Water Quality Improvement Plan

In 2003 the Commonwealth and State Governments jointly funded the Coastal Catchments Initiative to target nutrient reduction research and preparation of a Water Quality Improvement Plan (WQIP) for the Peel-Harvey Catchment. A draft WQIP was released by the Environmental Protection Authority (hyperlink) for community engagement on September 19, 2007 until December 10, 2007.  The final report will be released by June 2008.

Another component of this project involved the development of the Peel-Harvey Coastal Catchment Water Sensitive Urban Design Technical Guidelines.  The Guidelines were jointly funded by the Peel Development Commission and the CCI, and prepared by a dedicated team of professionals guided by a technical working group of major stakeholders. 

The main focus of the Guidelines is on integrated land use planning and water sensitive design throughout the Peel Region identifying best practice design parameters for land use changes to protect existing and future environmental values.  Copies of the Peel-Harvey Coastal Water Sensitive Urban Design Technical Guidelines can be obtained for a nominal fee from the Peel Waterways Centre or by contacting the Peel Harvey Catchment Council on 9550 4222. 

If you need any further assistance, please contact the Peel Development Commission on 9535 0000.

Peel Waterways Institute

A regional environmental facility - the Peel Waterways Institute - was a key recommendation of the Economic Development and Recreation Management Plan for the Peel Waterways, prepared for the Water and Rivers Commission in 2002.  The Plan’s implementation committee was chaired by the then Member for Mandurah David Templeman MLA. 

A feasibility study to establish the business case for the Institute was completed in June 2006. Contributing partners to the $90,000 study included the Peel Development Commission, the City of Mandurah, the Peel Harvey Catchment Council, the Department of Environment and Conservation, the Shire of Murray and Community First Inc.

The Peel Waterways Institute (PWI) is to be a not-for-profit, charitable institute whose principal objective is to provide independent expertise and assistance on projects that preserve, protect, restore, and improve the Peel-Harvey estuarine system, adjacent catchment lands and related water bodies for the benefit of the broader community. 

The business case of the PWI integrates research, education and tourism founded on continued public interest in a sustainable environment, the preservation of aquatic/lifestyle/social qualities within the Peel-Harvey area, sustained urban and economic growth in the region and a continuation of national programs focused on natural resource management (e.g. salinity, water, soil).