Reservation of conservation areas in Beeliar Regional Park approved

16/1/95

Planning Minister Richard Lewis has approved the reservation of more than 1,400 hectares of conservation areas and important wetlands in the Beeliar Regional Park, south of Perth.

Mr Lewis said some of the region's most significant wetlands including The Spectacles, Thomsons Lake and Lake Kogolup would be protected by the Metropolitan Region Scheme reservation.

"Lakes Coogee and Banganup have also been reserved for parks and recreation along with areas of remnant natural bushland," he said.

"The Lake Kogolup area in particular supports open forest and woodlands of flooded gums and paperbarks, undershrub acacia and evidence of rare native shrubs including the Hackett's hop bush."

Mr Lewis said the 1,440-hectare reservation covered more than half the Beeliar Regional Park which comprised about 2,700 hectares and included 26 lakes and many other minor wetlands.

The reservation would ensure the protection of private land included in the park and would enable its eventual purchase by the State Planning Commission.

"Fortunately much of the park is either owned by CALM or vested in local government authorities," Mr Lewis said.

He said protection of the land had been achieved through co-operative management, such as that agreed by Alcoa and CALM over The Spectacles wetlands.

"The various wetlands which are important waterbird and wildlife habitats, are also used for scientific research and education," the Minister said.

"Banganup Lake for example, is currently being used as a marsupial research station by the University of Western Australia and public access has therefore been restricted."

Mr Lewis said the Beeliar Regional Park not only provided for the protection of the State's natural heritage, but also gave the public essential open space for recreation and other pursuits.

The park had the right balance of conservation, recreation and education areas to make it a valuable resource for future generations.

"Policies and management procedures will now be prepared to ensure the wetlands and associated areas are conserved," Mr Lewis said.

"Attention to careful water resource management is essential because of the impact of drainage and groundwater use on the survival of the wetlands."

Media contact:  Bronwyn Hillman 222 9595 / 221 1377