.02

0.04

0.06

0.08

0.10

0.12

0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65 70 75 80

Days of trial

FR

P(m

g/L)

Start of Phoslock™only application

Start of Phoslock™and oxygenation application

Figure 13: This graph shows the change in filterable reactive phosphorus (FRP) concentrations inbottom waters with time. Note the sudden drop in FRP concentrations on days 9-11 due to theapplication of Phoslock™, and the consistently lower FRP concentrations in the treated areas, comparedto the control area after the application.

Water Information


Computer Models toSupport Decision Making

A major project to evaluate a range of catchmentand estuarine computer models and assess theirsuitability as tools for a river managementdecision support system continued this year.Computer modelling can help define issues andassess the effectiveness of possible solutions.Two catchment models have been used in theEllen Brook catchment to simulate the likelyimpacts of land use change and land managementpractices on nutrient levels in Ellen Brook. Thisapproach is being expanded to derive a model,which may be applied to all of the catchmentswithin the Swan-Canning river system.

Catchment Modelling

The Catchment Management Support System(CMSS) is a catchment-scale empirical modelthat may be used to analyse the likely impacts ofland use change and land management practiceson nutrient loads.

This year, all available local literature on nutrientexport rates was reviewed and collated. As thereis little Western Australian data, eastern statesand overseas data were also included. CMSS wasused to model the Ellen Brook and SouthernRiver catchments.

The Large Scale Catchment Model (LASCAM)was used in conjunction with the modellinggroup at Centre for Water Research (CWR) tomodel Ellen Brook catchment.

LASCAM will be used to model catchments ofthe Avon River, Ellen, Jane and SusannahBrooks, the Southern and upper Canning riversand Bayswater and Mills Street main drains. TheAvon River has been modelled previously. Workis progressing on the remaining catchments.These will be completed next year and

Water Information

regionalised parameters will be obtained toderive a model for the catchments of the Swan-Canning river system to determine the effects ofland use change and land management practices.

Estuary Modelling

A second modeller, employed to work on theestuary modelling started work in September2000.

The models being implemented are the Estuary,Lake and Coastal Ocean Model (ELCOM), athree-dimensional hydrodynamic model and theComputational Aquatic Ecosystem DynamicsModel (CAEDYM), which models the ecologyof the estuary. Both models are being continuallyimproved at the CWR, at the University ofWestern Australia.

At this stage the Trust has a working version ofCAEDYM, which is being driven by DYRESM,a one-dimensional hydrodynamic model. Thetask of evaluating and understanding CAEDYMis in progress. CAEDYM/DYRESM is beingapplied to the Canning River above Kent StreetWeir. The task of data preparation, calibrationand validation for both DYRESM and CAEDYMis complete.

At this point of time, ELCOM is not able tosimulate correctly the water balance of theestuary and project staff are working closely withthe CWR team to resolve this problem beforeELCOM is installed.

The modelling support for decision-makingprocess will be provided through examining theestuary for a number of possible environmentalscenarios. A set of scenarios for this purpose hasbeen developed for the CWR team to run in thefinal year of the CWR funded portion of theproject.



The Swan River Trust is responsible for assessingapplications under Part 5 of the Swan River TrustAct 1988, for developments located entirelywithin the Trust’s Management Area. Planningofficers assess applications, and advice providedby organisations, local governments and Stateagencies that may be affected by the developmentand provide reports that are used by the Trust asthe basis for its recommendations to the Ministerfor Water Resources.

The Trust also assesses developments locatedpartly inside, or directly abutting its ManagementArea, in these instances under Clause 30 of theMetropolitan Region Scheme. These applicationsare either jointly determined by the Minister forWater Resources and the Minister for Planningand Infrastructure or Trust advice is provided tolocal government.

Development Control

The Trust considers development applicationstwice each month. There are two categories ofproposals that constitute development under theSwan River Trust Act 1988:

❖ Construction of buildings, earthworks,structures such as jetties, bridges or otherworks;

❖ Operation of commercial activities such ashouseboats, ferry services and recreationalactivities often allied to tourism.

The Trust considered 223 developmentapplications during the year. This included 81applications, which were determined by theMinister for Water Resources, under the Swan


River Trust Act 1988, with 56 being assessedunder Clause 30 of the Metropolitan RegionScheme. The balance being Trust advice to localgovernments.

The following proposals are some of the morenotable matters considered by the Trust duringthe year:

Boat ramp upgrade—Goodwood Parade: TheTrust recommended approval of thisdevelopment to improve facilities for the boatingcommunity. The City of Belmont and the Townof Victoria Park have also agreed to worktogether on a management plan for theGoodwood Parade foreshore and water skifacilities. This plan will address erosion,revegetation, and public parking and themanagement of vehicle and pedestrian access andboat traffic. The Minister for Water Resourcesapproved the application.

Minim Cove jetty: The Trust supported theconstruction of a public jetty in Minim Cove, onthe advice from the Minister for AboriginalAffairs. The Town of Mosman Park supportedthe proposal. The Trust recommended approvalof the jetty that will be used for fishing and short-term berthing of private boats. The Minister forWater Resources approved the application.

Provision for short-term public boat mooringfacilities on the Swan River: To provide publicmooring facilities in the Swan River, the Trustwill install up to nine short-stay moorings inPerth Waters. Initially two moorings will belocated west of Barrack Square and will provideshort term mooring for up to four hours forprivately owned vessels. The moorings aredesigned to accommodate vessels up to 20 metres

The Swan River Trust provides advice to the Minister for Water Resources on applicationsfor approval of development in and abutting the Swan River Trust Management Area.



in length, and will be bright orange to ensurethat they are highly visible and can be easilydifferentiated from private moorings.

Advertising signage on the Swan River: TheTrust considered several applications forcommercial advertising on the Swan River. It isunderstandable that the river landscape is seenas a desirable location for advertising signs.However, the Trust’s role includes protecting theriverine character and visual amenity of thisunique landscape. The Minister for WaterResources supported the Trust’s recommendationthat these applications be refused to ensure thatthere was not a proliferation of signage that doesnot complement the surrounding landscape.

Barrack Square Hotel: The Trust receivesapplications every year to develop structures onor next to the Swan River with the proposed hotelat Barrack Square being one of the mostcontentious. The Trust has assessed applicationsfor a hotel in this location on three separateoccasions. The first two proposals were rejectedon the basis that their designs were inconsistentwith the existing architectural character ofBarrack Square, and did not adequately address

the preservation of the identity and activities ofthe WA Rowing Club.

The recent proposal for a four storey, three-star,86-room hotel development was considered bythe Trust, in consultation with the WA RowingClub, Aboriginal Affairs Department, the WAPlanning Commission, Department of Transport,City of Perth, the Heritage Council of WA andthe Water and Rivers Commission.

Environmental considerations included:

❖ Pollution control (garbage, litter, stormwater)❖ Environmental impact❖ Visual aesthetics❖ Height and scale❖ Public accessibility❖ Car parking

Due to the contentious nature of the proposal, itwas advertised for public comment in the WestAustralian on two occasions and was the subjectof considerable media interest. During July 2000,more than 1300 people visited a public display,which featured a scale model and description ofthe proposal. The Trust received nearly 160submissions from members of the public

An artist’s view of the proposed hotel at Barrack Square.


commenting on the proposal, with the majoritysupporting the proposal.

The Minister for Water Resources consultedCabinet prior to accepting the Trust’srecommendation to approve the hotel, subject to32 conditions being met to ensure that thedevelopment takes proper account of the riverenvironment and the overall character of BarrackSquare.

Float Planes on the Swan River: The Trust hasreceived several applications over the past fewyears for approval to operate commercial floatplane services on the Swan and Canning rivers.These services were intended to offer aerial toursof Perth and the surrounding areas, extending toMandurah, with take off and landing in PerthWater. As these proposals involved new andcontentious uses of the river, which had thepotential to have a significant impact on existingriver users and the surrounding areas, they wereadvertised for public comment. In each case theseproposals were opposed by the general publicfor a number of reasons including:

❖ conflicts with the existing patterns of river use;

❖ public safety risks for slower moving riverusers;

❖ the effect of the noise levels on the amenityof the river, particularly in quiet areas up river.

The Trust concluded that float plane operationswere not suitable for the Swan River, which isconsiderably narrower than Sydney Harbour andsimilar areas used by float planes. The public’sreaction to the proposal clearly demonstrated thatfloat plane operations are not compatible withpublic expectations for the protection of the riverresource. The Minister for Water Resourcesaccepted the Trust’s recommendation for refusalof the applications.

The Trust has now adopted a policy not to supportapplications for float plane operations within theTrust’s Management Area.


Foreshore Management Plans: The Trustreceived several foreshore management plansfrom local governments, State government andprivate developers. To stream line and facilitatethe approval process for the large number of thedevelopments within each foreshore plan (forexample, boardwalks, dual use paths, fencing,etc.), and to ensure that a holistic approach istaken, the Trust generally assesses foreshoremanagement plans as a single developmentapplication.

Prior to or during the assessment process, theTrust’s River Management Section advises theapplicant on revegetation, erosion management,and weed and pest control issues. TheAssessment and Policy Section works with theapplicant to resolve any issues related tolandscaping, aesthetics, public safety and accessto the river and foreshore, and trafficmanagement. The Trust then assesses theforeshore management plans and the Ministerfor Water Resources makes the finaldetermination.

Foreshore management and restoration planswere received by the Trust and approved by theMinister for Water Resources for:

❖ Sir James Mitchell Park in South Perth;

❖ Mounts Bay Road landscape enhancementstrategy;

❖ A landscape plan for the Narrows BridgeDuplication Project; and

❖ A passive park development at MaylandsForeshore Reserve.

The Trust is currently assessing foreshoremanagement plans for the Shelley-Rossmoyneforeshore and The Esplanade in Mount Pleasant.

Swan River Trust Development Policies: TheTrust has completed a review of its developmentpolicies. These policies provide guidance todevelopers on:


❖ Development setbacks;

❖ Design of new buildings, fences and retainingwalls to compliment the river;

❖ Specific requirements for the installation ofsewage, stormwater, public and privateinfrastructure and signage;

❖ Requirements for commercial, residential andmarina developments;

❖ Conservation and landscape protection needs;and

❖ Acceptable uses of public foreshore areas.

The draft policies were provided to localgovernments for comment and once formallyadopted will be published and become availableon the Trust’s web site.

Management Area Boundary: The Trust hasrecently reviewed the boundaries of the Trust’sManagement Area to realign them with the Parksand Recreation Reservation boundaries in theMetropolitan Region Scheme. This will make thestatutory assessment and approval processesassociated with development applications on andaround the river more straightforward and bringit back in line with the intent of the Swan RiverTrust Act. The revised Management Areaboundaries will be on the Swan River Trust website towards the end of 2001.

The following proposals are some of the moresignificant or notable matters considered by theTrust during the year under Clause 30 of theMetropolitan Region Scheme:

Installation of inclinators: The Trust receivedseveral applications for the installation ofinclinators on riverside properties with steeplimestone cliffs. An inclinator is a monorailelevator attached to the cliff face, which enablesthe residents to access the river. The Trust didnot support these applications due to thesignificant visual impacts of such developmentson prominent portions of the riverine landscape.


It should be noted that following advice fromthe Town Planning Appeal Tribunal one of theseapplications was also assessed under the SwanRiver Trust Act 1988 and refused by the Ministerfor Water Resources.

Minim Cove residential development: TheTrust’s involvement in the approval process forsubdivisions is limited to an advisory capacity.The Minim Cove subdivision, which was on asite previously contaminated by industrial waste.The site has been remediated under the guidanceof the Trust and the Environmental ProtectionAuthority. During its consideration of the MinimCove residential subdivision, the Trust recom-mended that stormwater be captured, treated anddisposed of to the river, rather than beinginfiltrated through the soil. The Trust also liaisedwith the developers to ensure that the seweragesystem includes a nine-hour storage tank toprevent sewage over flowing into the Swan River.The Trust has worked with the Town of MosmanPark to ensure that riverside fences and retainingwalls are uniform to minimise the visual impactof the development on the riverine landscape.

Regulatory Control

The Swan River Trust Regulations 1989 requireprivate and public spectator events held on landor waters within the Trust’s Management Areato be approved by the Trust. The Trust ensuresthat public safety and access to the river andforeshores is maintained, any environmentalprotection controls are in place and the site iscleaned up after the event. During the year theTrust approved the following events:

❖ Sydney Olympics Torch Relay Presentation,Nedlands

❖ Rotary Club Kite Festival, Nedlands

❖ Corporate Fun Run, Barrack Square

❖ Mines Rescue Competition, Burswood Park


❖ Perth Flying Squadron Yacht Club fire worksdisplay, Nedlands

❖ Canning River Festival, Kent Street Weir Park

❖ Lotto Skyworks 2000, Perth and South Perth

❖ Canoe polo competition, Matilda Bay Reserve

❖ Corporate Triathlon, Langley Park and SwanRiver

The Regulations also prohibit the use of vesselsfor long-term accommodation. Vessels may onlybe used as short-term accommodation for up tosix consecutive days or ten days in any period of30 days. The penalty for exceeding these limitsis a fine of up to $1000 with an additional dailypenalty of $20. These limits apply in all parts of

The application to hold Lotto Skyworks is approved on thebasis of the City of Perth’s Sponsored Event Management Plan,which includes matters addressing crowd safety, litter controland sanitation.


the Swan and Canning rivers upstream of theFremantle Bridge.

The Trust regularly receives complaintsregarding the use of vessels as long-termaccommodation. Wastewater (sullage) andgarbage disposal are the Trust’s principalconcerns. The Trust has investigated a numberof possible offences.

In these cases the offenders were not aware ofthe limits on the use of vessels asaccommodation. A letter requiring compliancewith the regulations is sent to the registeredowner of the vessel advising prosecution maybe initiated should habitation of the vesselcontinue. It was not found necessary to initiateprosecution in these cases.


Management Planning

Management Planning

Effective planning based on sound information is the key to conserving and enhancing theSwan-Canning river system while making provision for appropriate development andrecreational use.

There is great community interest in thewaterways of the Swan-Canning river system andthe adjacent parks and reserves that make up theSwan River Trust Management Area.

Activities that affect the waterways and theadjacent parks and reserves come under thejurisdiction of a wide range of State governmentagencies and local governments. Many activities,while they occur outside of the ManagementArea and are not under the Trust’s directinfluence, are critical to the health and amenityof the rivers.

The Trust works in collaboration with other Stategovernment agencies, local government and thecommunity to contribute to and assist in thecoordination of studies and the preparation ofplans. This includes activities that are likely tohave an impact on the waterways of the Swan-Canning river system or on the adjacent parksand reserves.

Swan-Canning River LandscapePlanning

The Trust developed a Landscape Descriptionthat was published in 1997. As the next step theSwan-Canning Precinct Policy Plan is beingdeveloped to balance development expectations,recreational activities and protection of theamenity and environment of the Swan-Canningriver system.

The Plan, being prepared in partnership with theMinistry for Planning, will provide a guide forfuture use and development around the river.

The Plan and its component precinct and sub-precinct plans will include areas beyond theSwan River Trust Management Area. This is torecognise that developments outside of theManagement Area can have a significant impacton the river and its landscape setting. It promotescollaborative planning between State and localgovernment and uses existing statutory planningmechanisms and legislation.

The Plan will result in a number of measuresranging from planning strategies for eachprecinct of the river to the preparation of planningcontrols for inclusion in local town planningschemes where appropriate. These measures willensure that development applications andsubdivision of land is considered in a broaderstrategic planning context with appropriateregard for the landscape setting of the river.

The Plan progressed through a refinement of theVision and Guiding Principles that have beenadopted by the Trust and the Western AustralianPlanning Commission.

Draft pilot plans prepared for Fremantle RailwayBridge to Point Walter Reserve and Chidley Pointprecinct and Middle Swan-Ellen Brook to BellsRapids precinct are being reviewed inconsultation with local government.

A model format and guidelines are beingprepared for release later this year with aninvitation for local government to participate inthe production of further Precinct Policy Plansto ensure their planning and consideration ofdevelopment takes account of the amenity of theriver and its landscape conservation.


Management Planning

Sir James Mitchell Park Plan

The Sir James Mitchell Park ForeshoreManagement Plan covers the Swan Riverforeshore from Ellam Street in Victoria Park,westwards to just past the Narrows Bridge.

This section of the South Perth foreshore is apopular area that provides a pleasant riversidesetting, while at the same time giving users anopportunity to appreciate the view of the city ofPerth and Kings Park. The plan provides amanagement regime to ensure that any futuredevelopment complements the visual,recreational and conservation resource of thisimportant section of the river and foreshore.

The Sir James Mitchell Park Plan has beenprepared in partnership with the City of SouthPerth and contains a range of recommendationsfor the management of the foreshore to meetcommunity and government objectives for theriver and its setting.

The Plan is consistent with the vision and guidingprinciples set out in the Landscape Description(1997) and will provide the basis for Trust adviceon riverside development. It will assist the Trustand the City of South Perth to ensure that futureproposals for the South Perth foreshore areconsidered in a broad strategic planning context.

The Plan has been adopted by the Trust and willbe released later this year.

Bait Worm Digging Policy

Digging for bait worms can have a significantimpact on the river shoreline. Digging in or closeto the banks can destabilise and erode theriverbanks and can also damage fringing rivervegetation.

Existing Trust guidelines allowing digging tooccur at six specific locations have beenreviewed.

The East Street jetty area in Maylands is anexample of a good location for bait wormdigging. This particular area of the river canrecover from the impact of bait worm diggingdue to tidal and sediment movements.

After consulting with recreational fishing groups,Fisheries WA and the Department of Con-servation and Land Management, the Trustdeveloped an alternative policy. This policy willenable worm digging in the rivers as long as it isundertaken at least five metres away fromriverbanks and fringing shoreline vegetation andnot in the Swan Estuary Marine Park or theCanning River Regional Park.

The draft policy has been sent to stakeholdersand local governments for comment.

Air Cooling Wastewater Policy

Commercial air-cooling systems generallycontain water treatment chemicals that are addedto inhibit the growth of potentially harmfulbacteria, algae and fungi and to preventcorrosion. The greatest concentration of thesesystems is in the Perth Central Business District.The wastewater from these systems, includingthe water treatment chemicals, is generallydischarged to stormwater drains that then flowdirectly into the Swan River.

Working with the Water Corporation, the Cityof Perth, the Department of EnvironmentalProtection and the Property Council of Australia,


Management Planning

the Trust has developed a draft policy andimplementation strategy to phase out dischargesof air conditioner wastewater to storm waterdrains. The implementation of the policy willensure that new air-cooling systems do notdischarge wastewater to stormwater drains anddischarge to these drains from existing systemsis phased out.

The draft policy has been distributed tostakeholders for comment.

Yacht Club and Marine FacilityEnvironmental ManagementSystem

The closeness of yacht clubs and commercialmarinas to the river means that they have a uniquerelationship with the river and a responsibilityto ensure their activities do not compromise theriver environment. Maintaining, repairing andrefitting boats are an essential part of theactivities carried out in these facilities.

To carry them out yacht clubs and marinas needto store and use paints, solvents and resins, fueland oil and antifouling agents. Servicing, main-taining and refitting boats also generate wastes.While there is a high level of environmentalawareness in yacht clubs and marinas there is awide variation in the standards of their environ-mental management.

Yacht clubs and marinas are working with theTrust, the Department of EnvironmentalProtection and Department of Transport todevelop a generic Environmental ManagementSystem. A risk management strategy has nowbeen developed and will form the core of theEnvironmental Management System.

Mosquito Control Policy

Many wetland areas of the river provide idealhabitat for mosquito breeding. The establishmentof residential areas close to the river can lead to

mosquitoes causing a considerable nuisance orhealth risk.

In order to control the breeding of mosquitoesin these areas chemical or physical techniquescan be used. This may involve the spraying oflarvicides on a specific site or runnelling, whichinvolves the construction of artificial channelsto flush the affected area.

These techniques may severely impact on theenvironmentally sensitive wetlands of the riverwhere mosquito breeding takes place. The Trust,after consultation with a number of other Stategovernment agencies and local governments, hasdeveloped a discussion paper that will form thebasis for a mosquito control strategy thatbalances the needs and responsibilities ofaffected residents with environmental concerns.

Shoreline Dinghy Storage

Upturned dinghies are left on foreshores aroundthe Swan and Canning rivers. These dinghies,primarily used as tenders for boats moored onthe river, are most often left on the foreshoreadjacent to the mooring. These areas are usuallyforeshore reserves that are heavily used by thepublic for leisure activities.

Dinghies beached on the foreshore of MosmanBay. This is an example of the haphazard waysin which dinghies are currently stored on theforeshore of Mosman Bay and at other areasaround the Swan and Canning rivers.


Management Planning

Dinghies left on foreshore reserves restrictforeshore access, damage shoreline vegetation,cause erosion of riverbanks and interfere withshoreline management operations. They are alsoa public safety risk and affect the visual amenityof the river.

The Trust has relatively limited statutory powerto control the storage of dinghies as the primaryresponsibility of administering foreshorereserves rests with local government authorities.The Trust is therefore taking a leadership roleby creating a policy and model strategy foraffected local governments to adopt andimplement.

The policy will be provided to local governmentsfor consideration later this year.

Swan-CanningIndustry Project

In the past, efforts to reduce pollution haveconcentrated on large businesses and heavyindustries. The Swan-Canning Industry Surveywas initiated jointly by local governments andthe Swan River Trust late in 1996 to investigatethe contribution of pollutants to the rivers fromlight industry. A pilot survey was undertaken in1997 and 1998. It provided a qualitativeassessment of the risk of industrial activitiesimpacting on the rivers and groundwater.

A summary report of the pilot survey results wasreleased in December 1999 for public comment.The Swan-Canning Industry Survey FinalReport—Pilot Survey Findings was subsequentlyfinalised and released in August 2000.

Consistent with the recommendations of thereport the project is now focused on:

❖ Improving the capacity of local governmentsto monitor and regulate the activities of lightindustry.

❖ Working with industry groups to improveenvironmental management practices througha range of initiatives including the provisionof training and facilitation of the developmentof environmental education material, such asBest Management Practices, for specificindustries.

❖ Increasing the number of local governmentauthorities and industry groups that areparticipating in the project and extending theproject to include businesses that are outsidethe boundary of the Swan-Canning catchment.

One of the ultimate aims of the project is toenable industry to act proactively and implementbest management practices to prevent pollutionand successfully manage emergencies andaccidents that could result in environmentalcontamination.

This project was this year transferred to the Waterand Rivers Commission Swan Goldfields Regionwith Trust funding. The transfer will enable theproject to be extended to any part of themetropolitan area or the state where light industryposes a threat to water resources.

Surveys

Ongoing industrial surveys are conducted by anumber of local authorities represented on theSwan-Canning Industry Working Group. Forexample the City of Melville recently completeda survey of 31 light industrial premises and theCity of Gosnells has a significant program havingcompleted 90 surveys this year.

Training

As a consequence of the surveys, the Trustcontracted the Centre for Excellence in CleanerProduction to develop two pilot ‘CleanerProduction’ training courses for the Swan-Canning Industry Working Group.


Management Planning

The first of the training courses was designed togive local government Environmental HealthOfficers an overview of Cleaner Productionpractices and assist them to conductenvironmental audits of industrial premises. InAugust 2000, sixteen Environmental HealthOfficers successfully completed CleanerProduction training.

A Cleaner Production training course was alsodeveloped for light industry with the pilottraining program completed by seven businessesthat have developed a practical ‘CleanerProduction’ action plan. The action plans willenable them to implement Cleaner Productionoptions that will lead to the minimisation ofpollution, waste and emissions. Specificimprovements in onsite environmentalmanagement practices include the managementof wastewater and stormwater, handling andstorage of chemicals and the capacity to respondto emergencies.

Experience in other states and overseas hasshown significant reductions in businessoperational costs have also occurred through theimplementation of ‘Cleaner Production’practices.

In 2000-2001, the Trust also became an inauguralsignatory to the WA Cleaner ProductionStatement. This will require the Trust to completeits own Cleaner Production action plan and showleadership to WA industries.

Swan River Management Strategy

The Swan River Management Strategy is a wholeof Government Policy that sets out a ‘blue print’for managing the Trust’s Management Area. The259 recommendations are to be implemented bythe Government agencies with responsibility forthe area and by local governments. Therecommendations will enhance the river amenity,provide facilities for the community to enjoy and

use the river and protect the naturalenvironmental values of the Management Area.

The Swan River Management Strategyimplementation was audited in 2001, the fourthsince its commencement. The review found thatrecommendations of the Swan RiverManagement Strategy had either beenimplemented, incorporated into normal operatingprocedures of government agencies and localgovernments, have become redundant or havebeen incorporated into more recent initiatives.Therefore, this is the last review that will beundertaken and future reporting on the SwanRiver Management Strategy recommendationswill be through annual reporting of the relevantbodies.

Committees

Throughout the year, the Trust was representedon and attended meetings for a wide range ofcommittees that oversee or are involved ininitiatives or activities that impact on the Swan-Canning river system. This included:

❖ Sir James Mitchell Park ImplementationGroup (City of South Perth)

❖ Peppermint Grove Foreshore AdvisoryCommittee (Shire of Peppermint Grove)

❖ Burke Drive Concept Plan Working Group(City of Melville)

❖ Deepwater Point Concept Plan WorkingGroup (City of Melville)

❖ Review of Swan-Canning Speed LimitsSteering Committee (Department ofTransport)

❖ Yacht Club/Marina Environmental Manage-ment System Steering Committee (Swan RiverTrust)

❖ Swan Catchment Council

❖ Helena River Catchment Group


Management Planning

❖ Discharge of Sewage from Vessels into theMarine Environment (Department ofTransport)

❖ Swan-Canning Rivers Precinct Policy Plan(Swan River Trust)

❖ Point Fraser Steering Group (City of Perth)

❖ Maylands Bikepath (Bikewest)

❖ Swan-Canning Industry Working Group(Swan River Trust)

❖ Ellen Brook Integrated Catchment Group

❖ Ellen Brook Catchment Management PlanSteering Committee (Ministry for Planning)

❖ Swan-Canning Cleanup Program ProjectManagers Group (Swan River Trust)

❖ Swan Catchment Urban Landcare Program(Swan Catchment Council)

❖ Barrack Square/Foreshore Project LiaisonGroup (City of Perth)

❖ Recreational Boating Facilities SchemeMetropolitan Assessment Committee(Department of Transport)

❖ CBD A/C Waste Disposal Working Group

❖ Perth District Emergency ManagementAdvisory Committee (WA Police)

❖ Bayswater Integrated Catchment ManagementGroup

❖ Bayswater Integrated Catchment ManagementGroup— Management Subcommittee

❖ WRC Aboriginal Heritage and Native TitleActs Compliance Committee


Protection of Waterways and Foreshores


Waterway and Foreshore Cleaning

The community places a high priority onensuring that the Swan and Canning rivers arewell maintained and kept free of rubbish, debrisand pollution. Cleaning beaches, removingdebris, reshaping eroded beaches, foreshore

Maintaining the environment and amenity values of urban waterways requires a continuouseffort to deal with the effects of human activity and the influences of weather and tides. TheTrust coordinates the work necessary to balance the use and protection of the waterways andshorelines, and to restore degraded environments. It works with local government andlandowners to control shoreline erosion. It also works to prevent pollution, cleanupcontamination and remove rubbish from the waterways and shorelines.

protection works and responding to pollutionincidents are all part of the continuous workundertaken by the Trust to meet thoseexpectations.

DETCELLOCLAIRETAM stinU 69/59 79/69 89/79 99/89 00/99 10/00

sehcaebmorfdetcellochsibburcitsemoD ennot 0.321 0.08 5.78 0.58 0.15 1.56

seertnellafmorfrebmitdnasgoL ennot 6.252 0.251 0.901 0.051 0.321 8.89

serohserofmorfdevomerdeewgnittoR ennot 5.743 0.064 0.216 0.053 0.271 0.494

seryT hcae 27 86 601 07 26 77

detrossasmurD hcae 71 83 65 32 02 93

sngisyalpsiD hcae 8 7 9 8 8 14

degavlasstaobdenodnabadnatcilereD hcae 4 5 6 1 3 3

syellortgnippohS hcae 23 82 26 29 55 19

seitrapgninwarpybtfelhsifdaeD ennot 5.21 3.11 0.11 0.01 9.5 0.6

sdribdaeD hcae 62 13 671 021 811 971

secalpcilbupdnasehcaebnotfelsegniryS hcae 901 641 242 811 032 662

)peehsdnastaog,elttac(slaminadaeD hcae 5 9 8 6 4 34

)segdirf/senihcamgnihsaw(sdoogetihW hcae 5 3 4 7 7 11

serohserofmrofdevomeroobmaB ennot 5.1 0.51 0 0.16 0 0

sehcaebcilbupfotnemhsiruonerdnaS ennot 88 736 458 335 234 1281

noisorepotsottnemhsiruonerkcoR ennot 0 61 0 901 89 226

revirmorfdegavlasselcihevnelotS hcae statson 2 4 2 2

Table 2: Summary of material removed by field staff from waterways and foreshores from 1995 to 2001.


Most rubbish, debris and pollution are the resultof irresponsible human behaviour. As well asremoving this material, the Trust works to reducethese problems by encouraging people andindustries to change the way they deal withrubbish and other material that may causepollution.

Although there is a slight increase in the domesticrubbish collected this year, the trend over the lastfew years shows a decrease. This is a positivetrend and is attributed to community educationand awareness and subsequently, behaviouralchange.

Waterways Cleaning

The Trust field crew inspects 45 river beachesand about 358 kilometres of foreshores in theSwan, Canning, Helena and Southern rivers eachyear. Beach cleaning and the removal of debrisfrom waterways and foreshores are essential tomaintaining enjoyment of the river.

The Trust is unable to resource regularmaintenance programs for all of this very largearea, so attention is directed to areas of highestpriority. The Trust regularly maintains 33 publicbeaches/foreshores and approximately 146kilometres of the total shoreline. The remaining12 beaches are visited periodically withmaintenance undertaken according to theresources available and the scale of the problem.

Beach Cleaning

Scheduled cleaning of the lower Swan is carriedout from Goodwood Parade in Rivervale to theStirling Bridge in Fremantle, including the 33beaches listed below:

Northern side of the Swan River:

1. Goodwood Parade, Rivervale

2. No 4 Car Park, Perth to Causeway


3. Barrack Street to the Old Brewery

4. Kings Park Avenue to UWA Boat Club

5. Matilda Bay, Crawley

6. Pelican Point, (depending on tides)

7. Nedlands boat ramp to Broadway

8. Esplanade, Nedlands to Beaton Park

9. Beaton Park, (Tawarri)

10. Point Resolution to Bishop Road, WhiteBeach

11. Chester Road, Claremont

12. Claremont Yacht Club to Jetty Road

13. The Esplanade, Peppermint Grove

14. Johnson Parade, Mosman Bay

15. The Coombe, Mosman Park

16. Chidley Point, Mosman Park

17. Stirling Bridge to Fraser Reserve

18. Kwinana Freeway, Manning boat ramp

19. Judd Street South Perth to Narrows Bridge

Southern side of the Swan River:

20. Coode Street to Mends Street

21. Mends Street to Narrows (Gabions)

22. Narrow’s Bridge Ski area

23. Canning Bridge to Deep Water Point

24. Raffles Hotel to South Perth Yacht Club

25. Applecross Jetty to Point Dundas

26. Waylen Bay to Point Heathcote

27. Lucky Bay to Point Dundas

28. Troy Park to Point Walter (Burke Drive)

29. Point Walter to Blackwall Reach

30. Blackwall Reach Parade Bicton

31. Bicton Jetty and beach

32. Preston Point to Leeuwin Boat ramp

33. Riverside Road to Fremantle Bridge


From November to March, beach cleaning tookplace three times a week on Monday, Wednesdayand Friday, with accumulated weed removedweekly. Only beaches and locations causingodour problems to the public are cleared. FromApril to October the beaches were cleaned twicea week on Mondays and Fridays.

Operational staff on a fortnightly or monthlybasis, depending on the level of accessibility,inspected river locations that are not easilyaccessible to the public.

Vessel and Vehicle Recovery

Three derelict vessels and two dumped vehicleswere removed from the river during the year.Trust operational staff coordinated the recoveries


in collaboration with Water Police and localgovernment. This collaboration betweenagencies has enabled the recoveries to beundertaken successfully in difficultcircumstances without causing environmentaldamage.

Removal of Waterway Obstructions

Cleaning and inspection of waterways is carriedout by boat to remove floating logs, litter anddebris and by vehicle to remove rubbish alongshorelines. Any fallen trees or obstructionsimpeding water flow are noted duringinspections, with the debris then scheduled forremoval when time permits. Around 99 tonnesof logs and timber from fallen trees was removedover the course of the year.

This vehicle veered off Riverside Drive in Perth on 18 January 2001. A crane was hired and thevehicle removed before it could sink to the bottom.


Foreshore Maintenance andRestoration

Protecting the amenity and environment ofwaterways and shorelines is a key role playedby the Swan River Trust.

Beach Replenishment

Each year in spring, the Trust works to replenisheroded beaches and level all major beaches toremove gullies caused by stormwater dischargefrom the many drains and runoff flowing overthe beaches. This year, 1821 tonnes of beach sandwas relocated from accumulation sites to helprestore eroded public beaches.


The City of South Perth

❖ Replenishing eroded beaches at Mends StreetBeach in South Perth

To stop erosion occurring behind the riverwalling at Northbank River Village theTrust field crew excavated the remainingsand, installed new geotextile, backfilledwith crushed limestone and then returnedthe topsoil cover.

Walling Repairs

The Trust and the Town of Bassendean undertooka joint erosion control project along a 100 metresection of foreshore near Daylesford Road,Bassendean. The Trust supplied staff andequipment and supervised the erosion controlworks. The Town of Bassendean supplied theconstruction materials and filter cloth.

The Trust and City of Fremantle restored 100metres of the foreshore behind the walling atNorthbank River Village. The Trust managed theproject and shared costs equally with the City ofFremantle.

Ron Courtney Island

The Trust is responsible for the management ofRon Courtney Island, located in the upper SwanRiver opposite Garvey Park in Redcliffe, andcarries out maintenance four times a year.Clearing the weeds and undergrowth is necessaryto stop fires destroying the island’s vegetation.In previous years, fires set by vandals have almostwiped out the vegetation.

Trust field crew renourishing eroded beacheswith sand from beaches with a surplus supply.

The Trust responded to a number of requestsfrom local governments and community groupsto relocate excess sand. These included:

The City of Melville

❖ Reshaping and restoring eroded beaches atPoint Walter in Bicton

❖ Replenishing eroded beach at Deep WaterPoint in Mount Pleasant

The Town of Claremont

❖ Replenishing eroded beach at ClaremontBeach in Claremont


The maintenance program included mowing toclear the open areas of weeds and removingundergrowth from around trees and reeds. Staffalso relocated hollow logs to the island to providewildlife nesting opportunities.

An ongoing program is carried out to revegetatethe island to replace plants lost to poor weatherconditions and continuing vandalism. Thevegetation is now flourishing and bird life isincreasing in numbers despite the vandalism.

Kent Street Weir

The Trust, on behalf of the Water and RiversCommission, organised the removal andinstallation of new ‘stop boards’ and fittings atthe Kent Street Weir. The replacementmaintenance was carried out in accordance withPublic Works Department Drawing Specification28727.


Stop boards are removed at the beginning ofwinter to allow normal river flow. At the end ofwinter the boards are installed to stop salt-waterflowing upstream of Kent Street and to maintaina constant water level in the Canning. Withoutthe boards, the area above the weir would returnto a salt-water environment.

The boards allow residents with riparian rightsaccess to freshwater and protects the freshwatervegetation that has developed upstream of theweir. The weir also provides a valuable waterbird refuge and a recreation facility for canoeing.

Shoreline Restoration andRevegetation

The Trust has a statutory function to control andprovide advice on erosion. Loss of shorelinevegetation is caused by and results in erosionand reduces the nutrient assimilation capacityand amenity of the waterway. Revegetation andrestoration projects are essential to reducingerosion damage and restoring shoreline functionand amenity.

The Trust in conjunction with the City ofMelville is conducting a shoreline protection andrevegetation trial at Jeff Joseph Reserve,Applecross. The trial is the result of communityconcerns regarding erosion, weed invasion andloss of native vegetation.

The trial includes:

❖ Installation of batter boards in fiveconfigurations;

❖ Laying of two mat types, Turf ReinforcementMat and Tensar Mat; and

❖ Planting of approximately 240 metres ofshoreline with 1400 Juncus kraussii, the nativeshore rush. The rushes were planted inDecember 2000 and the area is beingmonitored on a fortnightly basis.

Trust field crew installing the Kent Street Weirboards in October to stop salt-water flowingupstream of Kent Street in the Canning.


During the fortnightly site visits, measurementsare taken at certain points along the batter boardsto determine the boards’ success in preventinglarge amounts of sand moving up the bank. Therushes are also counted during each visit todetermine the survival rate.

This trial is being used to assess the feasibilityof various foreshore restoration techniques forfuture restoration works. The project acts as apreliminary investigation and has been importantin:

❖ Establishing the potential usefulness of anumber of techniques;

❖ Identifying opportunities to improvetechniques; and

❖ Developing a rigorous and standardisedsampling methodology that can be used forfuture trials.

The Trust is also working with the Town of EastFremantle to develop a restoration andrevegetation strategy for John Tonkin Park. Overrecent years the Park’s foreshore has been subjectto erosion, as a result of high tide and waveimpact. It is the aim of this strategy to controlthe erosion by protecting the existing vegetationand planting further species suitable for theshoreline environment. It is anticipated that therestoration works be implemented within the nextfinancial year.

Weed Management

Saggitaria and Salvinia

During 1999-2000, the serious aquatic weedsSaggitaria and Salvinia were found and removedfrom several locations in the Canning River andits drainage system. Monitoring of these areasto enable early detection of any re-establishmentwas continued throughout 2000-2001, findingonly small pockets of reinfestation. These areaswere included in the Trusts spraying program toeradicate noxious weeds from the waterwayswithin the Management Area.

Hydrocotyle

Following a bulk removal program of the weedHydrocotyle in 1993, the Trust now routinelyconducts inspections and coordinates a spot-spraying program to control regrowth. Thisspraying program continued during the year afterreinfestations were found within theManagement Area. Monitoring for further seedgermination was completed during autumn.

The ongoing monitoring is vital in picking upthe continual recurrence of small outbreaks ofthese weeds before they grow to problemproportions.


Batter boards are structures that reduce the impact ofwaves and the effects of river currents and tidal scour,thus minimising shoreline erosion.

The shoreline protection and revegetationtrial at Jeff Joseph Reserve, Applecrossconsists of batter boards placed in fiveconfigurations including straight, angledand doubled.


Water Hyacinth

The Trust identified an outbreak of Eichorniacrassipes (Water Hyacinth), in Armadale justoutside the Trust’s Management Area. Theinformation was relayed to the City of Armadalewhich sprayed the outbreak.

If left untreated the Water Hyacinth was likelyto move into the Management Area and threatenriver ecosystems.

Inspection and Enforcement

The Trust has a responsibility to ensure thatdevelopments comply with their conditions ofapproval and the provisions of the Swan RiverTrust Act 1988 and its regulations.

Trust staff, including field crew and planningofficers, keep surveillance on development workswithin the Management Area. The Audit andEnforcement Officer also conducts regular sitevisits and river patrols on the Trust’s vessel, theJack Mattinson.

These patrols enable the Trust to identifyunapproved developments, damage to vegetation,riverbanks and the riverbed, the use of boats asresidences, boats being launched away fromauthorised boat ramps and pollution incidents.

Wherever possible the Trust providesinformation on its requirements and seeksvoluntary compliance in preference toprosecution.

A number of unapproved developments wereidentified this year however they were relativelyminor and resolved at an administrative level.However one involved the unauthorisedconstruction of a wooden stairway on anescarpment and remains unresolved.

There have been a number of incidents relatingto the cutting down of trees within theManagement Area without Trust approval,

however in most cases the offenders were notidentified. The protection of the remainingriparian vegetation around the Swan and Canningrivers is an important role of the Trust, and thisis done through both enforcement and educationof riverside residents.

Pollution Control

As part of its general role to protect and manageits Management Area the Trust has delegatedpowers to control pollution under Part V of theEnvironmental Protection Act 1986.

The Trust’s pollution control strategy has threecomponents:

❖ Assessing whether activities in the vicinity ofthe waterways could be causing pollution;

❖ Working with other agencies, the communityand industry to develop and implement waysof preventing pollution; and

❖ Responding to pollution incidents to establishand deal with the source and to ensure thatpollution that has occurred is cleaned up.

The main thrust currently is on small industryeducation and training through the Swan-Canning Industry Project (see page 42 for moreinformation).

Pollution Response

The Trust’s pollution response activities includethe containment and clean up of minor oil spillsin the Swan-Canning river system and assistingother agencies operating under the WesternAustralian Hazardous Emergency ManagementPlan (WESTPLAN—HAZMAT) and theWestern Australian Marine Oil PollutionEmergency Management Plan (WESTPLAN—Marine Oil Pollution).



The Trust’s field operations staff are trained andequipped to provide a rapid response to pollutionincidents. Their function is to contain and dealwith small incidents and, in the case of majorincidents, to contain the pollution and assist otheragencies with specialised resources to deal withthe problem.

A Pollution Response Plan setting out theoperational and management procedures fordealing with pollution incidents guides theTrust’s response to pollution incidents.

Table 3: Reported complaints and incidents2000-2001

tnedicnI/tnialpmoC 1002-0002

sllips/skcilsliO 52

ruodoevisneffO 9

noitaruolocsidreviR 11

gniretawed/egrahcsidlairtsudnI 41

egrahcsidegaweS 01

gniyarpsedicitsep/edicibreH 0

sllipslacimehC 21

pmudetsaW 71

gnimaoF 1

ecnasiuntfarcretaW 13

smoolblaglA 01

htaedcitauqA 3

noitategevfonoitcurtseD 51

tnempolevedlagellI 52

stnialpmoclareneG 24

LATOT 522

Of the 225 complaints received by the Trust in2000-2001, a total of 123 were substantiated and64 were not substantiated.

The remaining 38 complaints were referred toother agencies to follow up.

Table 4: Pollution complaints and incidents bycategory 2000-2001

noitulloPtnedicnI/tnialpmoC

raeY5egarevA

1002-0002

sllips/skcilsliO 91 52

ruodoevisneffO 4 9

noitaruolocsidreviR 6 11

lairtsudnIgniretawed/egrahcsid

91 41

egrahcsidegaweS 9 01

edicitsep/edicibreHgniyarps

2 0

sllipslacimehC 3 21

pmudetsaW 71 71

gnimaoF 1 1

The 2000-2001 period saw an increase in thenumber of pollution complaints in relation to oilslicks/spills, offensive odour, river discolourationand chemical spills.

This can be attributed to the communitybecoming more aware of issues concerning theriver system. However, of particular concern isthe increase in reporting of minor chemical spills.While this may reflect increased communityvigilance it also illustrates the need for businessesto improve their environmental managementstandards.

Oil Spills

There have been no incidents this year resultingin major contamination of the Swan-Canningriver system from petrol and oil spillage.

Twenty-five minor incidents of oil slicks in theriver were reported. The majority appear to befrom small boats pumping out contaminatedbilge water or minor refuelling spillages. Thereare often incidents that require Trust field staffto be put on standby should oil or diesel spill



into the river. One such incident involved theoverturning of a dredge at Barrack Square inOctober 2000. Although there was no leakagethere was potential for a significant volume ofdiesel to leak from the vessel, and Trust fieldstaff were notified and ready to respond at shortnotice.

Overturned barge at Barrack Square in October2000. The barge was performing dredging toaccommodate the construction of a jetty as partof the Barrack Square redevelopment.

The most serious incident occurred on 2 July2000 when a mobile crushing and screeningtrailer leaked diesel fuel into a stormwater drainin Belmont. A member of the public sighted thediesel coming out of the Abernethy Road maindrain. The Trust field operations staff, usingabsorbent spill booms, successfully contained themajority of the diesel before it entered the SwanRiver. Subsequent investigations found thatpersons vandalising the trailer and damaging thefuel tank had caused the leak.

Trust field crew used absorbent spillbooms to contain a diesel spill before itentered the Swan River in Belmont on2 July 2000.

Vandals were also responsible for a potentialdisaster on the Canning River on 14 May 2001.300 litres of diesel contained in a fuel storagedrum was emptied into a hole being dewateredfor a gross pollutant trap located oppositeCloisters Boat Ramp in Manning.

The Trust advised the site foreman on therecovery of spilt fuel. As the diesel fuel waswholly contained in the hole it had noopportunity to escape to the river. The fuel wasremoved and all contaminated sand around thestorage tank was removed and disposed of at anauthorised landfill site.

Liquid waste tanker removing diesel fuel from ahole located opposite Cloisters Boat Ramp inManning.

Dewatering

The Trust received 11 complaints relating to thedischarge of water from development sites intothe river. Dewatering from a development sitein Preston Point Road in East Fremantle wasresponsible for causing a noticeable plume in theriver. The Trust directed the contractors tocomply with acceptable water criteria fordischarge into the river and the quality of thedischarge was improved to an acceptablestandard.



Sewage Contamination

There were four sewage spills into the Swan andCanning rivers in 2000-2001 from WaterCorporation facilities —a significant decreasefrom the previous year. All were of low impactand did not cause any significant environmentalhazards.

Pollution Investigations

Diesel Spills into Abernethy Road Main Drain,Belmont

The Trust received a number of complaints overthe year relating to diesel fuel coming out of theAbernethy Road Main Drain. Working with theWater and Rivers Commission, investigationsfound that the fuelling facilities and proceduresat a transport depot in Belmont were substandardcausing occasional spills of fuel into thestormwater system. The facilities andhousekeeping at the site have been improved, andthere has not been a related complaint since.

Alleged Dumping of Sewage into CanningRiver, Beckenham

The Trust received a number of complaints froma local resident with regard to the allegeddumping of sewage into the Canning River. The

Table 5: Total sewage spill incidents 2000-2001.

etaD noitacoL detamitsEytitnauq

)Lk(

esuaC drazahlatnemnorivnEtnemssessa

00.21.52 ,daoRttayWretawsyaB

2 oteulavtelniytluaFnoitatspmup

onhtiwetisnodeniatnoc—woLrevirotegrahcsid

10.10.11 ,teertSdyolLdnaldiM

01 egarewesotegakcolBsseccametsys

rebmahc

retaWnihtiwdeniatnoc—woLhtiwmetsyseganiardnoitaroproC

revirehtotegrahcsidon

10.10.92 ,evirDnotreviRnotreviR

01 nieruliaflortnoCnoitatspmup

ehtderetnetnuomallams—woLdevresboonhtiwreviRgninnaC

noitaruolocsidrotcapmi

10.60.11 ,daoRyrubsilaSweiVnawS

5 egarewesniegakcolBmetsys

onhtiwetisnodeniatnoc—woLrevirehtotegrahcsid

resident complained of a sewage-like scum onthe water surface and an associated odour.Numerous inspections failed to confirm thepresence of sewage in the river. Samples of thescum were taken and found to be associated withan algal bloom. The odour was most probablycaused by the release of hydrogen sulphide fromriver sediments and decomposing algae.

Fuel Storage Contamination, East Fremantle

In June 2001 a boating facility in East Fremantlebegan work to replace underground fuel storagetanks. During the work water from the excavationcontaining fuel and high levels of suspendedsolids was pumped into the Swan River. Thisresulted in a large silt plume in the water and afuel slick on the river’s surface. The Trust’s Auditand Enforcement Officer discovered the problemand the pump was turned off. The visiblecontamination of the river quickly dispersed.Further investigations found that there wascontaminated soil on the site. The facility haveenlisted the services of an environmentalconsultant, who is preparing a management planto address site remediation.



Supporting IntegratedCatchment Management

Reducing levels of nutrients getting intowaterways from existing catchment activities andrestoring the environment will enable long-termimprovements to water quality entering theSwan-Canning river system. These actions relyon the majority of people living in the catchmentindividually carrying out their activities in amanner that minimises impacts on water quality.

Swan Catchment Centre

A major focus of the Swan-Canning CleanupProgram (SCCP) is to empower communitygroups to undertake on-ground environmentalrestoration works in the catchment and bringabout changes in the behaviour of the widercommunity to benefit the environment and mostspecifically, the Swan and Canning rivers andtheir tributaries.

the Minister for Water Resources in April 2001.This work will include a facilitated adult learningprogram targeted at river user groups, servicegroups, adult education services (UWA SummerSchool) and other community groups.

Other key achievements of the Swan CatchmentCentre in 2000-2001 included:

❖ Establishment of the Canning Plain CatchmentGroup in the Mills Street Main Drain sub-catchment and adjacent residential areas

❖ Facilitation of further development of theClaise Brook and Belmont/Victoria ParkCatchment Groups

❖ Production of an electronic CommunityConservation Directory

❖ Delivery of eight community and coordinatortraining events

❖ Commencement of Skills for NatureConservation training program for 2001 incooperation with the Department ofEnvironmental Protection and GreeningAustralia WA

Direct Support to IntegratedCatchment Groups

Catchment groups are an integral part of theSCCP strategy. These groups have worked hardthroughout the year to raise public awareness,develop relationships with school groups to takecatchment management into the class room,develop management plans for catchments andundertake on-ground restoration work.Catchment groups are a key to achieving thecollective community action necessary toeffectively improve water quality discharging tothe Swan-Canning river system.

In 2000-2001, $404 000 was allocated to helpvarious catchment groups with operational costssuch as employment of coordinators, projectofficers, education officers and Landcare

Karen Ireland (right), newly appointedCommunity Education Officer explainscontents of the Action Kit to aninterested community member.

SCCP contributes funds to the Swan CatchmentCentre, which provides essential information,advice, support and resources to over 250community conservation groups in the Swanregion.

In 2000-2001 the Catchment Centre employed aCommunity Education Officer who will workwith community groups to improve theirunderstanding of environmental issues using theSwan River Action Kit, which was launched by



trainees, administration support and officesupplies. The funding primarily targets thepriority catchments highlighted in the SCCPAction Plan. By providing support for thelogistical components of catchment groups’operations, SCCP aims to give groups the basisto pursue other funding opportunities and allowsofficers’ to work directly with communitymembers and local authorities in implementingon ground activities.

This year, funding was distributed as follows:

❖ $24 080 to Bannister Creek Catchment Group

❖ $26 500 to Belmont-Victoria Park CatchmentGroup

❖ $27 000 to Canning Catchment CoordinatingGroup

❖ $75 000 to Ellen Brook Integrated CatchmentGroup

❖ $59 000 to Bennett Brook CatchmentCoordinating Group

❖ $36 250 to Blackadder-WoodbridgeCatchment Group

❖ $60 340 to Upper Canning and Southern-Wungong Catchment Team

❖ $48 330 to Bayswater Integrated CatchmentManagement Group

❖ $22 500 to Canning Plain Catchment Group

❖ $10 000 to Helena River Catchment Group

❖ $15 000 to Claise Brook Catchment Group

As well as supporting established catchmentgroups, the funds also foster communityinvolvement in other SCCP priority catchments.For example, funds provided to the Blackadder-Woodbridge catchment group will contributetoward initiating interest for a catchment groupin Susannah Brook, a SCCP priority catchmentwithout an active catchment group. Fundsprovided to the Canning Plain Catchment Group

will assist with the establishment and functioningof this newly formed group.

The Swan River Trust employs a full time SCCPCatchment Management Officer whocoordinates administrative and financial supportto the catchment groups, oversees monitoring andreporting on catchment management projects andrepresents the Trust on key committees andcatchment management groups.

Restoration Trainingand On-ground Works

Clearing, stock access to foreshores, loss ofwatercourse vegetation and poor fertiliser andwaste management practices have led to highnutrient inputs from rural and semi-ruralcatchments. Similarly, the loss of nativevegetation, increased stormwater discharge dueto an increase in impervious surfaces, excessivefertiliser use, and poor residential and industrialpractices contribute to nutrient inputs from urbanareas within the Swan-Canning catchment. Inparticular, the degradation of foreshore areas hascompromised their ability to slow watermovement, take up nutrients and filter outsuspended sediments.

Farm and Property Planning

There are about 10 000 rural and semi-rurallandholders in the Swan-Canning catchment.Poor land use practices in these areas result innutrients entering the Swan-Canning riversystem.

Agriculture Western Australia manages aproperty planning project funded through theSwan-Canning Cleanup Program (SCCP), whichworks directly with landholders in the Swan-Canning catchment. Field days and workshopshelp landholders develop and implementProperty Plans and adopt best managementpractices. Successful uptake of the project is



essential to reducing nutrient runoff from ruraland semi-rural lands.

During the year, the project moved from itsIntroductory Phase, into its Growth Phase. Inresponse to a concerted promotion exercise, thereis increasing demand for workshops, field daysand other learning events. 515 peopleparticipated in Property Planning field days,workshops and/or seminars during the year.

During 2001-2002, an Advanced PropertyPlanning Workshop (which will include simplebudgeting, implementation techniques, etc) willbe offered to participants who have completedthe Introductory Workshop. Specific field daysites are also planned to demonstrate pasture andsaltland management and earthworks. This will

ensure examples of best management practicesare available for local landholders. A series ofFarmnotes targeting small rural landholdings isalso planned.

Swan Catchment Urban LandcareProgram

SCCP, in partnership with Alcoa, supports theSwan Catchment Urban Landcare Program(SCULP), which provides funds to communitygroups and local government for a range arestoration projects. The work not onlycontributes to improving the ecological integrityof our foreshores and catchments but also servesas important awareness raising activities for thebroader public.

Figure 14: Swan-Canning Cleanup Program direct support for catchment groups and SCULP by sub-catchment 2000-2001.



In 2000-2001, SCCP contributed $100 000 to24 projects funded by SCULP. These projectsranged from; the creation of a foreshore bufferstrip near the Shelley Bridge over the CanningRiver, to the development of a wildlife corridoralong Bennett Brook, weed control alongtributaries of the Helena River and fish habitatrestoration of the Southern River.

Caring for theCanning River

The Canning River system, which includes theSouthern River and Wungong Brook, is asignificant natural asset of the southern suburbsof Perth. It is an important ecological corridor,which provides a source of drinking water as wellas recreational opportunities to the people ofPerth. It also has important cultural and spiritualsignificance to Aboriginal communities andhistorical significance to people in the Canningcatchment. The Canning River system is stressedas a consequence of this multitude of uses.Intense, often toxic, algal blooms have beenregularly recorded in the river system since 1994.There is a high degree of public concernregarding the health of the Canning River.

River Management Plan

‘Caring for the Canning’ is a draft rivermanagement plan that has been developed forthe Canning River system in consultation withkey stakeholders as part of the SCCP Action Plan.The aim of the plan is to improve ecologicalhealth and reduce the frequency of algal bloomsin the Canning River.

The development of the plan commenced in July1999. A Working Group of stakeholders wasestablished to assist in developing goals andrecommendations. The Working Group includedrepresentatives from local government, the WaterCorporation and the key community basedcatchment groups within the area. The draft planhas been prepared to complement an existingmanagement framework for the Canningcatchment. It is a river management plan andspecifically focuses on the riparian zone,however catchment issues are dealt with whereappropriate.

The plan includes recommendations that targetnutrient and water quality management, drainagemanagement, riparian vegetation and weeds,surface water allocation and erosion and siltation.A detailed environmental water requirements(EWR) study and associated monitoring werealso completed, which will lead to thedevelopment of environmental water provisionsand a formal water resource allocation plan forthe rivers.

This plan is intended to guide specific aspectsof river management in the Canning catchmentfor the next five years. At the end of this period,the management programs and recommendedactions will need to be reviewed by the majorstakeholders in the catchment.

Caring for the Canning is due to be released forpublic comment in August 2001.

Minister for Water Resources, Dr Judy Edwards,presented cheques to 32 groups to implement atotal of 48 restoration projects funded by theSwan Catchment Urban Landcare Program.



oxygenation (see Water Information section,page 32 for more information).

The oxygenation plants work by drawing waterlow in oxygen from the river bottom, mixing itwith dissolved oxygen and then returning theoxygenated water to the riverbed. Oxygenationis only required over the period that the KentStreet Weir boards are installed, normally fromOctober to April. Dissolved oxygen sensors inthe water and rain gauges are used toautomatically control the operation of the plant.

During the operation of the plant, chemical andphysical parameters are regularly monitored toassess the impact of oxygenation on the riverenvironment. To date monitoring has confirmedthe ability of the plant to increase dissolvedoxygen concentrations, temporarily suppressnutrient release from sediments and improveconditions for aquatic fauna (Figure 15). It is nowbeing evaluated as a long-term option forimproving water quality upstream of the KentStreet Weir.

Oxygenating the Canning River

Intervention measures in the Canning River arenecessary to lessen the symptoms ofeutrophication until recommendations of theSCCP Action Plan and the Caring for theCanning management plan are implemented andresult in reduced input of nutrients.

Oxygenation aims to improve water quality byimproving dissolved oxygen concentrations andreducing the supply of nutrients that lead to algalblooms.

The success of the oxygenation trials in theCanning River in 1997-98 and 1998-99 has leadto the adoption of this technique in reducing theoccurrence of algal blooms in the Canning River.This year, two oxygenation plants treated 2.3 kmof the Canning River upstream of the Kent StreetWeir from 18 October 2000 to 6 May 2001.Phoslock™, a phosphorus binding clay, wasapplied to 400 metres of the oxygenated area inFebruary 2001 and is a companion treatment with

Figure 15: This plot shows the percentage saturation of dissolved oxygen throughout the watercolumn. Note the higher dissolved oxygen concentrations in the oxygenated area as compared tothe untreated area upstream. Other features to note are:

1. An area of supersaturated water from 1600 m to 1900 m upstream of the Kent Street Weir. Thismay be caused by curtains used in the Phoslock™ trial trapping oxygenated water.

2. An area of deoxygenated water adjacent to the Kent Street Weir. This was due to saline waterflowing upstream over the Weir.

0 500 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000 3500 4000 4500

0

40

80

120

160

200

-6

-5

-4

-3

-2

-1

0

Distance upstream of Kent Street Weir (m)

Oxygenated area

De

pth

fro

msu

rfa

ce

(m)

Dis

so

lve

do

xy

ge

n(%

satu

ration)



Removing Nutrientsfrom Tributaries

Removing nutrients from waterways before theyenter the Swan and Canning rivers is animportant part of the Swan-Canning CleanupProgram.

Constructed Wetlands

Design and planning for a constructed wetlandcontinued this year. The constructed wetlanddesign has various zones that will break downand remove nitrogen and phosphorus compoundsfrom storm water characteristic of urbandevelopments on the Swan Coastal Plain.

The project team is currently negotiating withthe Ministry of Housing to include the wetlanddesign as part of their Water Sensitive UrbanDesign (WSUD) approach to urban developmentat the Albion Town site development.

Negotiations between the City of Swan and theWater Corporation over who will maintain thenew development is still the key issue for thisproject. This must be resolved beforeconstruction of the wetland can proceed. Thisproject has been supported with funding fromthe Commonwealth’s Coasts and Clean SeasInitiative.

Provision of advice to potential developers ofconstructed wetlands continues to increase. Thisincludes technical design advice as well asprocedural processes such as the importance ofaboriginal heritage surveys and communityconsultation.

Drain Retrofitting—Mills StreetMain Drain

The Mills Street Main Drain (MSMD)contributes high levels of nitrogen andphosphorus to the Swan-Canning river system

Revegetation to enhance habitat and improve water quality at the Noble Street compensating basinwithin the Mills Street Main Drain sub-catchment continues this year.



and the SCCP Action Plan recommends drainretrofitting to reduce this level. Last year a waterquality snapshot was undertaken to gain a betterunderstanding of the nutrient inputs from thedrain and to identify any point sources.

A point source extremely high in both nitrogenand phosphorus was identified and the industryresponsible is currently working with the Waterand Rivers Commission, Department ofEnvironmental Protection and Water Corporationto develop a storm water and discharge watermanagement plan. The Water Corporation hasstarted to remove sediment from thecompensating basin that has built up from thedischarge over time. This will effectively removethis source of contamination.

Consultants were contracted to identify allsuitable sites for gross pollutant traps throughoutthe MSMD catchment and the appropriate typeof trap.

Consultants were also contracted to provideadvice on streamlining options for the opensections of the drain throughout the catchment.Project staff are currently writing a streamliningimplementation plan, which will be delivered tothe newly formed Canning Plain CatchmentGroup for action. This project was also supportedby funding from the Commonwealth’s Coastsand Clean Seas Initiative.

Statutory Mechanisms

Better management of new activities and newapproaches to managing the land in the Swan-Canning catchment can have a great effect onreducing the nutrients entering the river system.The Swan-Canning Cleanup Program (SCCP)has started a number of projects to develop newpolicies and assess the potential for statutorymechanisms and drain licensing to achieve bettermanagement.

Local Government Natural ResourceManagement Policy

The Local Government Natural ResourceManagement Policy Development projectrecognises the essential role local governmenthas to play in reducing nutrient export throughcontrolling development, managing current landuse and ensuring town planning schemes enableeffective management of future land use.

To achieve this, the SCCP contributes funds tothe Eastern Metropolitan Regional Council toprovide environmental officer support toparticipating local governments throughout theSwan-Canning catchment. The project willenable local governments to improve their overallenvironmental management skills and abilitiesthrough development of a range of mechanismssuch as policies, strategies, guidelines andchecklists.

This year existing local government policies andstrategies were reviewed and a consultationstrategy for work with local government officerswas developed. An environmental officer wasappointed to assist with preparation andimplementation of the policies.

Next year will be focussed on training programsand the implementation of policies and strategies.

Planning and Policy

Appropriately locating land uses in the catchmentis the fundamental first step in managing theimpacts of land use on water quality dischargingto the Swan-Canning river system. Therefore,incorporation of the SCCP objectives intoregional planning and town planning schemes isessential for land use decisions that will givelasting security to the Swan-Canning riversystem. Recognition of water resource protectionstrategies in the town planning schemes is alsoan effective means of heightening landownerawareness of how to manage the impacts of theiractivities on water resources.




In 2000-2001, a partnership agreement wassigned with Ministry for Planning (MfP) thatenables MfP to lead a SCCP funded project todevelop strategies to implement the land useplanning recommendations in the SCCP ActionPlan. In the first stage of this partnership, con-sultants will be engaged to review existing townplanning scheme provisions and to make recom-mendations on the best statutory mechanisms forland use planning to meet the SCCP objectives.

Investigation into Licensing Drains

The Water Corporation and local governmentsoperate significant drainage networks in the Pertharea to manage groundwater levels andstormwater flows.

While the drainage networks have an importantfunction in ensuring suitability of land for itsintended purpose they are also potentiallysignificant conduits of nutrients to the Swan-Canning river system.

The Department of Environmental Protection(DEP), with funding provided by SCCP manageda consultancy to investigate approaches to bestregulate nutrient inputs from the drainagenetworks.

In 2000-2001 the DEP provided a draft report,which found there is potential to better managewater quality from drains. However the mix ofregulatory and non-regulatory approachesthrough adoption of best management practicesin the catchment needs careful consideration.

In 2001-2002 the work will be taken further bystakeholder agencies to develop the bestapproach to managing both water quality andquantity in Perth’s stormwater.

Investigations into Landfill Sites

The Swan estuary wetlands adjacent to the Swanand Canning rivers were progressively reclaimed

in the 1950s to mid 1960s as part of the mosquitoeradication strategy whilst providing recreationalfacilities for the local residents. The strategyresulted in the ‘in-filling’ of more than 250hectares of river foreshore and adjoiningwetlands and included 13 landfill sites. We nowappreciate the importance of these wetlandhabitats, however these abandoned landfill sitesremain a potential source of nutrients and othercontaminants leaching into the Swan-Canningriver system.

In 2000-2001 SCCP contributed funds to theWater and Rivers Commission to define theimpacts of the landfills. In partnership with localgovernments and other agencies, the projectundertook detailed investigations of high-riskabandoned sites.

During the year detailed hydrogeologicalinvestigations were undertaken at the CentenaryPark landfill site in the City of Canning and inSir James Mitchell Park in the City of SouthPerth. The Centenary Park investigation wascarried out in partnership with the ChemistryCentre of Western Australia while the Sir JamesMitchell Park investigation was undertaken inpartnership with the City of South Perth andUniversity of WA.

Investigations at the Centenary Park site haveincluded:

❖ historical assessment of the site

❖ construction and monitoring of 14 bores acrossthe site and between the site and the CanningRiver

Initial results from the laboratory indicate highlevels of nutrients occur in the groundwater downgradient of the landfill.

The second stage of investigation is being scopedand is likely to include offshore bore installationin the Canning River. This is aimed to betterdefine the plume and measure the direct impactof the landfill leachate on the river.


Community Education and Awareness

Communicating with Stakeholders

Phone Survey

A telephone survey was carried out in February2001 to assess awareness of the Trust and its role,perceptions of the state of the river, and people’ssatisfaction with how it is managed. The surveyof over 400 people indicated that most (87%)are aware of the Swan River Trust. The majorissues of concern were algal blooms, watercleanliness and range of dining outlets alongforeshores. The results are the basis for assessingperformance of the Trust (see PerformanceIndicators section on page 74).

Website

The Swan River Trust website is continuouslyupdated with new information. This year saw theintroduction of a River Science site to makeavailable results of scientific investigationsconducted by the Trust and Water and RiversCommission staff as part of the Swan-CanningCleanup Program (SCCP).

Promotions

For the third year the Swan River Trustparticipated in the Boat, Dive and Fishing Show.

Patrons of the show supplied a feedback sheet tostaff manning the display so they could makenote of the major areas of interest. This year mostinterest related to the 2000 algal bloom in theSwan River, the SCCP, houseboats on the Swan


Public understanding of the importance of protecting and managing the river system is vitalto the Trust’s work. Production of environmental reports and information leaflets for shorelineresidents, community groups, boat owners and recreational anglers make sure people knowand care about the Swan-Canning river system.

River and general information on the role andfunctions of the Trust.

A river tour was held in April 2001 to briefstakeholders including Members of Parliament,local government, and representatives from keyrecreation and sporting groups on issues relatingto managing and protecting foreshores andwaterways of the Swan and Canning rivers. Thetour was held jointly with the Aboriginal CulturalMaterials Committee and focused on Aboriginalculture and the importance of the Swan andCanning rivers.

Ken Colbung of the Aboriginal Cultural MaterialsCommittee addresses the group at the Trust’sstakeholder river tour held 4 April 2001.

Publications

The Trust’s regular newsletter ‘RiverView’ is thecommon information link between thestakeholder groups involved in river managementand protection. It provides information about theTrust, the SCCP and community group activities


and is a valuable resource for school projects.Three editions of RiverView were publishedduring the year.

As part of the SCCP, officers of the Swan RiverTrust and the Water and Rivers Commission havebeen conducting high-level scientificinvestigations into the Swan and Canning rivers.The results of this work are important for allWestern Australians, yet the complexity of thescience often results in large, detailed reports.

The River Science series of publications has beendeveloped to bring this information to thecommunity in an interesting and digestible way.The cutting edge science presented in RiverScience will enable community and catchmentgroups to develop their work around the latestinformation and will also be of great use tostudents at both tertiary and high school levels.To date the following editions have beenpublished:

Issue 1, Water quality monitoring is a vitalpart of the SCCP Action Plan, September 2000

Issue 2, ‘Summer surprise’: The Swan Riverblue-green algal bloom in February 2000,September 2000

Issue 5, Sources of nutrients to the Swan andCanning rivers, December 2000

Issue 6, The delivery of nutrients to the Swanand Canning rivers has changed over time,December 2000

Issue 13, Oxygenating the Swan and Canningrivers, October 2000

Issue 14, 1998/1999 Canning RiverOxygenation Trial, October 2000

Following are other reports, brochures andpamphlets published this year:

❖ Swan River Trust Annual Report, 1999-2000

❖ Swan River, Western Australia, Destratifi-cation Trial, 1997, December 1998

❖ Contaminants in the Swan-Canning Rivers andEstuary, December 1999

❖ Trends in total phosphorus and total nitrogenconcentrations of tributaries to the Swan-Canning Estuary (Western Australia) 1987 to1998, June 2000

❖ Swan-Canning Industry Survey: Final Report,Pilot Survey Findings, August 2000

❖ Map of Swan-Canning river and estuarinesystem, December 2000

❖ The Canning River Oxygenation ProjectSummary Report of the 1998/1999 operation,December 2000

❖ The Canning River Oxygenation ProjectSummary Report of the 1999/2000 operation,December 2000

❖ The Swan Barge Oxygenation ProjectSummary Report of the 1999/2000 operation,December 2000

❖ Spatial Modelling of Phosphorus Export in theSwan-Canning Catchments, January 2001

❖ The Catchment of the Swan-Canning RiverSystem, February 2001

❖ You can make the difference, February 2001(reprinted)

❖ A Guide to our Services—Customer ServiceBooklet, April 2001 (reprinted)



MotivatingBehavioural Change

❖ extending the boundaries of influence to reachnew targeted audiences with more detailed andinformative resource materials

❖ building relationships for the establishment ofstrategic alliances for sustainableenvironmental restoration projects for both theSwan and Canning rivers.

Research was undertaken in the early stages ofthe awareness campaign to provide baselineinformation on community awareness andattitudes relating to behaviour that might affectthe Swan-Canning river system. This included atelephone survey and three focus groups. Theresearch produced a better understanding of thebarriers and motivators for ‘environmentallyfriendly’ behaviour. A follow-up survey toevaluate the campaign was undertaken in May2001. This information is being used to improvedesign of future activities in the awarenesscampaign.

Brand Awareness and ImageRecognition

The first communications tool to be implementedwas the introduction of a strong and clearlyidentifiable SCCP logo. The extended use of thenew clean swan logo was employed on all projectmaterials establishing brand awareness for theSCCP. It was presented to the public for the firsttime at Western Australia’s major public event,the Australia Day Lotto Skyworks celebrations,where it was launched as a large helicopter


One of the core tasks of the Swan RiverTrust is to raise awareness about issuesaffecting the river and increasecommunity involvement in river andcatchment restoration projects.

The Swan-Canning Cleanup Program (SCCP)Action Plan highlighted that well plannedcommunication is essential to provide publicaccountability for the SCCP, raise awareness andsupport community involvement in the ActionPlan implementation.

The SCCP cross media public awarenesscampaign aims to motivate and empower generalpublic to change their behaviour, generatecorporate support and contribute to activities forthe protection of the Swan-Canning river system.

A dedicated cross media public awarenesscampaign, as outlined in the CommunicationsPlan (1999) was commenced in 2000 with theairing of the Spirit of the Swan documentary.Further, 13 community service announcementswere produced and commenced airing onChannel 7 from March 2000 until April 2001. In2000 the campaign extended with theappointment of a Communications Consultantto strategically plan, implement and manage theprogram.

The cross media objectives of the campaign werespecified to include:

❖ establishing image recognition and a brandawareness for the Swan-Canning CleanupProgram

❖ providing a specific key message reinforcingintrinsic value

❖ building respect, leadership, credibility andstewardship for the program and its provider


banner flown over the Swan River to achievemaximum exposure and impact.

Public Events Sponsorship

A series of sponsorship opportunities wereidentified for major annual public events thatfocused public attention on the Swan andCanning rivers.

In conjunction with the City of Perth, the SCCPsponsored their first major public event providingthe entertainment program for the Australia Daycelebrations held on the Swan River —TheSwan-Canning Cleanup Program Air Displayand the Swan-Canning Cleanup Program WaterDisplay.

The sponsorship agreement enabled the programto reach new public audiences by launching thenew logo and by distributing detailedpromotional materials. Sponsors packages of

SCCP information were developed anddistributed to the more than 200 corporateparticipants. Media coverage includedadvertising in the West Australian newspaper andair time on commercial radio.

The second major sponsorship of the publicawareness campaign was the Autumn RiverFestival, on Sunday, 1 April — a promotionalevent held along the foreshore from Maylandsto Guildford offering public entertainment atmore than 15 venues along the Swan River.SCCP selected this visual platform for theMinister for Water Resources, Dr Judy Edwardsto successfully launch the new Swan RiverAction Kit.

New public audiences have also been reachedthis year through further minor sponsorshipprograms targeted at specific locations and awider, younger market. In November the firstCanning River Festival was conducted at Kent

The SCCP banner was flown over the Swan River during both the Australia Day celebrations and theAutumn River Festival as part of the continuing strategy to reinforce brand awareness for the newlogo and to present it to a new audience.



SCCP sponsorship assisted the 2001 Coasts,Corridors and Catchments workshop week, withone full day’s activities organised that focusedon river restoration and management. For the firsttime a SCCP team entered the Bridges Fun Runin April. This gave SCCP the opportunity todistribute information to the more than 2 600participants and to reinforce a stewardshippresence around the Swan River.

The presence of the Trust and its Swan-CanningCleanup Program at sponsored public eventsbuilds credibility and respect for both. Continuedparticipation at community events reinforces tothe public leadership in working with thecommunity, and stewardship in managing andprotecting the Swan and Canning rivers.

Providing a Specific Key Message

The development and repetitive use of acommunications campaign slogan on newpromotional materials, at public sponsored eventsand at each media and public exposureopportunity has established: HELP KEEP OURRIVERS HEALTHY: as the specific key messageof the SCCP. Launched during 2001, TheInternational Year of the Volunteer, the sloganhas achieved additional public exposure for themessage and the SCCP brand awareness strategy.

Image recognition has been developed throughthe production of new, practical promotionalmaterials. Each bears the new logo and the keymessage, and is widely distributed to targetedaudiences. These include floating key rings forriver users; telephone message pads and fridgemagnets for offices, schools and households;balloons and stickers for children; and carbumper stickers for the general public.

To reinforce the SCCP key message to the publica bus shelter advertising campaign wassuccessfully run in March, April and May usinga simple but direct visual image.

Street Weir with sponsorship by the SCCP inconjunction with the City of Canning. Thisfestival attracted a community audience.

In partnership with the City of Perth, the SCCPsponsored the Lord Mayor’s Cup 2001, acorporate rowing challenge open to all CBDbusinesses and held in the city on the Swan River.This gave SCCP the opportunity to reach the 200corporate participants and to have specificmessages distributed to those competingcorporations.

The Inaugural Canning River Festival was heldon a glorious spring day on the banks of theCanning River at Kent Street Weir on 18November 2000.

Staff from Water and Rivers Commission, SwanRiver Trust, Ribbons of Blue and the SwanCatchment Centre took a coordinated approachin delivering environmental education at theCatchments, Corridors and Coasts workshopheld in January 2001.



Building Stronger Relationships

The second year of the SCCP cross media publicawareness campaign has been an important yearfor establishing new contacts and strengtheningand building existing and new relationships.Perth’s CBD corporations have been exposed tothe program’s objectives, achievements andexpectations through the relationship establishedwith the City of Perth as a result of jointsponsorships for major public events. A programof building on these relationships is beingdeveloped to establish an environmentalawareness and award scheme, to develop longterm corporate sponsorship partnerships and acontinuous program of corporate river care days.

In particular, strategic alliances are beingdeveloped with the Clean Up Australia—CleanUp to Fix Up Program and the Keep AustraliaBeautiful Council—Tidy WA Campaign. SCCPand Trust staff took part in community eventsfor both of these campaigns, where media and

public exposure was achieved. Longer-termpartnership agreements with both organisationsare being developed for sustainableenvironmental restoration projects for both theSwan and Canning rivers.

A program of Communications Support for the11 focus catchment groups specified in the SCCPAction Plan, commenced by distributingadditional funds to assist catchment groups torun a series of advertisements in their local press.Further support materials have been widelydistributed to each catchment group includingnew printed materials, promotional items andSCCP display banners.

Strengthening of the existing workingrelationship with Agriculture Western Australiahas seen SCCP providing new, more detailedsupport for the Property Management and FarmPlanning series of workshops and field days,including the well received SCCP publicinformation packages.

Minister for Water Resources, Dr Judy Edwards, her son Andrew and SCCP Manager Adrian Tomlinsonlend a helping hand at this year’s Tidy WA in May Day.



Reaching New Audiences

A closer working relationship has beenestablished during the year with the SwanCatchment Centre. The SCCP cross media publicawareness campaign achieved joint promotionof the key message for SCCP as well as topromote the Catchment Centre to the public asthe first port of call for further information.

A strategy for the management of a continuousprogram of corporate care days has beendeveloped. The SCCP cross media publicawareness campaign will develop these as aplatform to launch their approach to corporationsfor longer-term corporate sponsorship forenvironmental restoration projects.

Increased public exposure for SCCP has alsobeen achieved throughout the year with moredetailed display materials presented to the publicas a part of the exhibitions at:

❖ Perth Boat, Dive and Fishing Show

❖ Canning River Festival

❖ Autumn River Festival

❖ Garden Week

❖ World Environment Day

❖ Water Week and Eco Week

❖ School Fairs and small community gatherings

❖ Landcare Conferences and EnvironmentalTraining Workshops.

Future Horizons

Longer-term initiatives to build on the foundationstones of the cross media public awarenesscampaign’s first full year of implementation andto continue achieving the outcomes of the 1999Communications Plan include:

❖ strategic development of ongoing sponsorshippartnerships

❖ the establishment of a continuing program ofriver corporate care days

❖ the development of an environmentalawareness award scheme

❖ the founding and managing of alliances forenvironmental restoration projects.

Ribbons of Blue

Ribbons of Blue/Waterwatch WA is anenvironmental education program aimed atincreasing community understanding aboutwater quality and taking action for a betterenvironment. The program was initiated as aschool environmental water quality monitoringprogram in 1989. Since becoming part of theAustralia-wide Waterwatch network in 1994, thestrong association with schools has been retained,while the program has expanded to includegreater community involvement.

Continuing its support for the program, SCCPprovided a further $120 000 in 2000-2001 to helpdeliver community education outcomes, organisetraining and data workshops and assist in fundingfor two local coordinators to help spread themessage at a school level. Thirty-six new schoolsregistered this year, bringing the total to 113school groups participating in the Swan Region.

The funding also supports the State CommunityMonitoring Environmental Officer who workswith community groups and promotes the SCCPmessage through Ribbons of Blue/WaterwatchWA activities. Sixteen Community Catchmentor ‘Friends’ groups are now registered in theprograms’ Swan Region with eight new groupsjoining this year.

Throughout the last 12 months catchment groupswere encouraged to link with their local schoolsto collect water quality data, and this initiativehad a good uptake, facilitating a more integratedcatchment management approach to waterpollution at a local level.



Some of the other highlights this year included:

❖ Parkwood Primary School won the NationalWaterwatch Competition (schools category)‘Race around the Catchment’ with their videotitled ‘Our Bannister Creek’.

❖ Ministerial launch of 2000 NationalMacroinvetebrate Snapshot event in the SwanRegion. The event attracted 28 groups across31 sites.

❖ Learning from experience, Swan Regionadvertised a teacher professional developmentday with financed teacher relief provided.Inundated with the response, a second day was


run with the demand enough to run a third. Atotal of 42 teachers attended including 22teachers that were new to the program.

❖ Development of a competition for localschools to design artwork to paint on highprofile gauging stations in the Swan-Canningcatchment.

The Ribbons of Blue network in the Swancontinues to grow and strengthen. The SwanRegion’s focus will continue to be on schoolgroups, and will continue to have the extrasupport from SCCP to accommodate ourcommunity and local government groups.


Output Measures

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ytitnauQ

dnayawretawfoaerAmkderotinomtnemhctac 2

6112 6112 6112

stcejorpD&RforebmuN 5 4 4

ytilauQ

gnirotinomehthcihwottnetxEyawretawehtsrevockrowten

tnemhctacdna

%09 %09 %29

gnirotinomfoytilibaileRnoitamrofni

%59 %59 %59

senotselimtcejorpfotnecrePtem

%29 %08 %001

ytinummocfoleveLretawhtiwnoitcafsitas

ssenilnaelc

toNdetroper

%55 %95

ssenilemiT

dnayawretawtnecrePstropergnirotinomtnemhctac

emitnodetelpmoc

%57 %08 %49

emitnodetelpmocstcejorP 4 4 4

tsoC

gnirotinomyawretawfotsoCmkrepgnitroperdna 2 fo

yawretawdnatnemhctac

982$ 693$ 514$

tcejorpD&RfotsocegarevA 000462$ 000712$ 006722$

Output Measures

Output 1: Collect water information to support state planning, agenciesand community

Output description: Provision of research and information for estuary and river restoration andmanagement


Output Measures

Output 2: Regulate riverside development

Output description: Assess applications for development, planning schemes and policy

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tnempoleved

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ytitnauQ

ottcejbusaeratnemeganaMyciloplortnoctnempoleved

mk(ecivdadna 2)

96 96 96

tnempolevedforebmuNdessessasnoitacilppa

122 RN 322

ytilauQ

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tnempoleved

%99 %59 %001

dednemmocerfoecnatpeccAsnoitidnoclavorppa

%99 RN %001

ytinummocfoleveLdnalhtiwnoitcafsitas

sepacsdnaldnatnempolevedgnitcelferrevirehtdnuora

noitatcepxeytinummoc

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ssenilemiT

ssecorpotsyadoNegarevAtnempoleveddnagninnalp

snoitacilppa

15 56 56

tsoC

lortnoctnempolevedfotsoCfo2mkrepecivdadnaycilop

aeratnemeganam

0046$ 2496$ 6237$

detroperton=RN


Output Measures

Output 3: Management plans

Output description: Prepares management programs (often jointly with local government) for themanagement of the waterways and the management area. Includes catchment management plans.

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noitairavrofnosaeR

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3 3 2 ehtfoyreviledrofytilibisnopseRnalPtnemeganaMevisneherpmoC

gninnaC-nawSehtfotrapsayciloPnoitcetorPlatnemnorivnE

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ecnatpeccaredlohekatSsnalptnemeganamfo

seigetartsdna

%001 %08 %06 otteyerasredlohekatsrojamowTtolipehtnotnemmocekam

.snalPtcnicerPyciloPepacsdnaL

ytinummocfoleveLhtiwnoitcafsitas

ytilibaliavaotsseccacilbupfo

fonoisivorpdnasrevirrofseitilicaftneiciffus

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2 3 2

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fotsocegarevAfonoitcudorp

ronalptnemeganamygetarts

00084$ 00753$ 54425$ ehtfonoitaraperprofytilibisnopseRnalPtnemeganaMevisneherpmoC

sreviRgninnaCdnanawSehtrofyciloPnoitcetorPlatnemnorivnE

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Output 4: Protection of waterways and foreshores

Output description: Maintenance and restoration of waterway and foreshores. Audit and enforcementof the Act and regulations.

Output Measures

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)mk(

641 641 641

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mk(noitcetorp 2)

96 96 96

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mk(tnemeganamytilauq 2)

6112 6112 6112

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%06 %55 %06

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%02 %23 %74 tnemevorpmilaitnatsbusehTeudebyamtegratehtrevo

wolfoecneulfnideddaehtotswolfgnicuderllafniarretniwfotnuomaehteroferehtdna

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Output Measures

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margorpnoitarotseremitnodetelpmoc

%58 %58 %09

evloserotnekatemitnaeM)syad(stnialpmoc

2.1 5.1 5.1

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emitnosenotselimgniveihca

%08 %08 %78

tsoC

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0052$ 1403$ 7333$

dnayawretawfotsoCmkrepnoitcetorperohserof 2 fo

aeratnemeganam

0091$ 7591$ 7412$

ytilauqretawfotsoCmkrepstcejorptnemevorpmi 2

tnemhctacdnayawretawfo

098$ 1611$ 4721$


Performance Indicators

Opinion of the Auditor General


To the Parliament of Western Australia

SWAN RIVER TRUSTPERFORMANCE INDICATORS FOR THE YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 2001

ScopeI have audited the key effectiveness and efficiency performance indicators of the SwanRiver Trust for the year ended June 30, 2001 under the provisions of the FinancialAdministration and Audit Act 1985.

The Trust is responsible for developing and maintaining proper records and systems forpreparing and presenting performance indicators. I have conducted an audit of the keyperformance indicators in order to express an opinion on them to the Parliament as requiredby the Act. No opinion is expressed on the output measures of quantity, quality, timelinessand cost.

My audit was performed in accordance with section 79 of the Act to form an opinion basedon a reasonable level of assurance. The audit procedures included examining, on a testbasis, evidence supporting the amounts and other disclosures in the performance indicators,and assessing the relevance and appropriateness of the performance indicators in assistingusers to assess the Trust’s performance. These procedures have been undertaken to form anopinion as to whether, in all material respects, the performance indicators are relevant andappropriate having regard to their purpose and fairly represent the indicated performance.

The audit opinion expressed below has been formed on the above basis.

Audit OpinionIn my opinion, the key effectiveness and efficiency performance indicators of the SwanRiver Trust are relevant and appropriate for assisting users to assess the Trust’s performanceand fairly represent the indicated performance for the year ended June 30, 2001.

K O O’NEILACTING AUDITOR GENERALNovember 22, 2001



Certification of Performance Indicators


We hereby certify that the Performance Indicators are based on proper records and fairlypresent the performance of the Swan River Trust for the year ending 30 June 2001.

Noel Robins, Member Tim Mather, Member

Date Date

The Swan River Trust’s Role

Outcome

Conservation and management of the Swan-Canning river system.

Objectives

The key objective of the Swan River Trust is to conserve or enhance the environmentalquality of the Swan-Canning river system managed by the Trust, against standards consistentwith the community’s long-term expectations.

Goals

As a result of the Trust’s work towards the achievement of its outcome and key objective,these goals are sought:

❖ The system is clean and healthy and accessible to the public through the provision offoreshore reserves and public amenities.

❖ The system is used in a sustainable manner, which retains the balance between conservationand development and reflects community values.

The Trust is not directly responsible for many factors, which affect the health and goodmanagement of the system it is required to manage. For example, it cannot directly controla land use or industry in the catchment, which pollutes a river or estuary, nor does it have theresponsibility for deciding where this industry in located. However, the Trust wants to considerall factors, which affect the waterways in its report and performance indicators. In otherwords, it must be recognised that in reporting on the Outcome and Goals above, many of theinputs are not under the Trust’s control.


Key Effectiveness Indicator 1


The extent to which standards are developed and used to maintain the environmentalquality of the Swan-Canning river system.

Measure: Data analysis from water quality monitoring river and drain inputs.

Water quality monitoring and reporting against standards or targets is a means of determiningif the key objective of the Outcome is being achieved.

Excess nitrogen and phosphorus inputs to the Swan-Canning river system have led to nuisanceand toxic algal blooms this year (see State of the River page 18). The problems withphytoplankton and low levels of oxygen in the Swan and Canning rivers and excessivenutrients in some of the freshwater tributaries entering the rivers are important managementissues for the Swan River Trust. Controlling nutrients entering the river system is essentialto decrease the frequency of algal blooms and further deterioration in the water quality ofthe Swan and Canning rivers.

Monitoring and reporting

Regular sampling of nutrient concentrations in the freshwater inflows and in the estuaryallows comparison to management targets. Sampling for the catchment targets occurs everytwo weeks while streams are flowing. Sampling in the estuary for management targetsoccurs every week in the period between January and May and is reported against the calendaryear.

The results of this monitoring are depicted graphically herein. The target is plotted so progresstowards achieving the quality objectives can be seen. A comparison of past and currentnutrient levels in the rivers provides a good indication of whether water quality is gettingbetter or worse in the rivers and tributaries. The results of past monitoring in the catchmentfor a three year period (1995-1997) are shown on the left-hand side. Results for the mostrecent three years (1998-2000) are shown on the right-hand side.

Performance 2000

Catchment Targets

Nitrogen

In 2000, 7 of the 15 tributaries monitored for total nitrogen concentration exceeded thetarget. The highest concentrations were in Ellen Brook, which drains a semi-rural catchmentto the north east of Perth, and Mills Street Main Drain, an urban and light industrial draindischarging to the Canning River. Both tributaries are a major priority for management inthe Swan-Canning Cleanup Program (SCCP) if nitrogen levels are to fall below the target.The other 5 with high nitrogen concentrations were Bannister Creek, Bickley Brook, SouthernRiver, Bayswater Main Drain and Helena River.


While significant improvements are required to achieve the SCCP objectives, the data suggestthere has been some general reduction in the amount of nitrogen in the Swan-Canning riversystem. For example, nitrogen levels in the Mills Street Main Drain are lower in recentyears than past years. This decrease in the drain is surprisingly large for a relatively shortperiod and hopefully reflects lasting land use improvements. Nitrogen concentrations inBennett Brook, Bickley Brook, Blackadder Creek, Canning River, South Belmont MainDrain and Southern River also fell in the period to 2000, although by lesser amounts. Overall,this means that nitrogen in 50 percent of the tributaries monitored appears to have improvedfrom levels recorded in the early to mid 1990s. The fact that there were small decreases innitrogen in a number of monitored tributaries suggests that the cause is probably not linkedsolely to improved management within individual catchments. Many of the changes arerelatively small and are probably related to below average rainfall in Perth in recent times.Low rainfall means less nitrogen enters the tributaries in runoff and via groundwater.Nevertheless, the improvements are encouraging particularly since there was no evidenceof nitrogen concentrations getting higher in any of the monitored tributaries.

Mills St Main 3.00Drain

3 year median(1995-1997)


Nitrogen(mg/L)

Mills St Main Drain 2.40

0.50

0.00

Target1.00

1.50

2.00

2.50

GOOD

3.00BAD

Ellen Brook 2.20

Bannister Creek 2.00

Bayswater Main Drain 1.70Southern River 1.60

Bickley Brook 1.50

Blackadder Creek 1.30Yule Brook 1.20

Bennett Brook 1.20Helena River 1.10

South Belmont Main Drain 0.99

Avon River 0.75Canning River 0.70

Susannah Brook 0.54Jane Brook 0.51

Ellen Brook 2.10

Bannister Creek 1.90

Bayswater Main Drain 1.70

Bickley Brook 1.20Helena River 1.10Southern River 1.10Yule Brook 1.00Bennett Brook 0.94Blackadder Creek 0.88South Belmont Main Drain 0.83Avon River 0.77Susannah Brook 0.65Jane Brook 0.54

Canning River 0.42


Nitrogen Thermometer (mg/L)


Phosphorus

In 2000, of the 15 tributaries monitored, Ellen Brook, Mills Street Main Drain, SouthernRiver, Bannister Creek and South Belmont Main Drain were above the target for phosphorus.The concentration of phosphorus in Ellen Brook remains extremely high and has not changedsignificantly since the mid 1990s. The same is true for Mills Street Main Drain. Thesetributaries are a priority for SCCP. For example, phosphorus concentrations in SouthernRiver need to fall by around 0.08 mg/L to achieve the target.

There is little evidence that phosphorus has decreased substantially in any of the SCCPAction Plan first and second priority catchments. The only change is a small increase intotal phosphorus in Bannister Creek over the last three years, which is probably within therange of natural variation.



Phosphorus(mg/L)

Ellen Brook 0.46 Ellen Brook 0.46

0.05

Target0.10

0.15

0.20

0.25

0.30

0.35

0.40

0.45

0.50BAD


Southern River 0.20

South Belmont Main Drain 0.12Bayswater Main Drain 0.11

Bannister Creek 0.11Yule Brook 0.08

Bennett Brook 0.07Bickley Brook 0.06

Blackadder Creek 0.04Helena River 0.02

Avon River 0.02Susannah Brook 0.02

Canning River 0.02Jane Brook 0.01


Southern River 0.18

Bannister Creek 0.14South Belmont Main Drain 0.12Bayswater Main Drain 0.10Yule Brook 0.09Bennett Brook 0.06Bickley Brook 0.04Blackadder Creek 0.03Helena River 0.03Avon River 0.01Canning River 0.01Jane Brook 0.01Susannah Brook 0.010.00

GOOD


Phosphorus Thermometer (mg/L)


Estuary Targets

It is still too early to assess how water quality in the estuarine portion of the Swan andCanning rivers compares against recently adopted targets. Measures to report against thesetargets will be developed and reported against in the next annual report.

Significance of Results

Phytoplankton, and to some extent oxygen, in the estuarine portion of the Swan and Canningrivers during summer is primarily influenced by the seasonal and long-term store of nutrientsin the bottom sediments. This means that there will be a lag between achieving the SCCPcatchment targets and seeing the desired change in the estuarine portion of the rivers. Thelength of the time between fixing the catchments and seeing the benefits in the estuary is notcurrently known and is the subject of ongoing research.

The decrease in nitrogen in three tributaries (Bennett Brook, Blackadder Creek and SouthBelmont Main Drain) is significant for SCCP because they represent the achievement ofquality benchmarks. The decrease in nitrogen concentrations in Bennett Brook, BlackadderCreek and South Belmont Main Drain have achieved the nitrogen concentration objectiveby falling below 1.0 mg/L.

It is unlikely however that the improvements in nutrient levels entering from the catchmentsrepresents a significant decrease in the total amount of nutrients entering the rivers and isunlikely to significantly affect phytoplankton abundance or algal bloom activity in the short-term. So while there is reason for optimism it needs to be tempered by the knowledge thatnutrient levels may be varying naturally around SCCP target objectives. Many improvementswere relatively small and probably climatic in origin and are part of the normal variationseen in nitrogen levels in tributaries.

It is implicit in all target setting that tributaries or rivers that already meet the target criterionwill not worsen through changes in catchment land use so attention to these catchments isalso important.


Year

To

tal N

itro

gen

(mg/

L)

0.087 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 00 01

0.5

1.0

1.5

2.0

2.5

3.0

Target

Total phosphorus concentration from 1987 toDecember 2000

Year

To

tal P

ho

sph

oru

s(m

g/L)

87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 00 010.00

0.05

0.10

0.15

0.20

0.25

0.30

Target

Total nitrogen concentration from 1987 toDecember 2000



The extent to which the planning and development recommendations of the Trust areaccepted and implemented.

Measure: Level of acceptance of conditions recommended by the Trust for developments.

Conditions placed on approved developments contribute to achieving a goal of the Outcomeof the Trust to maintain the balance between conservation and development and reflect thecommunity’s values.

These data reflect the level of acceptance of recommendations by the Trust to the Minister.Development requiring Ministerial approval is dealt with under Part 5 of the Swan RiverTrust Act 1988 and under Clause 30A(1) a of the Metropolitan Region Scheme.

The Trust makes recommendations to the Minister on applications to commence developmentwithin and affecting the Management Area. The Minister determines refusal or approval ofthe Part 5 applications, and whether the recommendation is acceptable to be forwarded tothe Minister for Planning in the case of Clause 30A applications. The Trust’srecommendations aim to ensure that development complements the rivers’ amenity anddoes not have a detrimental impact on the environment.

The level of acceptance of conditions recommended by the Swan River Trust to the Ministerfor Water Resources for developments.

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detcejeregatnecreP %3 %2 %0 %1 %0




Measure: Level of community satisfaction with the availability of public access to theSwan-Canning river system.

In early 2001 a consultant commissioned by the Trust conducted a telephone poll of 406Perth residents to ascertain their views on the condition of the rivers and the facilities provided.The survey error was ±5 per cent—with a response rate of 30 per cent.

The measures have been compared to previous surveys conducted in 1998-1999 and1999-2000.

Note: that of the 406 residents surveyed 16% were undecided on the following measure.

yevruS 9991-8991 0002-9991 1002-0002

noitcafsitasfoleveL %76 %07 %17

Note: that of the 406 residents surveyed 13% were undecided on the following measure.

Measure: Community assessment of whether sufficient facilities are provided for their use.

yevruS 9991-8991 0002-9991 1002-0002

noitcafsitasfoleveL %46 %86 %86

Survey questions in all three years assessed satisfaction with the following aspects of publicaccess; navigation aids, pedestrian walkways/cycle paths, car parking, information andsignage, jetty and public boat ramp number and access and access to shoreline reflectingcommunity needs.

Because the changes in level of satisfaction fall within the ±5 per cent survey error rate theyare not considered statistically significant.

Measure: Total number of pollution complaints/ incidents.

The Trust works towards the sustainable use of the system while retaining the balance betweenconservation and development that reflects community values. This is a key managementgoal of the river system. Response to pollution complaints aims to reduce the impact ofincidents and protect the waterways. Environmental quality, aesthetics, access and use arevalues placed on the Swan and Canning rivers by the community.

The 2000-2001 period saw an increase in the number of pollution complaints in relation tothe five year average.

Non-pollution related complaints were reports of algal blooms, dumping material onforeshores and causing foreshore damage, foreshore accumulations of seagrass andmacroalgae, foaming, animal carcases and the operation of vessels.



raeY forebmuNstnialpmoc

6991-5991 79

7991-6991 69

8991-7991 79

9991-8991 68

0002-9991 28

1002-0002 99

egarevaraey5 29

Key Efficiency Indicators

Output 1: Collect water information to support state planning, agenciesand community

Output description: Provision of research and information for estuary and river restorationand management

tinu/tsoC 0002-9991lautca

1002-0002tegrat

1002-0002lautca

repgnitroperdnagnirotinomyawretawfotsoCmk 2 yawretawdnatnemhctacfo

982$ 693$ 514$

dnahcraeserfotcejorpreptsocegarevAtnempoleved

000462$ 000712$ 006722$

Output 2: Regulate riverside development

Output description: Assess applications for development, planning schemes and policy


1002-0002tegrat

1002-0002lautca

ecivdadnayciloplortnoctnempolevedfotsoCmkrep 2 aeratnemeganamfo

0046$ 2496$ 6237$



Output 3: Management plans

Output description: Prepares management programs (often jointly with local government)for the management of the waterways and the management area. Includes catchmentmanagement plans.


1002-0002tegrat

1002-0002lautca

nalptnemeganamfonoitcudorpfotsocegarevAygetartsro

00084$ 00753$ 54425$

Responsibility for preparation of the Comprehensive Management Plan for the Swan andCanning Rivers Environmental Protection Policy was transferred to the Department ofEnvironmental Protection. Savings in this project were redirected to development ofmanagement policies for worm digging, air conditioner wastewater discharge and anenvironmental management system for yacht clubs and marinas.

Output 4: Protection of waterways and foreshores

Output description: Maintenance and restoration of waterway and foreshores. Audit andenforcement of the Act and regulations.


1002-0002tegrat

1002-0002lautca

fomkrepnoitarotserdnaecnanetniamfotsoCerohserof

0052$ 1403$ 7333$

repnoitcetorperohserofdnayawretawfotsoCmk 2 aeratnemeganamfo

0091$ 7591$ 7412$

repstcejorptnemevorpmiytilauqretawfotsoCmk 2 tnemhctacdnayawretawfo

098$ 1611$ 4721$



Financial Statements

Opinion of the Auditor General


To the Parliament of Western Australia

SWAN RIVER TRUSTFINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 2001

ScopeI have audited the accounts and financial statements of the Swan River Trust for the yearended June 30, 2001 under the provisions of the Financial Administration and Audit Act1985.

The Trust is responsible for keeping proper accounts and maintaining adequate systems ofinternal control, preparing and presenting the financial statements, and complying with theAct and other relevant written law. The primary responsibility for the detection,investigation and prevention of irregularities rests with the Trust.

My audit was performed in accordance with section 79 of the Act to form an opinion basedon a reasonable level of assurance. The audit procedures included examining, on a testbasis, the controls exercised by the Trust to ensure financial regularity in accordance withlegislative provisions, evidence to provide reasonable assurance that the amounts and otherdisclosures in the financial statements are free of material misstatement and the evaluationof accounting policies and significant accounting estimates. These procedures have beenundertaken to form an opinion as to whether, in all material respects, the financialstatements are presented fairly in accordance with Accounting Standards, other mandatoryprofessional reporting requirements and the Treasurer’s Instructions so as to present a viewwhich is consistent with my understanding of the Trust’s financial position, the results of itsoperations and its cash flows.

The audit opinion expressed below has been formed on the above basis.

Audit OpinionIn my opinion,

(i) the controls exercised by the Swan River Trust provide reasonable assurance thatthe receipt, expenditure and investment of moneys and the acquisition anddisposal of property and the incurring of liabilities have been in accordance withlegislative provisions; and

(ii) the Statement of Financial Performance, Statement of Financial Position,Statement of Cash Flows and the Notes to and forming part of the financialstatements are based on proper accounts and present fairly in accordance withapplicable Accounting Standards, other mandatory professional reportingrequirements and the Treasurer’s Instructions, the financial position of the Trust atJune 30, 2001 and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the year thenended.

K O O’NEILACTING AUDITOR GENERALNovember 22, 2001


Certification of Financial Statements


The accompanying financial statements of the Swan River Trust have been prepared incompliance with the provisions of the Financial Administration and Audit Act 1985 fromproper accounts and records to present fairly the financial transactions for the year ending30 June 2001 and the financial position as at 30 June 2001.

At the date of signing, we are not aware of any circumstances, which would render theparticulars included in the financial statements misleading or inaccurate.

Noel Robins, Member Peter Kent, Principal Accounting Officer

Tim Mather, Member Date



STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE for the year ended 30 June 2001

Note 2000-01 1999-00

($) ($)

COST OF SERVICES

Expenses from ordinary activities

Employee Expenses 1 059 947 844 218

Borrowing Costs Expense 14 138 14 005

Depreciation Expense 2 52 552 62 447

Grants and Subsidy Payments 502 348 320 402

Service Related Expenses 3 3 833 358 3 458 325

Goods and Materials 4 65 710 51 215

Net Loss on Disposal of Non Current Assets 23 162 0

Asset Revaluation Decrement 5 68 000 0

Other Expenses from Ordinary Activities 6 111 508 148 492

Total cost of services 5 730 723 4 899 104

Revenues from ordinary activities

Commonwealth Grants and Contributions 7 39 750 57 250

Net Surplus on Sale of Non Current Assets 8 0 53 924

Other Revenues from Ordinary Activities 9 47 119 55 654

Total revenues from ordinary activities 86 869 166 828

NET COST OF SERVICES 5 643 854 4 732 276

REVENUES FROM GOVERNMENT

Recurrent Appropriation 5 126 000 5 138 000

Capital Appropriation 80 000 110 000

Contribution from State Government Agency 10 0 71 200

Resources Received Free of Charge 11 16 196 16 600

Total revenues from Government 5 222 196 5 335 800

CHANGE IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS (421 658) 603 524

The Statement of Financial Performance should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes


STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION as at 30 June 2001

Note 2000-01 1999-00

($) ($)

CURRENT ASSETS

Cash Assets 12 316 372 561 066

Accounts Receivable 13 70 497 6 872

Prepayments 14 569 592

Total Current Assets 387 438 568 530

NON CURRENT ASSETS

Plant and Equipment 15 192 512 239 498

Land 15 212 000 280 000

Buildings 15 0 34 185

Total Non Current Assets 404 512 553 683

Total Assets 791 950 1 122 213

CURRENT LIABILITIES

Payables 16 9 507 2 001

Accrued Expenses 17 25 791 42 549

Provisions 18 144 455 65 479

Developer Bond 19 10 000 0

Interest Bearing Liabilities 20 7 902 7 603

Total Current Liabilities 197 655 117 632

NON CURRENT LIABILITIES

Provisions 18 86 680 67 238

Interest Bearing Liabilities 20 168 689 176 759

Total Non Current Liaibilities 255 369 243 997

Total Liabilities 453 024 361 629

Net Assets 338 926 760 584

EQUITY

Accumulated Surplus 338 926 760 584

Total Equity 21 338 926 760 584

The Statement of Financial Position should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes




STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS for the year ended 30 June 2001

Note 2000-01 1999-00Inflows Inflows

(Outflows) (Outflows)($) ($)

CASH FLOWS FROM GOVERNMENT

Recurrent Appropriation 5 126 000 5 138 000

Capital Appropriation 80 000 110 000

Contributions from State Government Agencies 10 0 71 200

Net Cash Provided by Government 5 206 000 5 319 200

Utilised as follows:

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES

Payments

Payments to Employees (978 288) (873 346)

Payments to Suppliers (3 976 873) (3 624 734)

Grants and Contributions (502 348) (320 402)

Interest Paid to WA Treasury Corporation (14 115) (13 989)

Developer Bond 0 (4 250)

GST payments on purchases (424 345) 0

Receipts

Other Receipts 43 408 55 276

Commonwealth Grants and Contributions 19 750 57 250

GST receipts on sales 5 981 0

GST receipts from ATO 378 449 0

Net Cash Used in Operating Activities 22 (5 448 381) (4 724 195)

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES

Payments for Property, Plant and Equipment (5 039) (182 716)

Proceed from sale of Plant and Equipment 10 496 50 000

Net Cash From Investing Activities 5 457 (132 716)

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES

Repayment of Borrowings to WA Treasury Corporation (7 770) (7 602)

Net Cash Used in Financing Activities (7 770) (7 602)

TOTAL CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING, INVESTINGAND FINANCING ACTIVITIES (5 450 694) (4 864 513)

Net increase/(decrease) in Cash Held (244 694) 454 687

Cash assets at the beginning of the financial year 561 066 106 379

CASH ASSETS AT THE END OF THE FINANCIAL YEAR 316 372 561 066

The Statement of Cash Flows should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes


1. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The following accounting policies have been adopted in the preparation of the financial

statements. Unless otherwise stated these policies are consistent with those adopted in

the previous year.

GENERAL STATEMENT

The financial statements constitute a general purpose financial report which has been

prepared in accordance with Australian Accounting Standards and Urgent Issues Group

(UIG) Consensus Views as applied by the Treasurer’s Instructions. Several of these are

modified by the Treasurer’s Instructions to vary application, disclosure, format and wording.

The Financial Administration and Audit Act and the Treasurer’s Instructions are legislative

provisions governing the preparation of financial statements and take precedence over

Australian Accounting Standards and UIG Consensus Views. The modifications are intended

to fulfill the requirements of general application to the public sector together with the need

for greater disclosure and also to satisfy accountability requirements.

If any such modification has a material or significant financial effect upon the reported

results, details of that modification and, where practicable, the resulting financial effect, are

disclosed in individual notes to these financial statements.

The statements have been prepared on the accrual basis of accounting using the historical

cost convention, with the exception of certain non-current assets which subsequent to

initial recognition, have been measured on the fair value basis in accordance with the

option under AAS 38(5.1).

(a) Appropriations

Appropriations in the nature of revenue, whether recurrent or capital, are recognised

as revenues in the period in which the Swan River Trust (the Trust) gains control of the

appropriated funds. The Trust gains control of appropriated funds at the time those

funds are deposited into the Trust’s bank account. Appropriations which are repayable

to the Treasurer are recognised as liabilities.

(b) Grants and Other Contributions Revenue

Grants, donations, gifts and other non-reciprocal contributions are recognised as revenue

when the Trust obtains control over the assets comprising the contributions. Control is

normally obtained upon their receipt.

Contributions are recognised at their fair value. Contributions of services are only

recognised when a fair value can be reliably determined and the services would be

purchased if not donated.

Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 30 June 2001


(c) Revenue Recognition

Revenue from the sale of goods and disposal of other assets and the rendering of

services, is recognised when the Trust has passed control of the goods or other assets

or delivery of the service to the customer.

(d) Depreciation of Non Current Assets

Property, plant and equipment, other than land, are depreciated over their estimated

useful lives using the straight line method, using rates which are reviewed annually.

The following estimated useful lives are applied in determining the depreciation rates

used for each class.

Buildings 20 years

Plant and Equipment 5-7 years

(e) Employee Entitlements

Annual and Long Service Leave

Annual and long service leave entitlements are recognised at current remuneration

rates and is measured at the amounts unpaid at the reporting date in respect to the

employee’s service up to that date.

Long service leave is calculated for employees who have accrued leave and are 55

years or older, or are employed under the Australian Workers Union Award. A pro-rata

liability for long service leave is also recognised for officers who have completed four or

more years of service.

An actuarial assessment of long service leave was carried out at 30 June 2001, and it

was determined that the actuarial assessment of the liability was not materially different

from the liability reported. This method of measurement of the liability is consistent

with the requirements of Australian Accounting Standard AAS 30 “Accounting for

Employee Entitlements”.

Sick Leave

No provision has been made for sick leave as average sick leave taken each reporting

period is less than the entitlement accrued for that period (in accordance with Urgent

Issues Group Abstract 2).

Superannuation

Staff may contribute to the Superannuation and Family Benefits Act scheme, a defined

benefits pension scheme now closed to new members, or to the Gold State

Superannuation Scheme, a defined benefit and lump sum scheme now also closed to

new members. All staff who do not contribute to either of these schemes become non-

contributory members of the West State Superannuation Scheme, an accumulation

fund complying with the Commonwealth Government’s Superannuation Guarantee

(Administration) Act 1992.



The liability for superannuation charges incurred under the Superannuation and FamilyBenefits Act pension scheme, together with the pre-transfer service liability for employeeswho transferred to the Gold State Superannuation scheme are provided for at reportingdate in the Water and Rivers Commission financial statements.

The liability for superannuation charges under the Gold State Superannuation Schemeis extinguished by quarterly payments of employer contributions to the GovernmentEmployees Superannuation Board.

The note disclosure required by paragraph 51(e) of AAS 30 (being the employer’sshare of the difference between employee’s accrued superannuation benefits and theattributable net market value of plan assets) has not been provided. State schemedeficiencies are recognised by the State in its whole of government reporting.

The Government Employees Superannuation Board’s records are not structured toprovide the information for the Trust. Accordingly, deriving the information for the Trustis impractical under current arrangements, and thus any benefits thereof would beexceeded by the cost of obtaining the information.

(f) Receivables

Receivables are recognised at the amounts receivable as they are due for settlementno more than 30 days from the date of recognition.

Collectability of accounts receivable is reviewed on an ongoing basis. Debts which areknown to be uncollectable are written off. A provision for doubtful debts is raised wheresome doubts as to collection exists and in any event where the debt is more than 60days overdue.

(g) Accrued Salaries

Accrued salaries represent the amount due to staff but unpaid at the end of the financialyear, as the end of the last pay period for that financial year does not coincide with theend of the financial year. The Trust considers the carrying amount approximates netfair value.

(h) Payables

Payables, including accruals not yet billed, are recognised when the Trust becomesobliged to make future payments as a result of a purchase of assets or services. Payablesare generally settled within 30 days.

(i) Interest Bearing Liabilities

Interest Bearing Liabilities are recorded at an amount equal to the net proceeds received.Interest expense is recognised on an accrual basis.

(j) Resources Received Free of Charge or For Nominal Value

Resources received free of charge or for nominal value which can be reliably measuredare recognised as revenues and as assets or expenses as appropriate at fair value.



(k) Valuation of Non Current Assets

The Trust has a policy of reporting land and buildings at fair value. Certain non current

assets have been revalued from time to time as disclosed in the financial statements.

Increments are taken to asset revaluation reserve. Decrements have been offset against

previous increment (if any) relating to the same assets and the balance (if any) charged

against profits.

Other assets are recognised at cost.

The annual revaluations of the Trust’s land undertaken by the Valuer General’s Office

for the Government Property Register are recognised in the financial statements. An

amount of $68 000 of land decrement was charged against profits in 2000-01.

(l) Comparative Figures

Comparative figures are, where appropriate, reclassified so as to be comparable with

the figures presented in the current financial year.

2000-01 1999-00

($) ($)

2. DEPRECIATION EXPENSE

Buildings 527 2 290

Plant, Machinery and Equipment 52 025 60 157

52 552 62 447

3. SERVICE RELATED EXPENSES

Service related expenses include professional and non-

professional service contracts, leases, chemical analysis,

legal charges, consultants, advertising, and other servicerelated expenses. 3 833 358 3 458 325

4. GOODS AND MATERIALS

Goods and materials include office supplies, library

acquisitions, laboratory supplies, motor vehicle running

expenses, utilities and other consumable equipment and

materials. 65 710 51 215

5. ASSET REVALUATION DECREMENT

Revaluation of Land at fair value 30 June 2000. 68 000 0

See note 1(k)



2000-01 1999-00

($) ($)

6. OTHER EXPENSES FROM ORDINARY6. ACTIVITIES

Other operating expenses include communication

expenses, asset maintenance costs and other sundry

operating expenses. 111 508 148 492

7. COMMONWEALTH GRANTS7. AND CONTRIBUTIONS

National Heritage Trust Fund 39 750 57 250

8. NET SURPLUS ON SALE OF8. NON CURRENT ASSETS

Plant, Machinery and Equipment 0 53 924

Gross proceeds from disposal of assets 10 496 50 000

9. OTHER REVENUES FROM9. ORDINARY ACTIVITIES

Sundry Revenue 47 119 55 654

10. CONTRIBUTION FROM STATE10. GOVERNMENT AGENCY

Water and Rivers Commission Contribution to Swan River

Algal Bloom Clean Up. 0 71 200

11. RESOURCES RECEIVED FREE OF CHARGE

Resources received free of charge has been determined

on the basis of the following estimates provided by

agencies:

Office of the Auditor General 7 500 6 250

Department of Land Administration 2 016 0

Crown Solicitors Office 6 680 10 350

16 196 16 600



2000-01 1999-00

($) ($)

12. CASH ASSETS

Operating Account 316 372 561 066

13. RECEIVABLES

Goods and services 30 582 6 872

GST recoverable from ATO 39 915 0

70 497 6 872

The Trust considers the carrying amounts of accounts

receivable approximate their net fair value.

14. PREPAYMENTS

WA Treasury Corporation 569 592

15. NON CURRENT ASSETS

Plant, Machinery and Equipment at cost 529 176 524 137

Less: Accumulated Depreciation (336 664) (284 639)

192 512 239 498

Land at cost 0 280 000

Land at fair value 1 July 2000 212 000 0

212 000 280 000

Buildings at cost 43 725 43 725

Disposals (33 658) 0

Accumulated Depreciation (10 067) (9 540)

0 34 185

Total Written Down Value 404 512 553 683

Government Property Register

Land is recorded on the Government Property Register at the following valuations

performed by the Valuer General’s Office: $212 000 “Current Use”. The valuations were

dated 1 July 2000.




Reconciliations

Reconciliations of the carrying amounts of property, plant and equipment at the beginning andend of the current and previous financial year are set out below.

2000-01 Land Building Furn/Fit Comput- Plant & Totaling Equip Equip

($) ($) ($) ($) ($) ($)

Carrying amount at start of year 280 000 34 185 1 435 15 410 222 653 553 683

Additions 0 0 5 039 0 0 5 039

Disposals 0 (43 725) 0 0 0 (43 725)

Revaluation increments/(decrements) (68 000) 0 0 0 0 (68 000)

Depreciation 0 9 540 (1 506) (7 561) (42 958) (42 485)

Carrying amount at end of year 212 000 (0) 4 968 7 849 179 695 404 512

2000-01 1999-00($) ($)

16. PAYABLES

Accounts payable for goods and services received 9 507 2 001

The Trust considers the carrying amounts of accountspayable approximate their net fair values.

17. ACCRUED EXPENSES

Goods and Services 4 791 19 376

Amounts owing for 6 working days to 30 June 2001 21 000 23 173(1999-2000 – 5 working days)

25 791 42 549

18. PROVISIONS

Current Liabilities

Liability for Annual Leave 106 277 46 315

Liability for Long Service Leave 38 178 19 164

144 455 65 479

Non Current Liability

Liability for Long Service Leave 86 680 67 238

19. DEVELOPER BOND

Developer bond 10 000 0


2000-01 1999-00

($) ($)

20. INTEREST BEARING LIABILITIES

Borrowings from WA Treasury Corporation

Balance of Loan 30 June 2001Current: 7 902 7 603

Non-current: 168 689 176 759

21. EQUITY

Opening Balance 760 584 157 060

Change in Net Assets resulting from operations (421 658) 603 524

Closing balance 338 926 760 584

22. RECONCILIATION OF NET COST OF22. SERVICES TO NET CASH USED IN22. OPERATING ACTIVITIES

Net Cost of Services (Statement of Financial Performance) (5 643 854) (4 732 276)

Adjusted for:

Increase/(Decrease) in Accrued Expenses (16 758) 25 593

Increase/(Decrease) in Payables 6 544 (2 678)

Increase/(Decrease) in Provisions 98 417 (35 345)

(Increase)/Decrease in Developer Bond 10 000 (4 250)

(Increase)/Decrease in Receivables (62 663) (378)

(Increase)/Decrease in Prepayments 23 16

Asset revaluation decrement 68 000 0

Resources received Free of Charge 16 196 16 600

Depreciation expense 52 552 62 447

Loss (Gain) on Sale of Non Current Assets 23 162 (53 924)

Net cash (used in)/from operating activities(Statement of Cash Flows) (5 448 381) (4 724 195)

23. REMUNERATION OF ACCOUNTABLE23. AUTHORITY

The total fees, salaries and other benefits received ordue and receivable for the financial year, by members ofthe accountable authority. 30 043 31 757



2000-01 1999-00($) ($)

The number of members of the accountable authoritywhose total of fees, salaries and other benefits receivedor due and receivable for the financial year, falls withinthe following bands:

2000-01 1999-00$ 0 000 – $10 000 4 3$10 001 – $20 000 1 1

24. RETIREMENT BENEFITS

In respect of members of the Accountable Authority, thefollowing amounts were paid or became payable for thefinancial year:

Contributions to the West State Superannuation Schemeat 8% 1 035 1 399

Contributions to other superannuation funds 1 368 824

2 403 2 223

25. REMUNERATION OF THE AUDITOR

External Audit (refer also note 11) 7 500 6 250

26. SEGMENT REPORTING

The Swan River Trust operates in one industry and geographical segment being theconservation and management of the Swan and Canning river system. The Trust’s outputsas detailed in the 2000-01 Budget Statements are provided at note 33 b) with comparisonsto actual results.

27. CAPITAL COMMITMENTS

The Trust has no capital commitments at 30 June 2001.

28. CONTINGENT LIABILITIES

The Trust has no contingent liabilities at 30 June 2001.

29. EVENTS OCCURRING AFTER REPORTING DATE

No events have occurred after reporting date which would materially impact on the financialstatements.

30. DISCLOSURE OF WRITE OFFS AND LOSSES

Receivables 12 648 2 663

12 648 2 663



31. RELATED AND AFFILIATED BODIES

The Trust currently does not provide any assistance to other agencies which would deem

them to be regarded as related or affiliated bodies under the definitions included in Treasurer’s

Instruction 951.

32. ADDITIONAL FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS DISCLOSURES

Interest rate risk exposure

The Trust’s exposure to interest rate risk, repricing maturities and the effective interest

rates on financial instruments are:

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%03.7 8 53 141 481

sesnepxEdeurccA 62 34 62 34

dnoBrepoleveD 01 0 01 0

snoisivorP 132 331 132 331

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6 43 731 772 454

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Credit Risk Exposure

The Trust does not have any significant exposure to any individual customer or counter

party. Amounts owing by other government agencies are guaranteed and therefore no

credit risk exists in respect to those amounts. In respect of other financial assets the carrying

amounts represent the Trust’s maximum exposure to credit risk in relation to those assets.

All financial assets are unsecured.

The following is an analysis of amounts owing within the categories of government and

private sector:

2000-01 1999-00

($) ($)

Western Australian Government agencies 30 582 1 717

Government agencies of other jurisdictions 0 30

Private Sector 0 5 125

Commonwealth Government – ATO (GST) 39 915 0

Total 70 497 6 872

Net Fair Values

The carrying amounts of financial assets and financial liabilities recorded in the financial

statements are not materially different from their net fair values, determined in accordance

with the accounting policies disclosed in note 1 to the financial statements.

33. EXPLANATORY STATEMENTS

(a) Comparison of Actual results with those of the Preceding Year

Details and reasons for significant variations between actual revenue and expenditure

and the corresponding item of the preceding year are detailed below. Significant

variations are considered to be those greater than $50 000 where exceeding 10% of

the preceding year’s figure. In respect of any item for which there is not a significant

variation, no explanation is given.



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sesnepxEdetaleRecivreS 3 8533383 5238543 330573 %11

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stessAtnerruCnoNfoelasnossoL 26132 0 26132 %001

tnemerceDnoitaulaveRtessA 4 00086 0 00086 %001

seitivitcAyranidrOmorfsesnepxErehtO 3 805111 294841 )58963( )%52(

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EXPLANATION OF VARIANCES

1. Employee Expenses

The increase in Employee Expenses is largely due to the recognition of payroll on-

costs on employee leave liabilities for the first time in 2000-01.

2. Grants and Contributions

Trust Grants are for contributions to the Swan Catchment Urban Landcare Program

and support to Catchment Groups in the Swan-Canning catchment which are both

major initiatives of the Swan-Canning Cleanup Program. The increase in total grants of

$80 000 resulted from the Cleanup Program’s increasing support to catchment groups

and grants to community groups for river restoration works totalling $100 000 in 2000-01.




3. Service Related Expenses and Other Operating Expenses

Water and Rivers Commission provides corporate services for the Swan River Trust.

The service level agreement between the two agencies for 2000-01 included a provision

for the charging of salary related on costs associated with the payment of salaries for

Swan River Trust staff. An amount of $173 854 was recouped by the Water and Rivers

Commission in 2000-01. The variation in Service Related Expenses is mainly a result

of this charge.

4. Asset Revaluation Decrement

Refer to note 1(k).

(b) Comparison of Estimates and Actual Results

Section 42 of the Financial Administration and Audit Act requires statutory authorities

to prepare annual budget estimates. Treasurer’s instruction 945 requires an explanation

of significant variations between these estimates and actual results. Significant variations

are considered to be those greater than 10% of budget. The figures below represent

the total cost of the output on an accrual basis.

tuptuO etoN 10-0002lautcA

000’$

10-0002etamitsE

000’$

ecnairaV

000’$

ecnairaV

%

* etatstroppusotnoitamrofniretawtcelloCytinummocdnaseicnega,gninnalp

9871 4071 58 %99.4

* tnempolevededisreviretalugeR 505 974 62 %34.5

* snalptnemeganaM 501 701 )2( )%78.1(

* serohserofdnasyawretawfonoitcetorP 1333 5303 692 %57.9

There are no significant variations where actual expenditures exceeded or were less than the estimates

for the financial year.


Reporting Requirements

Reporting Requirements

Conflict of Interest

The Trust has procedures for identifying, preventing and resolving conflicts of interest.These procedures are outlined in the Swan River Trust Meeting Procedures 1996 and theSwan River Trust Code of Conduct 2000. Individual Board members declared a conflict ofinterest on five occasions when considering matters before the Board, and did not vote onthose occasions. This included:

Mr Ray Stokes on 31 July 2000

Mrs Pat Hart on 4 December 2000 and 19 June 2001

Mr Noel Robinson 20 February 2001 and 5 June 2001

Freedom of Information

The Trust received two applications for information under the provisions of the Freedom ofInformation Act 1992. They were both given edited information. Fees and charges totalling$254.40 were received for the processing of these applications.

Advertising and Marketing

Expenditure incurred by the Swan River Trust during 2000-2001 in relation to section 175 ZEof the Electoral Act was as follows:

erutidnepxEfossalC erutidnepxE launnaerehwycnegA/nosrePfoemaN051$nahtretaergsawtnemyap

seicnegAgnisitrevdA 8817$ snoitcudorPecroftekraM

ERUTIDNEPXELATOT 8817$

Disability Services Plan

The Swan River Trust has a close relationship with the Water and Rivers Commission.

The Commission continues to provide appropriate services and facilities for stakeholderswith disabilities. The refurbishment of Commission facilities and accommodation duringthe year took into account the recommendations of the Disability Access Audit.

Two Year Plan for Women

Swan River Trust staff are provided by the Water and Rivers Commission.


Corporate Governance

The Board

The Board of the Swan River Trust is accountable for the performance of the Trust and isresponsible for its corporate governance. The Board formulates strategic direction, establishespolicies, provides advice on development applications to the Minister for Water Resources,sets the budget and programs and monitors achievements against agreed targets and outcomes.

Written reports on the Trust’s activities and financial statements are provided to the Boardeach month, and performance evaluations are carried out on 31 December and 30 June eachyear.

The four Board members appointed by the Minister for Water Resources are appointed forthree year terms. The term of appointment of the other four members is at the discretion ofthe Minister or agency nominating them. The Board meets twice a month, while its RiverManagement Committee holds monthly meetings. The River Management Committee, whichreports to the Board, comprises four Board members, five agency representatives and twoadvisers.

The Board operates in accordance with the Public Sector Management Act 1995, the SwanRiver Trust Code of Conduct 2000 and the Swan River Trust Meeting Procedures 1996.

Remuneration for the Board includes an annual fee of $17 100 for the Chairman and sittingfees for members of $266 for full day meetings, or $176 for half day meetings.

In 2000-2001, there were 22 Board meetings, with attendance by Board members shownbelow:

rebmeM forebmuNdraoB

sgniteemdednetta

mumixaMelbissopdednetta

lledrettoTffoeG 12 22

sniboRleoN 41 22

sekotSyaR 91 22

enotSmiK 61 22

nitraMnairB 41 22

nnuMffeJ )1002.01.71deriter( 7 8

traHtaP 22 22

rehtaMyhtomiT 81 22

rialBnoiraM )1002.90.52decnemmoc( 01 41




Strategic Plan

A Strategic Plan has been developed to help the Trust meet its statutory responsibilitiesunder the Swan River Trust Act 1988 and achieve its performance indicator targets. TheStrategic Plan was distributed to stakeholders of the Swan River Trust requesting feedback.The plan is now being revised.

Internal Audit

The Water and Rivers Commission provides corporate services for the Trust. The Trustrelies upon the internal audit of the Water and Rivers Commission for assurance of compliancewith the Financial Administration and Audit Act, Regulations and Treasurer’s Instructions.

In addition, the Trust established it’s own audit committee this year which focused more oncompliance with the Trust’s own enabling legislation and internal policies and procedures.The first of these audits was carried out in April 2001 by the accounting firm Arthur Andersen.

Asset Management

The Trust has nett book value assets worth $404 512 under its control, and has undertakenthe following steps to ensure effective management of those assets. We have complied withall Treasurer’s Instructions, have carried out a stocktake, undertaken capital asset planning,and complied with all relevant accounting standards.

Risk Management

Swan River Trust operations are covered under Water and Rivers Commission riskmanagement strategies.

Performance Monitoring and Reporting

The Swan River Trust provides written monthly reports on its activities and financialstatements to the Board. Additionally, performance is evaluated at 31 December and 30 Juneeach year. Annual performance is reported to the Minister and Parliament in the Trust’sAnnual Report.

Code of Conduct

Swan River Trust staff operate under a Code of Conduct, as required by the Western AustralianPublic Sector Code of Ethics. Because staff are provided by the Water and Rivers Commission,the Trust has adopted the Commission’s Code of Conduct.


Customer Service Charter

In delivering its services, the Trust seeks to:

❖ Involve stakeholders and the community.

❖ Be professionally objective on the basis of the best scientific information and professionaladvice available.

❖ Make sure our services are cost effective.

❖ Respond to enquires promptly and courteously.

❖ Return calls within 24 hours if telephone enquires cannot be dealt with immediately.

❖ Meet deadlines for responses to statutory referrals.

❖ Maintain an average development application processing time of no more than 65 days.

❖ Ensure people reporting pollution and making complaints are advised of the outcome oftheir complaint.

❖ Ensure that all information is, to the best of our knowledge, accurate and up-to-date.

❖ Uphold the Freedom of Information Act.

❖ Consider the needs of people with disabilities and other special needs.

Ministerial Directions

Under Section 7 (3) of the Swan River Trust Act 1988, the Minister may give directions inwriting to the Trust, generally with respect to the performance of its functions. The Trust isto give effect to any such direction. No such directions were given by the Minister duringthe period under review.

Industrial Agreements

Swan River Trust staff are provided by the Water and Rivers Commission and are subject toindustrial agreements negotiated with the Commission.

Executive remuneration is paid in accordance with public service conditions, and reflectingthe Water and Rivers Commission industrial agreements.

Workers’ Compensation Statistics

One workers compensation claim was lodged during the year. No work time was lost.




Compliance with Legislation

In the performance of its functions, the Swan River Trust has exercised all reasonable careto comply with the following relevant written laws, as amended from time to time:

❖ Swan River Trust Act 1988

❖ Freedom of Information Act 1992

❖ Public Sector Management Act 1994

❖ Financial Administration and Audit Act 1985

❖ Equal Opportunity Act 1984

❖ Aboriginal Heritage Act 1972-80

❖ Conservation and Land Management Act 1984

❖ Control of Vehicles (Off Road Areas) Act 1978

❖ Disability Services Act 1993

❖ Environmental Protection Act 1986

❖ Fisheries Act 1905

❖ Government Employees Superannuation Act 1987

❖ Heritage of WA Act 1990

❖ Industrial Relations Act 1979

❖ (Employment Acts) 1991

❖ Interpretation Act 1984

❖ Jetties Act 1926

❖ Land Act 1933

❖ Local Government Act 1995

❖ Local Government by-laws

❖ Marine Act, Health (Food Standards) (General) Regulations 1987

❖ Marine and Harbours Act 1981

❖ Metropolitan Region Town Planning Scheme Act 1963

❖ Minimum Conditions of Employment Act 1993

❖ Native Title Act 1993

❖ Navigation Act, Navigable Waters Regulations

❖ Occupational Safety and Health Act 1984

❖ Parliamentary Commissioner Act 1971

❖ Pollution of Waters by Oil and Noxious Substances Act 1987

❖ Public and Bank Holidays Act 1972

❖ Rights in Water and Irrigation Act 1914

❖ State Supply Commission Act 1991

❖ Town Planning and Development Act 1928

❖ Water Corporation Act 1995

❖ Water and Rivers Commission Act 1995

❖ Workers’ Compensation and Assistance Act 1993

Noel Robins, Deputy Chairman Darryl Miller, Acting Manager

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