Proclamation of new Swan and Canning rivers legislation

25/9/07
History was made today when new legislation to protect and manage the Swan and Canning rivers came into effect.
The Swan and Canning Rivers Management Act 2006 will provide a new direction for the future protection and management of the rivers.
Announcing the legislation on the banks of the Swan River, Environment Minister David Templeman said the Act would provide a new mechanism to better protect the rivers, and set up a more coordinated management framework to deal with commercial and recreational activities, and urban and rural influences on the rivers.
"Its focus is on developing better ways for government, industry and the community to work together to sustain the health and uses of the rivers," the Minister said.
"It clarifies the roles, powers and accountability for activities that affect the Swan and Canning rivers.
"Public authorities will now be required to take into account the objectives and principles of the new Act when they undertake their functions."
The new legislation replaces the Swan River Trust Act 1988 and the Environmental Protection (Swan and Canning Rivers) Policy 1997. Many provisions will continue to have the same effect as they have been incorporated into the new legislation.
Mr Templeman said the introduction of the legislation has enabled the Swan Canning Riverpark to be created.
"The riverpark consists of the waterways and adjacent public land of the Swan, Canning, Helena and Southern rivers," he said.
"It allows for joint management arrangements for amenities on the rivers and shorelines, resulting in greater protection for the environment.
"In consultation with the community, the Swan River Trust will set targets on the health and use of the riverpark for future direction."
To comply with the new legislation, the Minister appointed a new Swan River Trust Board.
"It was important to me that board members brought with them a range of knowledge and experience in the following areas, conservation, natural resource management, recreation, tourism, planning, development, and matters of interest to rural and Noongar communities," he said.
"I am confident that the new members will provide the Swan River Trust with expert guidance and direction during their three-year term."
The Minister also released a report today on the community's future values and aspirations for the Swan and Canning rivers.
He said findings from the report indicated that the Perth community viewed the rivers as an important asset, valued strongly as a key feature of the city's recreation, social and cultural landscape.
Other findings included:

• more than 95 per cent of respondents felt that natural areas along the rivers are really important and should be retained;
• just over 83 per cent believe that we should be able to swim in the rivers; and
• close to 77 per cent think it is important that we have walking and cycling access all the way around the rivers.

Mr Templeman said our rivers were among our must prized assets.
"The new Act and this survey will help guide us as we strive maintain the health and beauty of our much-loved river system for the community to enjoy now, and for years to come," he said.
"These initiatives are yet further examples of how the Carpenter Government is acting now for the future."
Copies of the Swan and Canning Rivers Management Act 2006 can be obtained at http://www.slp.wa.gov.au or by contacting the State Law Publisher on 9321 7688.
The Community Survey of Future Values and Aspirations for the Swan and Canning Rivers report can be viewed on the Swan River Trust website at http://www.swanrivertrust.wa.gov.au

Minister's office - 9220 5050