The waterhole is associated with Dreamtime and the pathway the Rainbow Serpent (Waugul) travelled. Noongar People believe the waterhole is an expression of a place where the Waugul rose from beneath the ground, formed a water body and left behind whiskers in the form of bullrushes and sedges that surround this waterhole today.
The METRONET Noongar Reference Group worked closely with contractor, NEWest Alliance to preserve the waterhole and qualities of this special place by adapting the car park drainage design and design of the area around the new station.
The National Reconciliation Week 2022 theme, ‘Be Brave. Make Change’ is a challenge to all Australians— individuals, families, communities, organisations and government—to Be Brave and tackle the unfinished business of reconciliation to Make Change for the benefit of all Australians.
As the Traditional Custodians of the region’s land, Noongar people’s knowledge and cultural traditions can inform community education programs to help Perth residents better connect with Perth’s water story.
Not only is the waterhole identified as an important cultural place, it is a vital natural resource with established environmental values METRONET has protected in line with its Sustainability Strategy and Water Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD) principles and approaches, while integrating a new station into the surrounding area.
This involved the collection, compensation, settling and quality treatment of the new station’s car park stormwater runoffs to prevent infiltration of runoffs into the groundwater linked with the waterhole. WSUD elements also included additional cooling / shaded areas, urban tree canopy maintenance, and improved community amenities such as seating benches.
Through its Sustainability Strategy and innovative design and consultation methods, METRONET is embedding waterwise outcomes across its program of works and helping leave a positive legacy for future generations.
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