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The City of Swan is delighted to announce the long-awaited environmental restoration of Fishmarket Reserve, a project that has been in the planning stages for several years as part of the Swan River foreshore reserve rehabilitation priorities.
Requests have been received from the community to restore local environmental values at the reserve, as the boat ramp and informal picnic areas have become very popular.
Over the years, Fishmarket Reserve has suffered environmental degradation from weed infestations, erosion, and recreation. Revegetation will restore the reserve's ecological function, provide habitat for native fauna, including aquatic birds, improve amenity, provide shade, and slow down erosion.
Only local native plants will be used in the Fishmarket Reserve revegetation project.
Endemic riparian plants are best suited to survive under local conditions and restore the native fauna assemblage.
The plant list was compiled from several Swan and Helena River foreshore projects from Guildford to Middle Swan that were completed in the last 10 years. Stakeholders who assisted on these projects included the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) / Swan River Trust, Trillion Trees, Whadjuk Elders, and ecological consultants.
Due to erosion of the riverbank, existing mature trees may fall during storms and floods. To stabilize the shore, more trees will be planted behind them. Secondary shoreline tree planting is a best practice in foreshore restoration known as "managed retreat" and endorsed by DBCA. No native trees or shrubs will be removed. The City is also planning to remove the non-native understory in preparation for endemic plantings. This will allow native seedlings to access natural resources without competition, improving sustainability and the return on the City's investment.
This consultation is to identify how and where Fishmarket Reserve is being used so that revegetation does not disrupt popular activities. We plan to revegetate sections of the shore that are not being used for fishing, swimming, paddling, picnicking, or other water access. Revegetation areas will be fenced off until the vegetation establishes. Most of the revegetation will be away from the shore and implemented in stages to minimize area closures. However, the reserve may be closed for a few days in autumn and winter while work is underway. Planting during the cooler months takes advantage of winter rains to help seedlings establish their root systems.
