Cleaning up the Canning Project Progress Continues
17 April 2026
Showcasing On-Ground Impact at Adenia Reserve
The South East Councils Corridor Alliance (SECCA) unites the Cities of Armadale, Canning, Gosnells, and the Town of Victoria Park, representing more than 400,000 residents across Perth’s south-east. With a shared vision to be Western Australia’s most sustainable and connected corridor, SECCA drives strategic investment, sustainable development, community wellbeing and climate-resilient infrastructure, advocating for the services and opportunities needed to support regional growth and prosperity.
The landmark Cleaning up the Canning project — backed by a $10 million Australian Government investment from the Urban Rivers and Catchments Program — continues to deliver strong on-ground outcomes, with the next phase of works being showcased at Adenia Reserve in Riverton on 17 April 2026.
The SECCA Mayors will be joined by representatives from Western Australian Governments, alongside key delivery partners including the South East Regional Centre for Urban Landcare (SERCUL), Whadjuk Aboriginal Corporation and the Armadale Gosnells Landcare Group (AGLG). The event highlights the strength of collaboration across all levels of government and community stakeholders in restoring the Canning River system.
SECCA Chairperson, Mayor Karen Vernon, said the project continues to demonstrate what can be achieved through genuine partnership and coordinated regional action.
“The progress we are seeing across the Corridor — including here at Adenia Reserve — reflects a strong and enduring partnership between Commonwealth, State and local governments, working hand-in-hand with organisations like SERCUL, AGLG and Whadjuk Aboriginal Corporation,” Mayor Vernon said.
“This is about more than environmental restoration. It’s about reconnecting our communities with the river system, embedding cultural knowledge, and delivering lasting outcomes for biodiversity, climate resilience and liveability across one of Perth’s fastest growing regions.”
The Adenia Reserve site forms part of the Canning River Tidal Flats Weed Control and Revegetation Project, coordinated by SERCUL, and represents a critical intervention to restore the threatened coastal saltmarsh ecological community. Works underway include the removal of invasive species such as typha and couch grass, improving tidal connectivity, and targeted revegetation using locally sourced species and translocation of halophytes. These actions will improve ecosystem function, support biodiversity, and enhance blue carbon outcomes.
Minister for the Environment and Water, the Hon. Murray Watt, said the Albanese Government’s Urban Rivers and Catchments Program is delivering tangible environmental and community benefits.
“Healthy environments rely on healthy waterways, and projects like Cleaning up the Canning are critical to improving water quality, supporting biodiversity, and enhancing access to nature in growing urban areas,” Minister Watt said.
“The Albanese Government is proud to work with the Western Australian Government, local councils and community organisations to deliver this important initiative.”
Western Australian Minister for Environment, Matthew Swinbourn, said the project demonstrates the value of coordinated action across governments and community partners.
“The Cleaning up the Canning initiative is a strong example of how State and local governments can work alongside the Commonwealth and community organisations to deliver real environmental outcomes,” Minister Swinbourn said.
“Projects like Adenia Reserve are restoring important ecological communities, improving water quality, and ensuring our waterways remain healthy and resilient for future generations.”
This project is funded by the Australian Government’s Urban Rivers and Catchments Program, supported by the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, South East Regional Centre for Urban Landcare (SERCUL), Armadale Gosnells Landcare Group, Whadjuk Aboriginal Corporation, Water Corporation and SECCA member councils.
