Community members soaked up the latest marine science from Geographe Bay and beyond at our Life in Geographe Bay marine seminar.

Over 70 people turned out to hear about the biodiversity in Geographe Bay, Ngari Capes Marine Park and surrounding national marine parks. Footage of migrating whales, the Great Southern Reef and seafloor from various depths off the coast was a highlight for participants.

UWA Associate Professor Kathryn McMahon, Dr Sahira Bell from Department of Biodiversity. Conservation and Attractions, ECU researcher Dr Tim Langlois and Chris Burton from Geographe Marine Research presented research covering seagrass, fish, marine parks, Leeuwin current, whale monitoring and citizen science.

Ten local farmers have been busy installing stock-proof fencing and planting along the riverbanks on their property. Together, the farmers have put in a huge effort this year, installing 15km of fencing and planting close to 10,000 local native plants, with support from GeoCatch.

One farming family involved is Nick and Emily Healy, along with Emily’s parents, who have the Abba River running through the family sheep farm. This is the second year that the Healys have been involved in stream restoration. They are already planning for next year’s project and keen to engage their friends and family.

“It’s a team effort,” said Nick. “Our kids’ school friends and their parents came to the farm over a few weekends to help out with the planting."

“The kids enjoy their time on the farm and their parents are happy that they are off screens and getting their hands dirty in a local project.”

We hosted a series of Summer Loving Gardens workshops to help residents prepare their gardens for the warm dry weather. Held at Soils Ain’t Soils Busselton, the workshops featured Paul and Linda Mitchener from The Green Life Soil Company, who shared their tips for healthy summer soil.

“Fertiliser is like fast food for your plants,” said Linda. “It doesn’t build soil health. Organic matter, like composted manures, is more like the veggies your mum used to make you eat!”

The workshops emphasised building soil health to increase the water and nutrient retention of sandy soil. Actions such as adding clay, using soil wetter and organic matter are key. A good layer of mulch on top will also protect the soil from summer heat.

There was a full bus for the Flood protection in Busselton bus tour, as 57 community members witnessed firsthand the complexity of the local drainage network.

The tour was organised in response to community concerns over flood risk during winter, visiting the Sabina River detention basin, Vasse Diversion Drain culverts, Vasse surge barrier and the sand bar at Wonnerup.

GeoCatch Chair, Felicity Bradshaw, said that it was important for community members to witness how all the pieces of the drainage puzzle fit together.

“The opportunity to see the flood protection infrastructure and hear from managers was invaluable,” she said.

“It puts everything into perspective when you can visualise components like the Vasse River culverts and surge barrier and see how it all works as a system.”