Help the Estuary at Home

Declining water quality and sedimentation are two of the most serious issues affecting the Leschenault Estuary. This program aims to inform community on the risks of elevated nutrients and sedimentation due to inappropriate catchment land-use practices, and assist in changing behaviours and mitigating management practices that pose threats to estuarine ecosystems

We believe that keeping the Leschenault Estuary healthy is everyone’s responsibility. Healthy waterways begin in our own backyards. Creating a low nutrient, waterwise and biodiverse garden is easy, and we would love to help you!

The Help the Estuary at Home component of the Leschenault Estuary Connect Program includes community awareness raising forums, presentations and workshops increasing knowledge and skills on how residents can help the estuary in their own backyards.

Visit the our events page to for details of our next Help the Estuary at Home workshop.

Events

Keeping it Local

The Keeping it Local native plant guide was designed in conjunction with the Cities of Bunbury and Busselton, and the Shires of Capel, Collie, Dardanup and Harvey as part of the Leschenault Estuary Connect Program and is a fantastic resource for urban gardeners.

Get your hands on a copy at your local Shire office or view a digital version here.

Digital Booklet

Program background - Leschenault Estuary Connect

The Leschenault Estuary is an ecological gem that faces pressing challenges, demanding collective action. The Leschenault Estuary Connect program is a collaborative initiative aimed at safeguarding the estuary through awareness raising, and engaging community and stakeholders in taking coordinated action.

Over the years, concerns have grown about the health of the Leschenault Estuary. The impact of various land uses in the surrounding catchment area on water quality, ecological health, and its suitability for recreational activities cannot be ignored. In 2012, the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (DWER) highlighted the environmental concerns, emphasising the need to address nutrient pollution and degradation in the Leschenault Estuary.

Despite significant efforts to address water quality issues, the lack of coordination among stakeholders and limited community engagement remain significant hurdles. The time has come for a strategic, collaborative initiative that unites us in protecting the estuary.

This program brings together Traditional Owners, community members, key business partners, and both state and local government stakeholders. It is designed to raise awareness about the estuary’s natural and cultural significance, encourage community engagement in restoration efforts, and promote collaboration among stakeholders to address water quality issues and protect biodiversity values.