Published on Friday, 5 November 2021 at 9:39:16 AM

Town of Bassendean has partnered with residents of the Eden Hill Community Action Network (CAN) to deliver a unique verge greening initiative to seventeen households surrounding the restored micro wetlands at Mary Crescent Reserve. This initiative was proudly co-funded by Water Corporation’s Waterwise Greening Scheme and forms part of our ambition for Town of Bassendean to be a leading waterwise city.

The community led initiative complements the ‘Our Park, Our Place’ project which aims to help reduce the heat island effect in Eden Hill by transforming Mary Crescent Reserve.

It was funded by Lotterywest and delivered by Greening Australia, Town of Bassendean and the Behaviour Change Collaborative with support from the Water Corporation’s Drainage for Liveability Program.

The Town was able to broaden the scope beyond the boundaries of the reserve by undertaking a street transformation in the area to increase the cooling benefits of vegetation by creating waterwise verges, thereby removing lawn, which would decrease residential water use.

Minister for Water, Dave Kelly MLA, is excited to see the project come to life,

“Not only has a small urban wetland and habitat for local wildlife been created through the project, but also a space for the local community to connect to the natural environment in their own neighbourhood. It’s been great to also see the local community get on board with the project, and their commitment to helping make their neighbourhood a more liveable, cooler, greener place to be.”

There are also added benefits of increased habitat and habitat linkages between Mary Crescent Reserve and the river which is great for local fauna.

Mayor Kath Hamilton reinforced the benefits of community collaboration like this,

“Our residents’ and Council’s values are aligned in their commitment to the environment and both pride themselves on going above and beyond to improve sustainability.  Council is elated to be able to support community led initiatives such as this.”

To celebrate all the project has achieved there will be a park party at Mary Crescent Reserve this Sunday, 7 November from 9am – 12pm with community members welcome to bring family and furry friends for a morning of fun, food and fashion.

To find out more please visit bassendean.wa.gov.au/events

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