Hotham-Williams River Action Plan Site #1 – Let us introduce you to Pumphreys Bridge!

Over the coming months we will be ‘introducing’ you to the eight sites on the Hotham and Williams (H-W) Rivers that are ear-marked for on-ground restoration projects under the H-W River Action Plan, developed in partnership with Urbaqua Land and Water Solutions. The first of these is Pumphreys Bridge, located on the Hotham River and nestled amongst agricultural land, where the River intersects the Wandering-Narrogin Road.

The Hotham River at Pumphreys Bridge has a rich history in the context of Noongar culture and European settlement. This is reflected today in the presence of an informal picnic and camping ground, which draws people from the local community and further afield, as well as campers and travellers on the move.  

The Hotham River is a site of aboriginal significance and is specifically identified as a mythological site by the Department of Planning Lands and Heritage Inquiry System. Before undertaking any work On Country, PHCC Officers will consult and engage with the delegated local Noongar Elders, Traditional Owner and/or Representatives. If the on-ground actions are deemed likely to have an impact on the significant site, the consent of the Minister must be sought under relevant Regulations and Sections of the Aboriginal Heritage Act. 

The Noongar community used the Hotham River at Pumphreys Bridge during the 20th Century as a permanent campsite and nearby corroboree ground. The Noongar name for the area is Koompkinning, which means ‘plenty of water’. The water was fresh enough to drink and provided food including marron and djilgies (Merv Abraham, 2015).

European settlement was determined by agricultural development from the 1830s. John and Isabella Pumphrey settled in the area in 1888 when they built their homestead, which is still there today and is located across the River from the picnic and informal camping grounds. The original bridge was built in the early 1800s and despite half of it now fallen into the River, it is still a beautiful historic structure, and is likely to remain a feature of the site.                                                                                                                                       

During the development of the H-W River Action Plan in 2019-20, 3.5km of the Hotham River at Pumphreys Bridge was assessed for foreshore condition. At this site, the River is characterised by remnant scattered trees over a weedy understorey, with areas of significant erosion. The River Health Assessment carried out by Wetland Research and Management alongside the RAP found the Pumphreys Bridge site to be highly modified in terms of water quality, mainly due to the high salinity levels.

For restoration to occur at Pumphreys Bridge, the RAP recommendations include controlling human and stock access, revegetation and other methods of bank stabilisation, and collaboration with nearby property owners for implementation of complimentary land management activities.

Partnerships with Newmont Australia and South32 Worsley Alumina are allowing PHCC to prioritise on-ground restoration works, which are set to begin mid-2022. For other activities at the site such as stabilisation of the historic bridge and upgrading of the campground facilities, PHCC is looking forward to working directly with the Shire of Wandering who manage the recreational area.

Despite the modifications that have occurred to the Hotham River at Pumphreys Bridge over the course of recent history, it is a site of significance for everyone who crosses its path. Through environmental restoration at the site, PHCC will enable this connection of humans to the River to continue in a way that nurtures it and gives the precious river ecosystem resilience for many more generations to enjoy.

This project is funded through partnerships with both South32 Worsley Alumina and Newmont Australia (Boddington)