Remediation work for Southern River site

More than 13,500 native seedlings and 229 advanced native trees have been planted this year, as part of major improvements to bushland reserves at Elkhorn Avenue, Edencourt Drive and Tiger Circle bordering Balannup Lake in Southern River.

The $97,000 project also incorporated significant weed removal and the installation of a limestone fire break, mulch and gates, which will improve access for local residents and maintenance crews.

City of Gosnells Chief Executive Officer Ian Cowie said the reserves had high conservation value as they formed part of a buffer to Balannup Lake, a Bush Forever site.

“This work is part of a plan to progressively enhance these reserves over several years, through weed control and revegetation efforts, which will help to conserve and enhance Balannup Lake.”

Approximately 60 per cent of the native advanced trees planted by the City were selected because they are also suitable for foraging, breeding and roosting by black cockatoos which live in the reserves.

The City plans to undertake a community planting day in the area in 2022, to celebrate National Tree Day.

The WA Planning Commission contributed nearly $8,000 to the City for the remediation works.

For details about the City’s environmental management programs, visit gosnells.wa.gov.au.