The revegetation of Lilac Hill’s picturesque foreshore is underway with thousands of native plants set to line the banks of the Swan River.
The City of Swan has teamed up with the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) for a two-year co-funded project
that will have environmental benefits for many years to come.
The revegetation efforts will develop the ecological corridor from Lilac Hill Park’s southern foreshore to Barkers Bridge, supporting biodiversity, increasing shade and stabilising soils along the riverbank.
The project was launched with a traditional Aboriginal smoking ceremony by Noongar man Trevor Stack near Lilac Hill Park on Wednesday, April 10, 2024.
It was made possible by $172,513 in grant funding from the DBCA’s Swan Canning Riverpark Urban Forest (SCRUF) program, and guidance from Aboriginal environmental consultants.
The SCRUF program helps to deliver projects that improve the Swan Canning Riverpark’s amenity, use and ecosystem health.
Preserving Swan’s incredible natural assets is a key focus for the City, as outlined in its Strategic Community Plan.
Tanya Richardson, City of Swan Mayor, said it was important to act now to protect the environment.
“Our population is expected to reach about 220,000 by 2034 – an increase of almost 50,000 people in just 10 years,” she said.
“While we embrace our rapidly growing population, and the development necessary to accommodate everyone, we know we must preserve and enhance our precious natural environment.
“Focusing on revegetation projects such as this one is part of our overarching plan to support our biodiversity and protect our valuable natural resources.
“It is our responsibility to preserve the environment so that our residents, visitors and our children have an urban forest to enjoy.”