South Perth foreshore set to transform with lush living stream

South Perth’s Sir James Mitchell Park is about to transform, with work starting in February on a new conservation initiative.

Part of the Swan Canning Riverpark Urban Forest program, the project will transform the Hurlingham Drain into a “living stream”, improving the quality of the water flowing into the Swan Canning Estuary.

Unlike naturally forming streams, a living stream is a deliberately modified stormwater channel or drain that mimics a natural ecosystem and fosters biodiversity. Within South Perth, a drain in Bodkin Park was similarly rehabilitated into a living stream – including the addition of a wooden bridge, bee hotel and children’s bush cubby.

As part of the $925,708 transformation due for completion in late 2026, approximately 45,000 tubestock plants, including native shrubs, rushes and sedges will be planted along the regraded banks of the stream – the majority of which will be propagated and grown in the City of South Perth’s own nursery.

New access paths will also be created along the length of the stream from crushed limestone for pedestrians and maintenance.

“Not only will this project transform an open drain into a thriving ecosystem, but it will also elevate the park’s natural beauty, making it an even more inviting space for the community,” said City of South Perth Mayor, Greg Milner.

“The new path will offer visitors the chance to explore the living stream and appreciate the diverse flora and fauna that call it home.”

“I’m eager to see the living stream develop into a vibrant habitat for local wildlife, further enriching our treasured foreshore.”