Thank you to everyone who took part in the review of the Emu Swamp Management Plan. Your ideas and feedback have helped shape a plan that reflects the shared cultural and environmental priorities for Emu Swamp Reserve.
Emu Swamp Reserve is valued for its ecological, cultural, and community significance.
Developed by Powderbark Environmental Consulting for the City of Swan, the management plan has now been finalised with input from Traditional Owners and the community.
Key recommendations
The revised plan contains a combination of short and long-term management actions to improve the reserve’s ecological health, bushfire safety, and accessibility across two management zones (Zone 1: Wetland zone and Zone 2: Banksia woodland). Some of the key management actions outlined in the Plan include:
Weed control is the most important management action, as a significant weed burden persists at the site. The plan recommends:
- Targeted control of the highest priority weeds including Sydney Golden Wattle, Rose Gum, Wild oats, Annual Veldt grass and Soursob.
- Development of a Weed Action Plan for scheduled targeted weed control in each management zone.
- Regular weed mapping (approximately every five years) to update priority weeds.
The plan recommends planting of 70,000+ tubestock across 10 years. This includes rehabilitation planting in each zone and structured planting near boundaries, trails, and fences, to reduce ongoing maintenance and improve fire safety. A native plant species list has been developed and tailored for the two management zones.
The plan recommends enhancing habitat for native fauna through weed control, revegetation, and targeted habitat augmentation to increase the availability of suitable habitat. This includes the installation of logs, bird boxes, Quenda cabins, and native bee hotels, as well as feral bee control and ongoing monitoring of all installed artificial habitats to further support and augment existing fauna habitats.
The plan recommends:
- Upgrading fire access trails to dual-purpose use (emergency and pedestrian access)
- Realigning fencing to increase vegetated buffer around wetland zone and installing gates to manage access
- Installation of interpretive signage along pedestrian trails to highlight the reserves ecological and cultural values.
The drainage outlets within Zone 1 are eroded and need to be upgraded to incorporate a combination of energy dissipaters, rock armouring, rock riffles, and native planting to prevent further erosion.
Fire hazard management was identified as an area of concern for some stakeholders. The plan recommends addressing potential fire hazards through:
- Reduction of fuel loads through fine woody debris removal in the western portion of the reserve.
- Weed control.
- Installation of a new fire access trail along the northern boundary.
- Structured planting near boundaries and fire access trails to reduce fire risk.
Ongoing site monitoring is recommended to assess progress and inform future planning and works.
What’s next for Emu Swamp Reserve
The City will begin implementing the key management actions through its Capital Works Program, delivered in multiple stages. Once these works are complete, ongoing maintenance will transition to the City’s Operational Team, ensuring long-term care and ecological resilience.
Expected outcomes
- Improved vegetation condition and enhanced fauna habitat
- Improved site access for pedestrians, emergency, and maintenance vehicles
- Reduced weed burden and fire risk
- Enhanced cultural and environmental awareness
- Improved wetland ecosystem
- Strengthened community connection to the reserve
