A section of the Marbellup Brook in excellent condition. Recreational values of our waterways - canoeing on Grassmere Drain, entering Lake Powell.

What is a waterway?

Waterways in the Torbay catchment

The main waterways are: Marbellup brook, Five Mile Creek, Seven Mile Creek, Torbay Main Drain (includes Unndiup Creek), Cuthbert Drain, North Creek Drain and Grasmere Drain.

In the upper catchment these waterways are mostly natural creeklines, however some of these have been modified to increase their drainage capacity. The flatter lower catchment is dominated by drains or highly modified natural waterways.

What role do waterways have?

• Economic: The introduction of the drainage system in Torbay developed the local agricultural economy. It encouraged new industries (horticulture) and expanded the grazing industry by permitting access to land during times that would have previously been too wet.
  
  
• Agricultural: Water is accessed from waterways for stock watering and irrigation purposes.
  
  
• Recreation: Canoeing, fishing, swimming and other passive recreation.
  
  
• Environmental: Waterways provide a habitat for a wide range of birds and animals, both terrestrial and aquatic. They also provide a natural corridor for the movement of wildlife through the landscape. Healthy waterways also help filter the water that passes through them, helping improve the health of receiving water bodies.