WA PARKS FOUNDATION SWAN CANNING RIVERPARK Photograph: Giant Egret Large - Matt Kleczkowski
SWAN CANNING RIVERPARK - RIVER JOURNEYS PROJECT Bringing Parks to our doorstep With the pace and demands of modern life, it is easy to overlook the opportunities for connecting with nature, recreation and preserving the community heritage that exists on our doorstep. The Swan Canning Riverpark Journeys Project provides the community with the opportunity to reconnect with our rich and diverse river landscapes. 1/7 Photograph: Giant Egret Large - Matt Kleczkowski
About the Swan and Canning Rivers The Swan and Canning rivers flow through the heart of metropolitan Perth and are integral to Perth s cultural and environmental identity. The Swan Canning Riverpark is 72.1 square kilometres of public land and adjoining river reserve. The limits of the Riverpark stretch from Fremantle Traffic Bridge to Moondyne Brook just south of Avon Valley National Park, and Helena River, from the lower diversion dam; and Southern River from Allen Road crossing; and Canning River from Stinton Creek. The rivers have special significance within the region, with a diverse range of cultural and natural heritage values, including; the rivers landscape which demonstrates the ending of the Gondwanaland period due to the breakup of the Indian and Australian tectonic plates following rifting along the Darling fault line; continuing cultural importance related to past and contemporary Noongar culture. According to Noongar tradition the Rivers were formed by the Waugyl; the environment is home to rare and priority flora and fauna listed on international and state based registers; archaeological discoveries in the river valley have extended the scientific knowledge of the great antiquity (at least 40 thousand years) of continuous human habitation in Australia; the establishment of the Swan River Colony, the first free (non-convict) colonial settlement in Australia; the Rivers provided Perth s first transport and communication corridor and provide access to the upper reaches of the Swan and the Canning and downstream to Fremantle; the Rivers and their banks have been used for passive and active recreation including swimming, fishing, prawning, crabbing, boating, walking, bird-watching, horse racing and picnics, and are linked to international sporting events including The Avon Descent White Water Race. As both a physical resource and a spiritual place, the Rivers offer opportunities to build community and understanding of our unique riverine landscapes. 2/7 Photograph: Giant Egret Large - Matt Kleczkowski
The River Journeys Project The vision of the River Journeys Project is to create a continuous recreation trail network through the Swan Canning Riverpark from Fremantle to Guildford on both the northern and southern shores of the Swan and Canning rivers. Along the Riverpark Trail, there will be interpretation signage at key visitor nodes to communicate the Riverpark s ecological, social and cultural values. This network of trails will improve visitors connectivity to the rivers and enhance their understanding and enjoyment of the Riverpark. 1 River Journeys will also provide options for families, individuals, locals and visitors to explore social, natural and cultural heritage values within the Riverpark through the intimacy of a guided tour or the convenience of using hand held digital technology on a self- guided walk. Once completed the Swan Canning Riverpark Journeys will be a defining trail and destination activity for Perth and provide an opportunity for visitors and community members alike to connect with our wonderful river landscape, the natural environment and the river. It will encourage everyone to spend more time in the Riverpark and increase understanding and wellbeing through the experience. 1 It will include a range of recreational opportunities including short circuits and long distance walking and cycling opportunities, improved access to the rivers edge to undertake picnicking, bird watching, canoeing, diving and fishing. 3/7 Photograph: Golden Moment Dog and Owner - Matt Kleczkowski
Interpretation Nodes The interpretation nodes are structures that link into existing foreshore pathways, shaped to create a multi-use space providing seating, interpretation and improved foreshore access. The facilities are designed to meet universal access standards, which increases recreational opportunities for a range of abilities. The aim is to make visitors more aware of the natural, historic, social and Aboriginal heritage of the Riverpark. The interpretation aspects of the node draw upon visual elements, sound and art to enable the visitor to engage with the information in a variety of ways. Besides static interpretive panels, where applicable the signage will also prompt visitors to download an app and listen to cultural heritage audio stories about the river, by accessing the virtual trail guides. 4/7 Photograph 1: Interpretation Node Point Walter Photograph 2: Dolphins - Delphine Chabanne
The Marli Riverpark Interpretation Plan 2 identified 19 nodes across the Swan Canning Riverpark, with an additional six (6) nodes identified by the Noongar Advisory Panel, giving a total of 25 nodes. To date Parks and Wildlife have completed four interpretation nodes along the Riverpark 3, with an additional three nodes under development in 2017/18 4. Parks and Wildlife have also identified six (6) proposed priority nodes for development; these include Perth Foreshore 5, Fremantle 6, Swan Brewery/Mt Eliza, Deep Water Point, Garvey Park, and Point Fraser. The Canning River Boardwalk in Wilson is also a priority to complete the trail in this region. The location of completed, planned and proposed priority nodes is shown on the following map. Map: Swan Canning Riverpark Interpretation Nodes Photograph: Pelican and Swans on Sandbar 2 Marli Riverpark - an Interpretation for the Swan and Canning Riverpark. Swan River Trust, National Trust, Noongar Advisory Panel 2014 3 Brentwood, Heathcote, Point Walter and Bicton Baths (all within the City of Melville). 4 Adenia Park (City of Canning), John Tonkin Park (Town of East Fremantle) and Eric Singleton Bird Sanctuary (City of Bayswater) 5/7 5 Located 100m east of the West Australian Rowing Club, on the foreshore opposite Supreme Court Gardens. 6 Close to Fremantle Traffic bridge and East Street Jetty
SPONSORSHIP The Foundation is inviting corporate partnerships to sponsor the development of the River Journeys Project. Sponsorship is invited for the development of nodes and construction of the missing components of the continuous trail network. Sponsors can express interest in a node or trail of their choice and innovative designs that fit within River Journeys framework are welcomed. There may also be opportunity to sponsor the development of an app for a node. To date the cost of nodes has varied depending on size, location and design. Each node is designed for a specific location, presenting unique design components and challenges. Based on previous costs, the estimated cost per node is $100k - $150k. This cost excludes in-kind project support and services provided by Parks and Wildlife Services. The consultation and approvals process for each node design is managed by Parks and Wildlife. It is anticipated that the time taken from initiation to completion of node construction would be eighteen months to two years and be dependent on the approvals required and the complexity of construction. Stakeholder consultation with Local Government and heritage bodies was conducted as part of the Marli Riverpark plan. Parks and Wildlife work closely with the Traditional Owners to ensure the sites cultural values are protected and communicated to create general awareness of significance. The River Journeys Project offers an opportunity for corporate sponsors to be involved in a highly visible, community project that encourages connection with our beautiful river landscape while contributing to a defining trail and destination activity for Perth. 6/7 Photograph: Action in the Catchment
Contact us: WA Parks Foundation info@ourwaparks.org.au www.ourwaparks.org.au /OurWAParks @OurWAParks @OurWAParks ABN: 96 615 298 952 7/7 Photograph: Giant Egret Large - Matt Kleczkowski