The Western Australian Government has launched a plan to improve and maintain long-term water quality in the Hardy Inlet.

 

State Water Minister Bill Marmion released the Hardy Inlet Water Quality Improvement Plan Stage One – The Scott River Catchment, which he said was developed after extensive community and stakeholder consultation, bringing together scientific knowledge to improve and protect the estuary of the Blackwood and Scott rivers.

 

“The Hardy Inlet is an important habitat for migratory and resident birds and provides significant public amenity for recreational fishing, boating and eco-tourism,” Mr Marmion said.

 

“There is growing community concern about its water quality as changing land uses have led to increased nutrient loads. These can lead to algal blooms and fish deaths.


“Implementing plan recommendations, such as improved fertiliser management and greater investigation of nutrient hotspots, will contribute to the long-term protection of the inlet and improve agricultural efficiency in the Scott River catchment.”

 

The Minister acknowledged the importance of collaboration between community, industry, local government and landholder groups in developing the plan.

 

“It was also pleasing to see the willingness of Scott River growers to take on the actions set out in the plan,” he said.