❓ Dr. Thomas inquires about water quality, salinity, and management of Stirling Swamp wetlands. The response indicates ongoing monitoring and a management plan in development, but clarifies shared responsibility for wetland health, not solely DWER's.
AnsweredQoN 2Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
I refer to the Stirling Swamp and nearby wetlands on Mallokup Road and Ludlow North Road in the Shire of Capel, and I ask: (a) what water quality measurements have been done on these wetlands over the last two years; (b) in reference to (a), please table those measurements and any resulting report; (c) what changes have been reported in the salinity of these wetlands; (d) what monitoring has occurred of the clack valves in these wetlands and what reports have been developed; (e) in reference to (d), please provide those reports; (f) who in the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation is responsible for the health of these wetlands; (g) in reference to (f), what reports have they provided to the Government in the last two years; and (h) in reference to (g), please provide any such reports?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
20 May 2025
Responded by
Leader of the House representing the Minister for Water
Response time
6 days
Answer
(a) The Geographe Catchment Council (GeoCatch), on behalf of Water Corporation has undertaken fortnightly water quality sampling in the wetlands over the last two years at four sites. Analysis included nutrients such as phosphorus and nitrogen as well as temperature, salinity, pH and turbidity.
(b) GeoCatch on behalf of Water Corporation is in the process of finalising its analysis on the wetland system including monitoring results, operations of the water drainage and management recommendations. The analysis will inform the development of the Stirling Wetlands Water Management Plan. The Plan will guide Water Corporation’s assessment of rural drainage infrastructure within the system, and future development of an operational water regime to support the ecological values of the Stirling wetlands.
(c) Salinity has varied seasonally over the sampling period as expected in a dynamic environment.
(d - e) Refer to answer b above.
(f) The wetlands are primarily in private ownership after being partly drained for agriculture. The Department of Water and Environmental Regulation does not have responsibility for the health of the wetlands. Management is a shared responsibility with Water Corporation as they manage rural drainage for agricultural land, the Shire of Capel, the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, GeoCatch and private landholders.
(g-h) Refer to answer b above.
(a) The Geographe Catchment Council (GeoCatch), on behalf of Water Corporation has undertaken fortnightly water quality sampling in the wetlands over the last two years at four sites. Analysis included nutrients such as phosphorus and nitrogen as well as temperature, salinity, pH and turbidity.
(b) GeoCatch on behalf of Water Corporation is in the process of finalising its analysis on the wetland system including monitoring results, operations of the water drainage and management recommendations. The analysis will inform the development of the Stirling Wetlands Water Management Plan. The Plan will guide Water Corporation’s assessment of rural drainage infrastructure within the system, and future development of an operational water regime to support the ecological values of the Stirling wetlands.
(c) Salinity has varied seasonally over the sampling period as expected in a dynamic environment.
(d - e) Refer to answer b above.
(f) The wetlands are primarily in private ownership after being partly drained for agriculture. The Department of Water and Environmental Regulation does not have responsibility for the health of the wetlands. Management is a shared responsibility with Water Corporation as they manage rural drainage for agricultural land, the Shire of Capel, the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, GeoCatch and private landholders.
(g-h) Refer to answer b above.
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