Question On Notice No. 1490 asked in the Legislative Council on 20 August 2014 by Hon Lynn Maclaren
Question Directed to the: Minister for Mental Health representing the Minister for Planning
Parliament: 39 Session: 1
Question
(1) When will end managers, the Department of Parks and Wildlife, take over management of Stakehill Wetland?
(2) In the intervening time, will the Minister direct:
(a) all properties to be fenced;
(b) maintenance of fencing;
(c) return of weed control to previous programs;
(d) control of illegal activities, trail bike access, camping and shooting;
(e) return of fire management to previous programs;
(f) implementation of fire management in sympathy with environmental values;
(g) involvement of the local Landcare group and incorporation of their expertise; and
(h) implementation of signage to encourage sustainable use and preservation of the environment?
(3) Does the Minister acknowledge observations by local residents that the firebreaks and slashing for fuel reduction has encouraged weed growth?
(4) Will the Minster report on illegal activities occurring during the past year at Stakehill Wetland?
(5) Is the Minister aware that recreational walkers make use of Stakehill Wetland on a weekly basis, and that conservation groups regularly use the area?
(6) Why has signage not been erected at Stakehill Wetland?
(7) Will the Minister bring forward the hand over of Stakehill Wetland to end management?
Answered on 16 September 2014
(1) No timeframe has been set for the transfer of Stakehill Swamp to the Department of Parks and Wildlife.
(2) (a)-(h) The Department of Planning uses a variety of methods in managing the Western Australian Planning Commission land estate, including fire management, weed control, fencing, rubbish removal, monitoring and control of illegal activities, and response to issues as they arise. The department engages contractors through panel contract arrangements to ensure consistency of service and value for money. The department also works with local governments and other agencies in the placement of signage when requested. No changes to this management regime are planned for Stakehill Swamp.
(3) Firebreaks, slashing and other management practices in use at the wetlands are employed as part of a larger management approach consistent with the environmental management plan for this area.
(4) The Field Management Officers of the Department of Planning continue to monitor the Western Australian Planning Commission estate and in the event that evidence of illegal activity is found, this is reported to the relevant authorities.
(5) I am aware that there is low to moderate use of the swamp by recreational walkers. Also, the Field Management staff of the Department of Planning work with a number of 'Friends of' groups across the metropolitan region and they will continue to consider joint approaches to managing similar areas, such as the Stakehill Swamp. I acknowledge the significant contributions that volunteers have made to the preservation of Perth bushland and hope that this will continue.
(6) Signage is not in use as the number of users of the wetlands is low to moderate.
(7) The Department of Planning will continue to work with the Department of Parks and Wildlife to manage this process so that the Stakehill Swamp can be incorporated into the Rockingham Lakes Regional Park.