The Wooroloo Brook largely runs through the locality of Gidgegannup in the City of Swan, but the catchment covers a much larger area: 536 km².
The devastating 2021 wildfire which swept through from Wooroloo to Bullsbrook burnt more than 10,000 hectares and destroyed homes and properties. The fire largely followed the course of the Wooroloo Brook, causing significant impact on the riparian areas and surrounding bushland.
Post fire recovery of the bushland has been patchy, with invasive weeds such as introduced grasses and woody weeds flourishing in many areas resulting in altered ecosystem functioning and biodiversity loss. Habitat such as logs, tree hollows and dense understorey vegetation has been lost. The bare banks of the Brook and heavy unseasonal rainfall immediately following the fire and in the months since have encouraged bank instability and sedimentation.
Despite some natural post-fire recovery, restoration works are much needed along the Brook. The Project will restore these valuable natural areas, improving biodiversity and habitat values while bolstering the area’s resilience for the future.
Perth NRM is collaborating with the Susannah Wooroloo Catchment Group to engage the community in various project events including planting days, workshops and habitat installations. Perth NRM is also partnering with the City of Swan to deliver on project goals with funding support by State NRM as part of their Community Stewardship Grant Program.
Curious to learn more?
Explore the Wooroloo Post-fire Environmental Recovery project page to discover more about the goals that drive this initiative and what developments are on the horizon for this project:
• https://www.perthnrm.com/project/wooroloo-post-fire-environmental-recovery-project/
For more information on sustainable land management practices that support catchment health visit:
• Make your Hectare Count! Empowering Peri-Urban Landholders.
• Improving Agricultural Productivity by Restoring Natural Capital in the Swan Region.