The City of Canning wants to transform the Ferndale Park drainage system into a ‘living stream’.

The initiative, which includes a $25,000 contribution from the Water Corporation, will re-contour, re-vegetate and improve the natural habitat of the drain to mimic a natural stream.

Described as a new approach from government agencies to combine their expertise to create a more livable, greener city, various local conservation groups support the decision.

The Bannister Creek Catchment Group (BCCG) has been pushing for such systems to be implemented state-wide since the group’s creation in 1996.

Since their creation, BCCG has been involved in various projects within the Bannister area, and were heavily involved in the initial ‘living stream’ development back in 2000.

2000-2011 Bannister Creek – a benchmark for ‘living stream’ redevelopment

Cat Williams, spokesperson for BCCG, is ecstatic with the City of Canning’s decision.

“They’ve taken inspiration from community groups. It would never happened without community support, and it’s lucky the Watercorp is also on-board”.

Water Minister Dave Kelly says living streams play an important role in improving the amenity of our public open spaces.

“On World Water Day, this project is a good example of how we can use nature to help us manage water quality in our urban waterways and shallow aquifers,” says Mr Kelly.

The City of Canning will also co-ordinate a series of community events to plant 25,000 seedlings on site through a $50,000 grant from the State Natural Resources Management Program.