One hundred Cooinda Primary School students took part in a community three planting event at Bunbury's Brockman Park last week.
Backed by the City of Bunbury, State Government, Water Corporation, and Department of Water and Environmental Regulation, a new initiative is transforming the urban drain into a living stream and recreational space.
The school's Year 5 and 6 students planted about 1000 native plants on the day.
The planting helped to remove nutrients and sediments from the water that could otherwise contribute to algal blooms in the receiving watercourses.
The Regional Estuaries Initiative is a $20 million State Government investment in the health of at-risk South-West estuaries, supporting liveable and productive communities.
Later this year, the city will oversee a community art project on an adjacent commercial building as part of the improvements.
Bunbury Mayor Gary Brennan was pleased the city and government were working together on a unique community initiative.
"I am thrilled that the city and the State Government could come together and deliver a project that has such a positive environmental and community impact," he said.
"To have the school involved with the planting is a fantastic initiative and gives the students an opportunity to contribute to and connect with their local environment."
Department of Water and Environmental Regulation director general Mike Rowe was excited to see how the collaboration will jointly benefit the community and water quality.
"This project is a great example of how urban water can be managed to improve outcomes for the community and the environment," he said.
"Retrofitting for water sensitive cities turns stormwater back into a community asset and protects the health of the Leschenault Inlet's important ecosystems."
The Brockman Park improvements have been jointly funded with $190,000 from the city, $120,000 through the Regional Estuaries Initiative, and $40,000 from the Water Corporation.
