Major funding to improve waterway’s health and strengthen traditional owners’ ties to the Peel-Harvey Estuary

The State Government has announced a multimillion-dollar investment to support the health of Australia’s biggest estuary while strengthening its ties to Aboriginal groups of the Peel-Harvey region. Last week, the State Government moved to fulfil an election commitment, investing $5 million into efforts to restore the Peel-Harvey Estuary — Bindjareb Djilba. Local Aboriginal corporations will receive $1.3 million to support Bindjareb traditional owners and corporations. The funding will go towards continuing the Bindjareb Djilba Kaadadjan Bidi Yarning Circle for collaborative governance, partnering with Winjan, Waroona and Harvey Aboriginal corporations, delivering the Culture First Waterways Action Plan, and advancing projects which promote cultural health and economic opportunity. The Department of Water and Environmental Regulation will also work with Bindjareb people through cultural governance and knowledge sharing via the yarning circle and the Bindjareb Djilba Protection Plan Policy and Planning Committee. The Peel Development Commission will receive the remaining $3.7 million, with projects to be delivered through the Peel-Harvey Catchment Council targeting priority areas near the Serpentine River — Waangaamaap Bilya — and surrounding waterways. The funding will go to revegetating 142ha of land, installing 10km of fencing to keep livestock and pests out of the waterway, reintroducing habitat for native fish, mussels and rakali, launching education programs and supporting community groups. Bindjareb elder George Walley said Bindjareb Noongar people had cared for and governed waterways for more than 50,000 years. “This next phase of the Bindjareb Djilba Protection Plan is a vital step in our ongoing efforts to safeguard our waterways,” he said. “The Bindjareb Djilba Kaadadjan Bidi Yarning Circle of Elders welcomes the funding, which supports continued Bindjareb-led cultural health initiatives with our Aboriginal Corporations.” Minister for Water Don Punch said the additional investment for the protection plan would increase community involvement in restoration activities and educate the next generation for long-term change. “The funding also recognises the leadership of Bindjareb traditional owners and supports their vision for country,” he said. “It enables meaningful partnerships that embed cultural knowledge into waterway management and strengthen economic and cultural outcomes for local communities”.