Many benefits flow from planting

Brockman Park had more life breathed into it on Friday when Cooinda Primary School students worked with local and State Government to plant about 1000 native plants.

The initiative was a collaborative approach between the City of Bunbury, the Water Corporation and Department of Water and Environmental Regulation.

The aim is to transform the urban drain into a stream and recreational space for the benefit of the environment and the community.

Cooinda Primary School Year 5 and 6 students helped plant 1000 of the 6500 plants and 50 trees, which were being planted throughout the week.

Head girl Matilda Thomas said it was a fun day.

“This is good for the environment,” she said.

The planting will help remove nutrients and sediments form the water.

Water from a piped stormwater drain will now flow through a new wetland system as part of DWER’s $20 million Regional Estuaries Initiative.

Bunbury Mayor Gary Brennan was pleased the City of Bunbury and State Government were working together on a project that provided a positive environmental and community impact.

“To have the local school involved with the planting is a fantastic initiative and gives the students an opportunity to connect with their local environment,” he said.

DWER director general Mike Rowe said he was excited to see how the collaboration would jointly benefit the community and water quality.

“This project is a great example of how urban water can be managed to improve outcomes for the community and the environment,” he said.

The Brockman Park upgrades were funded $190,000 through the city, $120,000 through the Regional Estuaries Initiative and $40,000 from the Water Corporation.