The Wooroloo Brook runs through the Darling Range, East of Perth. It is an intermittent system which flows in response to winter rains and into spring before contracting to isolated pools during summer and autumn. The Brook largely runs through the locality of Gidgegannup in the City of Swan, but the catchment covers a much larger area: 536 km².
In February 2021, a devastating wildfire swept through from Wooroloo to Bullsbrook burning more than 10,000 hectares and destroying homes and properties. The fire largely followed the course of the Wooroloo Brook, causing significant impact on the riparian areas and surrounding bushland. The natural post fire recovery of the bushland has been patchy, with invasive weeds such as introduced grasses and woody weeds flourishing in many areas resulting in increased fire hazard and fuel loads. Biodiversity loss occurred in many areas of the Brook. Habitat such as logs, tree hollows and dense understorey vegetation has been lost. The bare banks of the Brook and heavy unseasonal rainfall immediately following the fire and in the months since have encouraged bank instability and sedimentation.
Despite some natural post-fire recovery, restoration works are much needed along the Brook. The project will restore these valuable natural areas, improving biodiversity and habitat values while bolstering the area’s resilience for the future.
This project is supported by the Australian Government through funding from the Natural Heritage Trust under the Climate-Smart Agriculture Program.
Perth NRM is partnering with the City of Swan to deliver on project goals with funding support by State NRM as part of their Community Stewardship Grant Program.
Additionally, Perth NRM is collaborating with the Susannah Wooroloo Catchment Group to engage the community in various events including planting days, workshops and habitat installations.
