Weed removal under way at Rockingham

A three-year State Government weed control project to protect rare plant communities is under way in Rockingham Lakes Regional Park.

Environment Minister Albert Jacob said the $290,000 Department of Parks and Wildlife program at Lake Cooloongup and Lake Walyungup would target pampas grass, cottonbush and sharp rush.

"These weeds have the potential to damage threatened ecological communities in the park, specifically the rushes found in the dune swales - the depressions between dunes - and to overrun other native species," Mr Jacob said.

"The weed control program will help protect the biodiversity of the reserve and to maintain park values for the local community."

The Minister said the department had been assisted with extensive mapping of the weeds and vegetation by long-time local volunteer Cedric Bakewell.

"The weeds are affecting a 700 hectare area so Cedric's enthusiasm and help have contributed an enormous amount to the planning for the upcoming spraying operations," he said.

"Cedric has worked with Parks and Wildlife operations officer Tony Eddleston on the weeds project and they have also recently completed revegetation work at Lake Cooloongup with children from Hillman Primary School.

"It is pleasing to see the community and government coming together on projects which are so beneficial for the environment and the people living in the area."

Fact File

• Rockingham Lakes Regional Park is frequently used by bushwalkers and people using the Lake Walyungup dry season flats for land yacht sailing and flying model aeroplanes
• The park's internationally-significant thrombolites at Lake Richmond are a drawcard for sightseers

Minister's office - 6552 5800