Livestock owners encouraged to build fences and grow new connections at South West sundowner event

Livestock owners are encouraged to build stronger fences and welcome new connections as part of an upcoming sundowner event to be held in Roelands later this month.

The Leschenault Catchment Council is hoping to draw in South West landowners keen to improve the health of their property by keeping livestock out of crucial waterways.

As part of the LCC’s Healthy Estuaries WA program, the October 26 workshop will focus on the skills needed to protect and restore waterways, with a networking sundowner to end the day.

A LCC spokesperson said keeping livestock out of waterways was a crucial part of protecting the wider environment because stock can contaminate water, leading to algal blooms and decreasing a waterway’s ability to support a healthy ecosystem.

The spokesperson said roaming livestock can trample banks and riverbeds, leading to more erosion and sediment run-off.

“When drains and streams are degraded by stock, the erosion and water quality impacts can have flow-on effects to downstream waterways and estuaries,” they said.

“With local ecosystems facing increasing pressure, this is an opportunity for landholders to learn practical skills to secure the health of their property and benefit the environment downstream.”

Leading the fencing demonstration will be LCC project officer Tony Battersby who said fencing was key to waterway restoration.

“By working together, we can create lasting positive change for our estuaries,” he said.

“This workshop is not only about learning new skills, but also about building a network of support within the local community.”

Program manager Chris Howe will also share his expertise on how revegetation can improve water quality, stabilise banks and enhance biodiversity.

“Restoring natural vegetation doesn’t just benefit water quality,” he said.

“It creates vital habitats that boost biodiversity, improve crop pollination, and support natural pest control.”

The event is free and open to all South West landholders with information available on the LCC website.