The City is reviewing the Emu Swamp Reserve Management Plan 2021 (ESR MP 2021) to ensure it reflects current land use changes, environmental priorities, and community expectations. The updated plan will incorporate the addition of Lot 505 into the existing Emu Swamp reserve (Lot 502), in response to the adjoining development of an aged care precinct at Paradise Quays, Ballajura (Lots 503 and 504).

The primary aim of the management plan is to retain and restore the site’s natural remnant vegetation through a structured approach. To support this, the ESR MP 2021 divides the reserve into three priority management zones (see Figure 1). Implementation of management actions will begin in the highest priority area and progressively expand to the medium and lower priority areas based on the consultant’s recommendations.

On-ground works have previously been undertaken at Emu Swamp Reserve to support its ecological restoration and ongoing management, including:

• Weed control, including mulching and mechanical removal of Eucalyptus grandis (Eastern States Flooded Gum) within the wetland zone.
• Revegetation in the wetland area.
• Installation of bat monitoring boxes to support local biodiversity.
• Limestone capping of the fire break to improve access and reduce erosion.
• Installation of perimeter fencing around the wetland to protect remnant vegetation and revegetation efforts.
• Rubbish removal to improve the environmental quality and amenity of the site.

The Friends Group previously active at the site played an important role in the management of the reserve, contributing to the implementation of several of the actions listed above.

Core Requirements

The management plan will address the following core requirements:

• A portion of the neighbouring lot is being added into the existing Emu Swamp Reserve Lot 502, in response to adjoining land use changes. This additional land will be considered as part of the management plan revisions.
• Establishment of a new fire break along the northern boundary of the reserve. This fire break is essential for site access and to meet bushfire safety requirements of the reserve.
• Specification of native endemic flora species for revegetation.

Management zone 3 is the wetland area. Vegetation in this area is in good condition and is currently protected by perimeter fencing.

Recommended management actions:

• Predominantly manual removal of woody weeds including Eucalyptus grandis (Eastern States Flooded Gum) and Acacia longifolia (Sydney Golden Wattle).
• Chemical control of grassy weeds.
• Revegetation using species that can cope with a wetter environment.
• Consider implementation of a natural living stream through creation of rips, riffles, and meanders. Consider installation of gross pollutant traps (GPTs) on drain outlets entering the reserve to prevent rubbish from entering the wetland, subject to consideration of the potential adverse environmental impacts associated with installation and servicing.
• Other activities of suitability for this area may include:
  • fencing to maintain access,
  • nest boxes,
  • fire mitigation,
  • rubbish removal,
• removal and rehabilitation of any formalised tracks in this zone.

Management zone 2 is the interior buffer. Vegetation in this area is classified as degraded – bushland significantly altered.

Recommended management actions:

• Chemical weed control of some herbs and grasses.
• Manual removal of woody weeds.
• Revegetation with species that can cope in dryer conditions with some wetland fringing vegetation.
• The limestone track should remain in its current position and should not be revegetated.
• Other activities of suitability for this area may include:
  • fencing to maintain access,
  • nest boxes,
  • fire mitigation,
  • rubbish removal.

Management zone 1 is the exterior buffer. Vegetation in this area is classified as completely degraded – bushland significantly altered.

Recommended management actions:

• Chemical weed control of herbs and grasses
• Revegetate with low flammability species and create a buffer for zones 2 and 3 in closer proximity to the wetland.
• Other activities of suitability for this area may include:
  • fencing to maintain access,
  • nest boxes,
  • fire mitigation,
  • rubbish removal,
  • signage.

The City will implement high priority recommendations from the updated management plan in stages based on relative priority to other works. These actions will be delivered through a combination of operational and capital works, applied in a staged approach based on the City’s available resources and capacity at the time. Friends Groups provide valuable support for the ongoing rehabilitation and care of natural reserves and wetlands across the City, by volunteering their time to participate in activities such as, planting native seedlings, protecting and restoring habitat for native wildlife, weed and rubbish removal.

Community involvement remains an important element in the long-term success and ecological management of reserves and wetlands. The City supports the establishment and ongoing activities of 66 Friends Groups across the City by providing environmental advice, training, funding assistance, seedlings for planting, and insurance and safety gear.

A Friends Group previously operated at Emu Swamp Reserve, with volunteers contributing significantly to the site’s management. Their efforts included weed control, rehabilitation activities, rubbish removal, and the installation of bat boxes.

Anyone interested in establishing a Friends Group at Emu Swamp or any other City managed reserve can visit the City of Swan website to find out more and lodge an enquiry https://www.swan.wa.gov.au/friends-group-enquiry. Alternatively, contact Bradley Thompson the Coordinator of Natural Environmental Maintenance (bradley.thompson@swan.wa.gov.au) to express your interest and learn more about the role and responsibilities of forming a Friends Group.