Preparation of a rehabilitation plan for the western foreshore of Bibra Lake has been endorsed by Cockburn Council.
The plan, designed to improve habitat for the lake’s visiting and resident wildlife, including the Southwestern Snake-Necked Turtle, will be funded through the City’s recurring Revegetation Planning operating budget.
City of Cockburn Director of Sustainable Development and Safety Dan Arndt said the City would engage a consultant to prepare the plan to address complex site-specific challenges along the foreshore retaining wall at Bibra Lake.
“The removal of turtle nesting cages installed with Murdoch University between 2019 and 2025, following the development of alternative turtle nest protection methods, has created space for intensive rehabilitation, including weed management and revegetation,” Mr Arndt said.
“This area was cleared and filled to create a parkland more than 50 years ago and the installation of a limestone retaining wall has created a narrow sandy foreshore bank.
“Despite the planting of native wetland species in 2008, 2010 and 2021, a 2022 vegetation condition and weed management report identified that vegetation as degraded.
“Weeds, high public interface with turf recreation and playground areas, historical soil fill, altered landforms, grazing damage to vegetation by rabbits and waterbirds plus fluctuating seasonal water levels combine to create a complex site with varied needs and pressures that need addressing.
“As a result, rehabilitation will likely take place over multiple years with the plan guiding the final time frame.”
Mr Arndt said the plan would be developed in 2026-27 in accordance with the City’s Guidelines for Revegetation and Maintenance of Natural Bushland/Wetland Areas.
The success of the revegetation will be monitored, with results from the first two years communicated to key stakeholders.
Mayor Logan Howlett said opportunities for the community to be involved in planting and ongoing maintenance would be identified as part of the plan.
“Bibra Lake and its highly visible western foreshore are valued by the community and it’s an important habitat for a variety of wetland animals including turtles and birds,” Mayor Howlett said.
“It is in the best interest of our fauna and flora to enhance this area, with the community also benefiting from and becoming involved in measures designed to improve and protect the local habitat.
“We expect planting to begin in winter 2028 with site preparation works, such as the removal of weeds and redundant infrastructure, to take place beforehand.
“Supported by the Sustainability and Environment Group, the plan will meet the City’s values, including caring for, protecting and enhancing our natural areas, as well as building climate sustainability.”
The plan will also provide recommendations for protective fencing and informative signage.
Feedback on the proposed rehabilitation plan will be sought from electors who put a related motion to the 2026 Annual General Meeting of Electors.
Council noted the City’s intention to prepare the plan at its 8 September Ordinary Council Meeting.