City of Cockburn - Wetlands to Waves

Water

The City of Cockburn is a participant in the ICLEI Water Campaign and is committed to the sustainable management of water resources.

The City has developed a Water Conservation Plan, Irrigation Operating Strategy and Local Water Action Plan and has set water management targets to help reduce water consumption and improve water quality in Cockburn.

Wetlands

Cockburn is fortunate to have some of Western Australia's best inland lakes which form two unique chains of wetlands running from North to South through the heart of the City. For more information click here. 

Free Energy and Water Audits

From February to May 2012 the City of Cockburn will be offering 50 FREE advisory visits to home owners, landlords and tanants. If you would like to reduce your electricity, gas and water bills and help the planet call 9411 3444 or email jharrison@cockburn.wa.gov.au to register your details.

Tips for your home and garden

The City of Cockburn has adopted the following brochures to promote water conservation and improve fertiliser practices. Click on the links below to download your free copy.

• Top 10 tips for saving water in the garden [1.2 mb]
• Saving water in the home [1.1 mb]
• Planting a local native garden [1.2 mb]
• Extracting groundwater in Perth [1 mb] 
• Protect and maintain our water supplies [1.3 mb] 

Native Plant Subsidy Scheme

In May each year the City of Cockburn offers a native plant subsidy scheme. The program provides residents with the opportunity to purchase native plants at discounted prices. Residents are encouraged to consider their garden design and plant selection prior to visiting the nursery. Helpful tips are available in the grow local guides.

Fertilise Wise & Local Plant Guide

If you would like to learn how to grow a better and more environment friendly garden in Cockburn click here for your FREE Fertilise Wise Guide or Local Plant Guide.

Free Community Workshops

Each year the City supports free Living Smart Courses and Gardenwise workshops for Cockburn residents which will show you how to save water at home and create a waterwise garden.

Next Gardenwise workshop - 21 November 2011

Your Watering days

To find out the sprinkler roster for your area please visit the Water Corporation website.

Greywater

All greywater system installations must be approved by the City's Health Services. Further information on greywater systems can be obtained from the Using Greywater fact sheet available here. 

Safe Water

The City monitors a number of water supplies within the district in order to ensure compliance with the relevant legislation and guidelines. For more information visit Health Services.

Council irrigation procedures

The City of Cockburn has a licence issued by the Department of Water to extract groundwater for the irrigation of Public Open Spaces, Sporting Ovals and Streetscapes. The licence primarily sets the amount of water that can be taken from the ground at each location and other management conditions.

To ensure the City complies with the licence the Parks Team have developed and implemented a water conservation strategy that includes:

• Metering of bores
• Replacement of inefficient irrigation systems
• Hydrozoning: (1) grouping plants of similar water requirements to conserve water, (2) designing irrigation systems for these plant species.
• Soil monitoring equipment (indicates the water levels in the soil profile)
• Turf renovation programs 
• Applying watering programs to meet the amount of water that can be taken from the ground.
• Planting of appropriate trees and shrubs that require minimal water.

All Local Governments are not permitted to irrigate between 9am and 6pm, however the following exemptions apply:

• Installation, repair and testing of reticulation systems
• Applying wetting agents and fertilisers
• Fire fighting requirements
• Establishment of new turf, gardens or grass covered sporting grounds & turf renovation programs.

If you have queries on our irrigation practices please email to customer@cockburn.wa.gov.au 

WANT TO LEARN MORE? Click here for more information on what you can do!