This case study relates to Action 16 in the Kep Katitjin – Gabi Kaadadjan Waterwise action plan 3.
The Lake Street Urban Stream plays a vital role in achieving the City of Canning’s vision of a connected, accessible, vital and resilient city centre. This project converted a fenced-off, trapezoidal drain into a vibrant living stream that mimics a natural waterway. The living stream provides increased access to greenspace, improved ecological health and liveability benefits for the local community, while still performing its original function of safely conveying floodwaters.
The project involved reshaping and revegetating the site. New infrastructure was installed for the community, including a boardwalk, lookout, seating and path connecting to the local train station and shopping centre. About 60 new native trees were planted as part of the Lake Street Urban Stream project, including Eucalyptus rudis, Melaleuca preissiana, Banksia littoralis and Casuarina obesa, to increase tree canopy and urban cooling. More than 6,000 native plants, comprising nearly 50 different species, were planted to increase biodiversity and habitat. Local native sedges were selected to filter pollutants and improve water quality.
The Lake Street Urban Stream is part of the City of Canning’s broader program to regenerate the Canning city centre. This regeneration has included projects such as the award-winning Wharf Street Basin Next Generation Park and Cecil Avenue West and East smart streets, which incorporate water sensitive urban design. Providing high quality greenspace, such as the living stream and wetland, helps support increased urban density by improving the amenity and climate resilience of the urban landscape. The green network also creates ‘naturelinks’ or biodiversity corridors for wildlife in the urban area and opportunities for people to connect with nature.
The project was led by City of Canning working in partnership with Water Corporation and the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation’s Drainage for Liveability Program. LD Total completed the design and construction.
The Lake Stream Urban Stream is one of 38 ‘Drainage for Liveability’ projects delivered towards the Kep Katitjin-Gabi Kaadadjan target of 50 land and water assets retrofitted to improve local community benefits of green spaces and improve ecosystem health.
