Project to improve the health of Yakamia Creek and gain community interest in caring for it

When organisers started the Yakamia Creek project, they realised a lot of Albany residents knew little about the creek and some had never heard of it.

The team at South Coast Natural Resource Management wants to change that and make people aware of how a healthy creek would benefit the community.

Their project aims to restore sites along the creek to create habitat for native fauna and improve water quality. Rehabilitation has started at the bridge at the end of Brewster Road.

Yakamia Creek project officer Natalie Reeves said the creek had a history of modification and poor water quality.

“Yakamia Creek is the most urbanised waterway on the south coast,” she said.

“It runs through the majority of Albany ... draining into Oyster Harbour between Bayonet Head and Emu Point. The creek has been mechanically drained since the 1950s, which means that any foreshore vegetation is really badly impacted, as is the creek bed itself which has impacted native fish.”

Community workshops, such as bird and fish surveying, were held in the initial stages of the project.

Several sites along the creek have already been chosen for rehabilitation works.

Ms Reeves said the first key benefit of improving the health of the creek would be cleaner water draining into Oyster Harbour.

“The creek drains through light industrial areas, urban areas and agricultural land, so the excess nutrients and pollutants end up in the harbour,” she said.

Alta-1 students have been helping with planting along the creek.

To get involved, contact 9845 8537 or natalier@southcoastnrm.com.au.