Publication Date

5-1998

Series Number

Miscellaneous Publication 3/98

Publisher

Agriculture Western Australia

City

Perth

ISSN

1326--+ 168

Abstract

A five day field survey of degradation in the Southern River/Wungong Catchment revealed several areas of concern. Key concerns are:

- Erosion and Sedimentation

Various forms of water erosion were present that cumulatively, would probably have a significant effect on the water quality of the Canning (and Swan) River. Much of the water erosion results from the installation and maintenance of infrastructure and developments, e.g. roads, subdivisions, stormwater drains etc. Reviewing standard practices, raising of awareness of consequences of erosion and training in urban erosion and sediment control techniques is recommended. Wind erosion is also an issue on the sands of the Swan Coastal Plain.

Vegetation

Relatively large tracts of government controlled remnant vegetation (or "bush") are in the catchment and significant amounts of private remnant vegetation is also collectively present. Fringing vegetation along many drainage lines is also deteriorating, if remaining at all The more access the public has to the remnant vegetation (via reserves, subdivision encroachment etc.), the more decline it experiences from such factors as weed invasion, dieback, competition and grazing stock. Best management practices need to be reinforced with all remnant bush landholders (government and private).

- Eutrophication A large proportion of the catchment is situated on the Swan Coastal Plain deep sands of either the Guildford or Southern River Association (Churchward & McArthur 1978). Several activities (both commercial and public amenity) are carried out on these areas that, by their nature, may well lead to excess nutrients entering the groundwater (e.g. golf courses, ovals, kennels and a turf farm). These and other areas need to have their hazard assessed, and if necessary, remedial action taken. -

Revegetation

There was evidence of revegetation on some small landholdings, but not a large proportion overall. Many urban dwellers revegetate subdivisions with lawns and exotic non-native trees and shrubs. All landholders (government, small landholders and urban dwellers) need to be made aware of the benefits of incorporating local native species into their plantings. -

Other concerns

New subdivisions (both urban and small landholdings) are also of concern, along with quarries, litter, stormwater and feral animals.

As populations increase, pressures in relation to these degradation issues will also continue to increase in the Southern River/Wungong Catchment. In consultation with local government and community groups, Community Action Programs should be developed to reduce degradation. These should be targeted initially at the sub-catchments of Neerigen Brook (SRW 3), Brickwork Drain A (SRW 4) as well as the Southern River in Thomlie/Huntingdale (SRW 10).

In addition, suspected point sources for eutrophication need to be investigated, rated in relation to hazard and prioritised for action.

Number of Pages

97

Keywords

Southern River, Wungong Catchment, Soil erosion, Remnant vegetation, Land management, Western Australia

Disciplines

Environmental Indicators and Impact Assessment | Environmental Monitoring | Hydrology | Natural Resources and Conservation | Natural Resources Management and Policy | Plant Sciences | Soil Science

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