The City of Cockburn has welcomed Main Roads WA’s decision to lower the speed limit on Hope Road in Bibra Lake from 70km/h to 60km/h, a long-awaited community win that will improve safety for both people and wildlife.
The change will take effect in late January 2026 following consistent advocacy by the City, local residents and the tenant organisations of the nearby Wetlands Precinct, including WA Wildlife and The Wetlands Centre.
City of Cockburn Mayor Logan Howlett said the outcome reflects strong community concern about the safety risk in this high-use recreation and wildlife corridor.
“Hope Road is a key access point to the lake, shared paths, parks, playgrounds and important community facilities. It is also home to precious native species, including the vulnerable snake-necked turtles we are working hard to protect,” said Mayor Howlett.
“Reducing the speed limit will make this area safer for families, cyclists, visitors and wildlife. We thank Main Roads for supporting the change, and we acknowledge the community’s passionate advocacy in helping achieve this result.”
"I'd like to especially acknowledge Felicity Bairstow from the Wetlands Conservation Society who has been advocating for this change over many years and through many different volunteer roles."
The speed reduction follows numerous requests to improve safety in the area, including recent public questions raised at an Ordinary Council meeting.
In addition to the speed change, the City will install a range of traffic-calming and road safety treatments in Bibra Lake as part of the Urban Road Safety Improvements Project, supported through Main Roads WA's Low Cost Urban Road Safety Program. This includes the installation of an LED Speed Radar on Hope Road.
“These improvements will strengthen safety across the precinct and help protect the unique ecological values of Bibra Lake,” Mayor Howlett said.
Comments from WA Wildlife
WA Wildlife CEO Dean Huxley said the decision reflects a shared commitment to protecting local wildlife and community safety:
“Every year we see turtles and other native species injured or killed on Hope Road. This speed reduction will make a real difference for the wildlife that call Bibra Lake/North Lake home and for the families who visit this beautiful area. We’re incredibly grateful to the City of Cockburn, Main Roads WA and our community for their ongoing advocacy.”
Comment from The Wetlands Centre, Cockburn
“This is a fantastic outcome for our community and our local environment,” said Treena Burgess, Chair of The Wetlands Centre.
“Lowering the speed limit recognises the importance of protecting our native fauna crossing from one wetland to the other in this unique place.
Every measure that helps safeguard our native species and make our roads safer for everyone is a positive step forward.”
Caption: L-R: Dr Felicity Bairstow from the Wetlands Conservation Society; Professor Treena Burgess, Chair of The Wetlands Centre Cockburn; and Dean Huxley, CEO of WA Wildlife.