Most farms and recreational lifestyle blocks will have a waterway or drain running through them. Some have wetlands or salt lakes. Almost all waterways and wetlands have been altered in some way since native vegetation was cleared from the landscape. Salinity, flooding, erosion, sedimentation and increased nutrients are all factors of change.
Waterways and wetlands are an essential component of our landscapes. They discharge excess water from the landscape, reduce nutrient loss, lessen the intensity of floods and provide habitat for wildlife.
There are also many places near rivers, creeks or wetlands that revive fond memories or are simply ‘a nice place to be’.
All who own or manage land can respond to the challenge to improve the value of our waterways and wetlands. This field guide provides a best practice approach to do so.
Developed in partnership with the Department of Water (Now DWER) this guide to managing Avon Waterways includes practical information on the waterways of this region as well as tools for managing them and an overview of the issues that affect them.
Managing waterways doesn’t have to be difficult if some basic steps are followed.
This Wheatbelt NRM project is supported through funding from the Australian Government’s National Landcare Program.