South of Corfield restoration project

South of Corfield Cleaning up the Canning Project

What is it?

The City of Gosnells is receiving $1,135,000 in funding to deliver three important ecological restoration works along the Canning and Southern Rivers, with on-ground projects taking place at South of Corfield, Hester Park and Anaconda Drive. These projects will be delivered over the coming years, with completion scheduled around May 2028. Together, they form part of the broader Cleaning up the Canning initiative – a collaborative effort designed to protect and enhance our local waterways, strengthen wildlife habitat, and improve the quality and connectivity of our green spaces for the community.

South of Corfield is located along both sides of the Southern River, between Corfield Street and Jenkinson Street. It has a narrow floodplain, with steep embankments and dryland areas at the top of the banks.

A flora survey was conducted to gain information on the site’s vegetation communities, vegetation condition and weed abundance in the area. This enabled a focus area to be chosen.

Targeted woody and annual weed control has commenced. This work will remove invasive species, reduce fuel load and associated bushfire risk, and create the necessary space and conditions for revegetation programs.

Revegetation, using endemic species such as Banksia and Marri will be planted to restore biodiversity. The first year’s planting (2026) will occur near the Richard Rushton Community Centre in Gosnells, with a community day called Give Our Bushland a Boost. These plantings will increase habitat diversity and support vulnerable wildlife such as Black Cockatoos by providing essential food sources, shelter, and future nesting opportunities, and improve the overall health and structure of the riverbank environment. 

South of Corfield Restoration Project key points:
•    Sites selected based on ecological priorities and long-term restoration value 
•    Targeted weed removal and native plantings to restore site condition
•    Enhances habitat for Black Cockatoos and supports a diverse range of native wildlife
•    Contributes to reduced fire risk and improved resilience of the local ecosystem

Why it matters?                                           

Habitat fragmentation and loss is prevalent through both the City of Gosnells and the wider Perth area. Together, these projects will improve the health and resilience of our local waterways, supporting water quality, stabilising riverbanks, and enhancing surrounding vegetation. They will also play a vital role in protecting threatened wildlife, including Black Cockatoos, by expanding and reconnecting essential habitat. These efforts will help restore and strengthen the natural green corridors that link our parks and river systems, creating healthier environments that will support both biodiversity and the community, now and into the future.

This initiative is funded by the Australian Government's Urban Rivers and Catchments Program and delivered in partnership with the Cities of Armadale, Canning, and Gosnells, the Town of Victoria Park, South East Regional Centre for Urban Landcare (SERCUL), Whadjuk Aboriginal Corporation, Armadale Gosnells Landcare Group, Water Corporation, and the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions.