Swan-Canning Estuary: Federal Government’s $3.5 million investment to protect Australian ‘otter’ and WA rivers

The Federal Government hopes to create “living shorelines” in the Swan-Canning Estuary to help protect animals such as a cane toad predator. Animals performing surgery may sound like a Saturday Night Live skit, but the rakali has just about perfected the art of operation. The rakali — also known as the Australian ‘otter’ or water rat — has the incredible ability to create precise incisions on cane toads, enabling them to remove its gallbladder, liver and heart to feast on safely. Cane toads have a deadly poison which, if ingested, can kill native animals almost immediately. The rakali is one of many native species the Federal Government hopes a $3.5 million investment in creating “living shorelines” within the Swan-Canning Estuary will help protect. It will involve planting seagrass, fringing vegetation and shallow reefs that will also help fairy terns, bar-tailed godwits and our famous State bird, the black swan. The project — which partners with local governments and community groups — is part of a $200 million Federal program to improve urban waterways around the country. “The Urban Rivers and Catchments Program isn’t just about restoring habitats; it’s about preserving the beating heart of our community — the Derbarl Yerrigan and Djarlgarro Beeliar lifeline that sustains nature and enriches our lives,” Tagney MP Sam Lim said. “By revitalising these precious habits, we’re ensuring that our local wildlife thrives and that future generations can cherish the same natural wonders that characterise our extraordinary electorate.” Fremantle MP Josh Wilson said climate change had increased the amount of pollution flowing into the Swan and Canning rivers, affecting water quality and biodiversity. “With half of all threatened animal species and a quarter of threatened plant species present in urban waters, this funding is crucial to restoring our local waterways and the catchment areas around them,” he said. “The project will improve water quality and deliver positive outcomes for nature and our community.”