Perth Voice Interactive

LOCALS with an interest in wetlands are being urged to turn out for a Baigup wetlands planting and weeding day this Sunday August 24.

The Bayswater wetland is coming back to life after decades as a site for market gardens, and then a weed-infested wasteland.

“Once the land was no longer used privately, that led to weeds and they have driven out vegetation,” says Baigup wetlands interest group coordinator Penny Lee. “We need to preserve the wetland if we want to see wildlife continue to thrive.”

Like many wetlands in the network along the Swan coastal plain, Baigup has important cultural significance to Aboriginal people.

Those remaining face numerous stresses, as outlined in a report just released by the WA auditor-general.

The report says the Swan and Canning river systems and wetlands are failing to cope with Perth’s growing population and development pressures.

by CAMILLE VISSER