Federal election 2022: Liberals top ALP pledge on Swan and Canning Rivers

A re-elected Morrison Government would better Labor’s commitment to revitalising the Swan and Canning rivers, pouring $22 million into restoration works and recreational projects along the key Perth waterways.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced the commitment during his visit to WA on Friday, promising the investment would deliver “cleaner rivers and more community facilities for some of Perth’s best natural assets”.

It came weeks after Labor announced $15 million for a range of projects focusing on improving water quality, revegetation, sediment and waste removal in the Swan and Canning Rivers.

The Coalition pledge would see $10 million injected into developing a Canning waterways restoration plan, to be delivered in collaboration between the cities of Gosnells, Canning and Armadale along with Landcare Group.

“Living drains” would be installed along the Swan River to reduce nutrient and sediment runoff at a cost of $3.6 million, while a further $6 million would be spent on parks infrastructure in the Kent Street precinct — including trees, an events pavilion, lighting and CCTV upgrades.

Finally, $2.5 million has been earmarked for a Kent Street play space, including play equipment, BBQ facilities, shelters and toilets.

““West Australians love the outdoors and our investment will protect and conserve our environment and improve some of Perth’s most popular spots along the riverfront,” Mr Morrison said.

“We won’t just be bringing more fish and wildlife to the area, we’ll invest in the facilities that are going to make our riverfronts even more popular for people to get together and enjoy.”

He made the commitment alongside the Liberals candidate for Swan Kristy McSweeney, who is hoping to replace the retiring Steve Irons.

“These projects will mean our community can keep enjoying our rivers and local parks,” Ms McSweeney said.

“We have some of the most vibrant rivers of any capital city and these investments will secure their future.

“This isn’t just about fish and wildlife and the local environment, it’s about investing in the riverfronts where our local community live, work and play.”

Swan – held by the Liberals on a margin of 3.2 per cent – is one of three WA seats being seriously targeted by Labor ahead of the May 21 ballot, alongside Hasluck and Pearce.

Earlier in the day Mr Morrison was in the electorate of Cowan, visiting a military drone engine manufacturing plant in Balcatta.

Cowan is the most marginal seat in WA, held by Labor MP Anne Aly on a margin of 0.9 per cent.

She is being challenged by Liberal candidate Vince Connelly, whose previous seat of Stirling is being abolished at the 2022 election.