Fighting Aquatic Weeds Across Our Rivers
A Landscape-Scale Battle
Across more than 67 kilometres of the Canning, Southern and Wungong Rivers and their major tributaries, a coordinated effort is underway to tackle invasive aquatic weeds. The SERCUL led, Aquatic Weeds Removal and Revegetation Project brings together the Cities of Canning, Gosnells and Armadale, the Armadale Gosnells Landcare Group, DBCA, Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD), Water Corporation, the Canning River Regional Park Community Advisory Committee (CRRPCAC), Canning River Regional Park Community Volunteers, and in some instances private land holders in a unique cross-tenure collaboration that targets weed control at a landscape scale.
Rapid Response to Serious Threats
Swift action is critical when dealing with declared pests. SERCUL staff responded quickly to remove small infestations of Amazon Frogbit and Salvinia at Yule Brook and within the Canning River and worked with partners and collaborators to treat Kidney Leaf Mud-Plantain in a drain directly discharging into the Wungong River —the only known occurrence of this highly invasive species in WA. Early detection and rapid response are vital in avoiding catastrophic damage to local waterways.
Making Serious Headway
More than 67 kilometres of river was surveyed for Taro, Salvinia, and Amazon Frogbit with a total of 4 kilometres of weed removed. Riparian areas have also benefited with approximately 68 hectares surveyed for Blackberry within the Canning River Regional Park and over 15 hectares treated for this invasive weed.
A further 1.5 hectares of priority riparian areas have been treated for Blackberry, Morning Glory and other invasive weeds, with a little over 3 hectares of weeds being removed as these sites are prepared for planting in 2026 and 2027. Targeted Arum Lily control at Forrestdale Lake is also underway to restore this internationally recognised RAMSAR wetland, a crucial feeding, breeding and stop-over area for international migratory birds – the ultimate Airbnb.
You Can Help
Never dispose of aquarium contents down drains—this is how many invasive aquatic weeds spread. If you spot any suspicious aquatic plants in our rivers or open drains, please contact SERCUL.
For those lucky enough to live near a foreshore reserve, consider the plant varieties in your garden. All too often, weed infestations originate from garden escapees. Remember that while you might plant a species in your yard, its seed can often travel quite far, forcing native riparian species out of their riparian homes and impacting local wildlife.
Every positive action counts in protecting our precious waterways.
Kidney-Leaf Mud Plantain, a Category 1 Declared Weed targeted for eradication, growing in Champion Drive Drain that discharges into the Wungong River
Mixed weeds including Morning Glory, Blackberry and introduced grasses are being removed from priority areas including Fern Rd, Wilson.
Morning Glory is being removed from the tree canopy at Fern Rd Wilson
This project is funded by the Australian Government’s Urban Rivers and Catchments Program, with support from the Armadale Gosnells Landcare Group, South East Regional Centre for Urban Landcare, the Cities of Armadale, Canning, and Gosnells, Whadjuk Aboriginal Corporation and the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions.