MAJOR FUNDING BOOST FOR BINDJAREB DJILBA RESTORATION
BY ASAD KHAN
The Bindjareb Djilba (Peel–Harvey estuary) will receive a significant $5 million investment from the Cook Government to strengthen community-led restoration and Traditional Owner partnerships — delivering on a key election promise to protect one of Western Australia’s most important waterways.
Strengthening Community and Environmental Action
The Peel Development Commission will receive $3.7 million to accelerate on-ground projects through the Peel-Harvey Catchment Council. Work will focus on priority areas near the Waangaamaap Bilya (Serpentine River) and surrounding waterways to enhance ecological health and build climate resilience.
Planned activities include:
Revegetating 142 hectares of riverbanks.
Installing 10 kilometres of fencing to protect waterways from livestock and pests.
Reintroducing habitats to support native fish, mussels, and rakali.
Launching a tailored education program for schools in Mandurah and Dawesville.
Supporting community groups engaged in estuary restoration.
Elevating Bindjareb Leadership
An additional $1.3 million will empower Bindjareb Traditional Owners to lead cultural and environmental initiatives under the Bindjareb Djilba Protection Plan (BDPP).
The funding will strengthen collaboration with local Aboriginal corporations — including Winjan, Waroona, and Harvey and support ongoing cultural governance through the Bindjareb Djilba Kaadadjan Bidi Yarning Circle.
Key initiatives include:
Enhancing a digital cultural mapping tool to integrate cultural values into planning.
Delivering the Culture First Waterways Action Plan.
Advancing projects promoting cultural health and economic opportunity.
The Department of Water and Environmental Regulation will continue to work closely with Bindjareb Elders through knowledge-sharing frameworks and joint governance mechanisms.
Protecting an Iconic Waterway
Launched in 2020, the Bindjareb Djilba Protection Plan is a whole-of-government strategy aimed at safeguarding the estuary’s ecological, cultural, social, and economic values.
It focuses on improving water quality and climate resilience to ensure the estuary continues to sustain the community and environment for generations to come.
Voices from the Region
Water Minister Don Punch said the investment honours the Cook Government’s commitment to community-driven restoration.
“This funding increases community involvement in restoration activities and educates the next generation for long-term change,” he said.
“It recognises the leadership of Bindjareb Traditional Owners and embeds cultural knowledge into waterway management.”
Bindjareb Elder George Walley welcomed the new phase of funding.
“As Bindjareb Noongar people, we’ve cared for and governed our waterways for over 50,000 years,” he said.
“This next step supports continued Bindjareb-led cultural health initiatives with our Aboriginal corporations.”
A Shared Vision for Country
The $5 million commitment reinforces a growing movement to combine cultural knowledge and modern environmental management.
By empowering Bindjareb leadership and community action, the Cook Government aims to ensure the Bindjareb Djilba continues to thrive — culturally, ecologically, and economically — for generations to come.