Making a lasting impact one tree at a time

Stream Restoration

Stream Restoration Program

Under the Healthy Estuaries WA Stream Restoration Program, GeoCatch are able to offer funding to livestock farmers in the Geographe Catchment to install stock-proof fencing along waterways on their property, with the option to revegetate with local native species. Funding can also include off-stream watering points for stock.

We have assisted farmers with stream restoration for over 20 years, resulting in over 500km of riparian fencing and revegetation in the Geographe Bay Catchment.

To be eligible for funding under the Stream Restoration Program you are required to:

Farm in the Geographe catchment;
Run livestock;
Be situated on a waterway or drain.

Why fence your waterway?

Many of our precious waterways are heavily eroded, have high pollution and nutrient loads and minimal remnant vegetation to support biodiversity.

The majority of our creeks, drains and rivers run through private farming properties. Managing the riparian, or riverbank, environments along these waterways is critical to improving water quality and protecting local biodiversity.

Excluding livestock from waterways plays a vital role in improving water quality by protecting the integrity of existing vegetation, preventing bank erosion and reducing impurities from entering the waterway.

Why revegetate your waterway?

Once fencing is installed, farmers are supported to undertake revegetation in riparian zones which improves bank stability, filters pollutants, promotes native biodiversity and enhances the overall ecological function of the waterway.

Revegetating your waterways can benefit both your farm and the catchment:

For your farm – Creates windbreaks, provides shade and cooling for livestock, improves soil stability, and assists with drainage.
For waterways – Filters nutrients, improves water quality, stabilises banks, and creating habitat to support local biodiversity.

You can learn more about the benefits of fencing and revegetating your waterways via the handy Healthy Estuaries WA fact sheet linked below.

How the program works

Site visit – A GeoCatch Sustainable Agriculture Officer will meet with you to assess your property and discuss project ideas.
Project plan – Together, we’ll design a fencing/revegetation plan tailored to your waterway and farming needs.
Support – GeoCatch provides fencing materials, seedlings, planting equipment (tree guards, stakes, etc.), and pays all plant and equipment costs.
On-ground works – You install the fence, prepare the site, plant the seedlings, and carry out maintenance such as watering and weeding.

Video Series

'Restoring our Waterways'

GeoCatch’s Restoring our Waterways video series brings together practical advice, cultural knowledge and on‑ground demonstrations to help landholders protect and restore rivers, streams and creeks throughout the Geographe catchment. Across nine short videos, the series steps through every stage of a restoration project, from planning your site and fencing waterways to revegetation, plant protection and long‑term maintenance.

Whether you’re starting your first project or looking to improve an existing one, these videos offer clear, practical guidance to support healthier waterways and more resilient landscapes throughout the Geographe catchment.

Expression of Interest

Want to start your own stream restoration project?

The GeoCatch Stream Restoration Program is now accepting Expressions of Interest for projects to be completed in 2027/2028. To apply, please click on the link below

Featured Resources

Why should we fence and revegetate our waterways?

Stream Restoration, Sustainable Agriculture

Join a growing number of farmers working to improve their land for the next generation by fencing stock out, and revegetating waterways (streams, rivers) and drains.

Download

Enhancing Farm Dams: Planning and Preparation

Sustainable Agriculture

An enhanced farm dam is one that has been fenced to exclude livestock and revegetated to support biodiversity and water quality. This brochure focuses on planning and preparing for dam enhancement.

Download

Converting Dams into Living Wetlands

Stream Restoration, Sustainable Agriculture

Farm dams provide a fantastic opportunity to recreate habitats that were once provided by natural wetlands. This brochure provides some helpful hints for planning your restoration project.

Download

UPCOMING EVENTS – COME SEE WHAT’S ON...

Events & Workshops

Trees That Work with Rowan Reid

Find out how strategically integrated trees can support livestock health and welfare, farm productivity, soil and water management, and long-term landscape resilience.

Sustainable Agriculture

Aug 6, 2026

Living Dams, Thriving Farms Workshop

Learn how to enhance your farm dam and plant shelter belts

Sustainable Agriculture

Aug 8, 2026

Dieback Decoded: Information and Management for Landholders Webinar

Whether you’re caring for a small bush block or a large rural property, gain valuable insights into managing Dieback and safeguarding the health of your local environment.

Sustainable Agriculture

Aug 18, 2026