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Cockburn Wetland Education Centre Inc (CWEC) 184 Hope Road, Bibra Lake WA 6163, Ph: (08) 9417 8460

Carpark

Hope

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Office

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Gazebo

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CWEC

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Narma Kularck Board-walk

Dry SPA: Dryland

seed

Bibra Lake

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CWEC

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Amphitheatre

Wet SPA: Wetland

seed

SITE KEY 1 - Workshop room 1 (post-lunch) 2 - Workshop room 2 (post-lunch) 3 - Workshop room 3 (post-lunch) 4 - Gazebo 5 - Vehicle/bus entrance 6 - Poster boards & displays 7 - Female toilets 8 - Unisex/accessible toilet 9 - Male toilets W Water refill points R Tea/coffee/refreshment stations x 4 850 metre return walk to Narma Kullarck boardwalk

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EMERGENCY KEY

Emergency exit doors Fire extinguishers

Emergency assembly point 1 Emergency assembly point 2

Mounted 1st Aid Kit

Scout shed

EMERGENCY EVACUATION MAP & SITE PLAN

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Lawned area

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Water-wise

gardens

Frog pond

PROGRAM

2015 WA Wetland Management Conference

Celebrating World Wetlands Day Monday 2nd February 2015

9am to 4pm

The Narma Kularck (family place) boardwalk, Bibra Lake, Western Australia

Cockburn Wetlands Education Centre, 184 Hope Road, Bibra Lake WA 6163

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CONFERENCE PROGRAM *Denotes speaker, where there are multiple authors; #Denotes speaker change) 8.00 am Registrations Opening 9.00 am Opening remarks Denise Crosbie, Cockburn Wetlands Education Centre Inc

9.05 am Welcome to country Reverend Sealin Garlett

Chairperson: Linda Metz, City of Cockburn Keynote speaker 9.15 am Ramsar speaker ‘Water, wetlands and urban development’ Brett Dunn, Department of Water

9.50 am Valuation and using that in decision-making for wetlands Dr Paul Hardisty, CSIRO Land and Water Flagship

Oral poster presentations: session 1 10.15 am Better management of Ramsar wetlands in Perth *Belinda O’Brien, Perth Region NRM

10.19 am Healthy Wetland Habitats Adam Turnbull, Department of Parks and Wildlife

10.23 am Review of the Ramsar Convention and ecological character trends in WA’s Ramsar wetlands

*Michael Jay Williams, Associate Professor John Bailey, Noraisha Oyama, PhD, Murdoch University

10.27am Home River Ocean *Sarah Molloy1, Dr Emily Hugues Dit Ciles1, (SWCC) Peta Kelsey2

1South West Catchments Council 2Department of Water

10.31am Managing Western Australia’s Historic Lowlands Reserve Megan Rowland, Department of Parks and Wildlife

10.35 am

Morning tea

Plenary presentations: session 1

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Trevor Tucker *Adam Turnbull Department of Parks and Wildlife *Dr. James Tweedley Murdoch University Mary Van Wees Baigup Wetland Interest Group Brian Walker City of Melville Talia Warda MBS Environmental Amy Warner Bannister Creek Catcment Group

*Karen Warner Eastern Metropolitan Regional Council

*Gavin Waugh Nicole Weber City of Wanneroo

Rose Weerasinghe SERCUL

Luke Wheat Rottnest Island Authority John Williams Friends of Lightning Swamp Bushland *Michael Jay Williams Murdoch University Alan Wright Department of Parks and Wildlife

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Kevin McLeod Friends of Yellagonga ( Inc) Linda Metz City of Cockburn *Sarah Molloy South West Catchments Council *Belinda O'Brien Perth Region NRM Steve O'Dwyer City of Joondalup

Mary-Ann Oliver Friends of Booragoon and Blue Gum Lakes

Cathie O'Neill Swan Estuary Reserves Action Group

*Andrew Paton Department of Water Sarah Paul Emerge Associates Debbie Payne BRAAG *Heather Pearson Friends of Booragoon and Blue Gum Lakes Giles Pickard City of Subiaco Robyn Pickering *Adrian Pinder Department of Parks and Wildlife Sasha Poli City of Wanneroo Catherine Prideaux Department of Parks and Wildlife - Regional Parks Unit Jay Puglisi MWH Global Carine Quah National Measurement Institute Lina Ramlee MWH Global Joanne Read Baigup Wetland Interest Group Daniel Roberston City of Cockburn Syngeon Rodman MWH Global *Megan Rowland Department of Parks and Wildlife Dr. Roger Severn Greg Simpson Town of Claremont Paddy Strano City of Armadale Carolyn Switzer Friends of Big Swamp Carla Tassone Joanne Taylor City of Stirling Paul Tholen Department of Parks and Wildlife Cassyanna Thomas Rottnest Island Authority

Anle Tieu Emerge Associates

*Joe Tonga Natsync Environmental

Dr. Sabrina Trocini WWF

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Chairperson: Adam Turnbull, Department of Parks and Wildlife Plenary presentations: session 2 11.20 am Propagating future landcarers Karen Warner, Eastern Metropolitan Regional Council (EMRC)

11.45 am What, Where, Why: understanding Western Australia's aquatic biodiversity

Adrian Pinder, Wetlands Conservation Program, Science and Conservation Division, Department of Parks and Wildlife

Oral poster presentations: session 2 12.10 pm Lake Mealup on the road to recovery and beyond *Heidi Bucktin1, Peter Wilmot 2,Peel Harvey Catchment Council & Department of

Water 1Department of Parks and Wildlife 2Lake Mealup Preservation Society,

12.14 pm Experiential learning fosters change *Kim Benjamin1, *Heather Pearson2 and Mary-Ann Oliver2

1Challenger Institute of Technology, Murdoch Campus 2Friends of Booragoon and Blue Gum Lakes

12.18 pm Re-Imagining Perth’s Lost Wetlands *Dr Nandi Chinna, Jeff Murray, Associate Professor Rod Giblett, Landgate, City

of Perth, Dr John Ryan, Dr Chris Kueh, Dr Danielle Brady, Edith Cowan University

12.22 pm Understanding and mitigating the influence of historical managerial decisions on the fauna of the Vasse-Wonnerup

*Dr James Tweedley1, Stephen Beatty1, James Keleher1, & Kath Lynch2 1Centre for Fish and Fisheries Research, Murdoch University, 2Department of Water, Busselton

12.26 pm The challenge of protecting Perth’s wetlands *Andrew Paton, Ben Drew, Mike Hammond, Trudy Evans & Emily Harrington

Department of Water

12.30 pm

Lunch

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1.30 pm - Workshop session 1 Room 1: Feral animal control in the City of Cockburn Adam Harris (Environmental Officer, City of Cockburn

Room 2: Ecologically and economically sound management and restoration of wetlands and riverways Judy Fisher PhD (IUCN/CEM Theme Leader; IUCN Commission on Ecosystem

Management (CEM), Ecosystems & Invasive Species; Research Associate; Western Australian Museum; Research Director, Senior Ecologist, Fisher Research Pty Ltd)

Room 3: Diatoms in our wetlands: a vital tool for assessment of present and past environmental changes and community engagement A/Professor Jacob John (Adjunct Professor and Research Associate

Curtin University and Department of Parks and Wildlife)

Site visit: From wetland weeds to a wetland SPA! (meet at the gazebo) Denise Crosbie (Wetlands Officer, Cockburn Wetland Education Centre Inc)

2.40 pm - Afternoon tea 2.55 pm - Workshop session 2 Room 1: Hot bodies, hot nights – watching bats in thermal flight Joe Tonga (Director, Natsync Environmental)

Room 2: Ecologically and economically sound management and restoration of wetlands and riverways (repeat session) Judy Fisher PhD (IUCN/CEM Theme Leader; IUCN Commission on Ecosystem

Management (CEM), Ecosystems & Invasive Species; Research Associate; Western Australian Museum; Research Director, Senior Ecologist, Fisher Research Pty Ltd)

Room 3: Designing for the future. Rehabilitation & conservation. A volunteer’s experience & reflective deliberation Gavin Waugh (Volunteer)

Gazebo: Community approach to wetland seed propagation (meet at the gazebo) Staff and volunteers (Cockburn Wetlands Education Centre Inc)

4.00 pm - Post-conference drinks & nibblies

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Paul Higginson City of Melville Hans Hoette Friends of Lightning Swamp Bushland Christopher Hofmeester Wetland Research and Management Ryan Hooper Peel-Harvey Catchment Council Katherine Howard WWF-Australia Shenaye Hummerston WWF Australia Dianne Hunter Turtle Oblonga Network Shane Hunter Armadale Gosnells Landcare Group *A/Prof John Jacob Curtin University & Dept of Parks and Wildlife David James Friends of Forrestdale Nonie Jekabsons Arbor Centre Linda Johnson Friends of Moore River Estuary Moss Johnson Wandoo Design and Construction

Karl Karu

Kirsi Kauhanen MBS Environmental Robert Kellar Harvest Lakes Residents Assoc. Inc. Matt Kennewell City of Cockburn Leah Knapp Murdoch University Sonia Lamond WALGA Paul Lawrence City of Joondalup Nicki Ledger City of Melville Penny Lee Baigup Wetland Interest Group Nathan Leslie City of Rockingham Anna Leung Phoenix Environmental Sciences Cathy Levett Friends of Western Swamp Tortoise Nathan Lissiman City of Melville Bev Lockley Lynn MacLaren MLC Member for South Metropolitan Stuart Martin Martins Environmental Services Bernie Masters FIA Technology Pty Ltd

michelle McAliece City of Armadale

James McCallum Margo McGurk Ciara McIlduff Department of Parks and Wildlife, Yanchep National Park

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Michael Coote Department of Parks and Wildlife Geoff Corrick Friends of Bull Creek Catchment Wendy Corrick Friends of Bull Creek Catchment Sonja Creese City of Rockingham *Denise Crosbie Lucy Dadour Coffey Environments Djava David City of Cockburn Ben Drew Department of Water Rowan du Boulay City of Belmont Luke Duggan City of Cockburn Lovette Duncan

*Brett Dunn Department of Water

Claire Dunn City of Cockburn Steve Dutton Department of Parks and Wildlife *Judy Fisher IUCN CEM Ecosystems and Invasive Species , WA Museum Rob Foulds Volunteer DPaW, Yanchep National Park Dr. Jen Francis Armadale Gosnells Landcare Group Dan Friesen SERCUL *Revd. Seal-in Garlett

Julie Ginbey Swan Estuary Reserves Action Group Julie Ginbey Swan Estuary Reserves Action Group Mary Gray Urban Bushland Council Matt Grimbly SERCUL

Katherine Grosso Lotterywest

Donna Halliday City of Armadale Dr. Serena Hamilton Edith Cowan University Michael Hammond Department of Water Heidi Hardisty Friends of Lake Claremont Ltd.

*Dr. Paul Hardisty CSIRO Land and Water Flagship

*Adam Harris City of Cockburn Judith Harvey Caroline Haynes City Of Melville

Tim Heckler nexxial ecology pl

Jason Hick Emerge Associates

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WHAT IS WORLD WETLANDS DAY?

2 February each year is World Wetlands Day. It marks the date of the signing of the Convention on Wetlands on 2 February 1971, in the Iranian city of Ramsar on the shores of the Caspian Sea. The Convention on Wetlands, signed in Ramsar, Iran, in 1971, is the only global intergovernmental treaty that deals with a particular ecosystem. It provides the framework for national action and international cooperation to halt the worldwide loss of wetlands and to conserve, through wise use and management, those that remain. Presently there are 168 Contracting Parties, up from 21 initial signatory nations in 1971. The Ramsar list of Wetlands of International Importance now includes 2,186 sites covering 208,449,277 hectares. World Wetlands Day was celebrated for the first time in 1997 and made an encouraging beginning. Each year, government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and groups of citizens at all levels of the community have taken advantage of the opportunity to undertake actions aimed at raising public awareness of wetland values and benefits in general and the Ramsar Convention in particular.

WORLD WETLANDS DAY 2015

The international theme for World Wetlands Day 2015 is ‘Wetlands for Our Future’. Wetlands offer substantial economic, social and environmental values which, if managed sustainably, will that can be harnessed and managed sustainably for the benefit of future generations. . For World Wetlands Day 2015, the Ramsar Secretariat is focusing on the target group of tomorrow: youth aged 15-24. “Why youth? Teens and young adults have a growing interest in environmental issues, are tech savvy, and have a strong belief in their own ability to make a difference. Crucially, they also act as “transmitters,” spreading the word to their families and friends, causing a ripple effect that reaches the wider public. You play an important role in reaching the youth audience. The Wetlands Youth Photo contest gives youth a reason to visit and experience wetlands. Encourage them to visit and take a picture in a wetland location between 2 February and 2 March 2015 for a chance to win a free flight to a wetland location anywhere in the world. Open to 15-24 year olds. For further information and activities visit www.worldwetlandsday.org

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SPONSORS The primary objective of the Conference is to provide an annual opportunity for the exchange of information and ideas between wetland practitioners with a focus on the latest developments about how to effectively manage and restore wetlands. The Conference is intended to bring together community conservation volunteers, landowners, local and State Government officers and private sector environmental officers involved with wetland management. The Cockburn Wetlands Education Centre gratefully acknowledges the generous support of the following sponsors and supporters that allow us to keep the registration fees at a minimum.

SILVER SPONSORS

SUPPORTERS

BRONZE SPONSORS

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DELEGATE/SPEAKER LIST (please enjoy networking)  

Cloe Dolan Town of Claremont Angela Jakob City of Kwinana Cliff Ahrens City of Cockburn Erika Antal

Sabrina Arklie Christie Atkinson Swan River Trust Mandy Bamford Bamford Consulting Ecologists Glenn Bathols Department of Water Faye Baxter Lotterywest Julia Beijemen Western Australian Local Government Association *Kim Benjamin Challenger TAFE Mathilde Bernard Rottnest Island Authority Olivia Blizard Wetland Research and Management Rebecca Boyland WWF-Australia Karl Brennan Department of Parks and Wildlife Michelle Brent Western Australian Local Government Association

Paul Bridges Bindaring Vision Dr. Kath Broderick Broderick and Associates Emma Bryce Coterra Environment *Heidi Bucktin Department of Parks and Wildlife Kylie Burgess City of Wanneroo Kate Bushby Swan River Trust Glen Byleveld SERCUL Ben Byrne Department of Parks and Wildlife Cenette Cadafalch City of Cockburn Robbie Campbell Department of Parks and Wildlife - Regional Parks Unit Dr. Jane Chambers Murdoch University

David Charles Department of Parks and Wildlife

*Dr. Nandi Chinna Edith Cowan University Bonita Clark Wetland Research and Management Jarrad Clark Phoenix Environmental Sciences

Dylan Anthony City of Cockburn

Ruth Clark Office of the EPA

*Denotes speaker

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ADDITIONAL NON-ORAL POSTERS/DISPLAYS, cont’d

Western Australian Local Government Association – Environmental Planning Tool  

Julia Beijeman WALGA

The Environmental Planning Tool is an online mapping viewer with much of the functionality of com-mercial GIS software. This tool contains over 300 data sets and was purpose built to improve Local Government statutory land use planning and environmental decision making. Visit this display to learn more about the Environmental Planning Tool, and how it can be of benefit to your Local Government.

It’s not too late to stop Roe 8 Felicity McGeorge

WWF-Australia, PO Box 4010, Wembley WA 6913 T 0419 044 986 E flicab19@gmail.com

The battle to protect the North Lake Reserve and Bibra Lake has reached a critical stage. Over the next 6 to 12 months the campaign will be asking for active support from everyone involved in the protec-tion and management of our rapidly diminishing wetlands as well as the public who enjoy the recreation-al and social values of these beautiful lakes. The wetlands in the North Lake Reserve have been identified as the most complex suite of wetlands on the Swan Coastal Plain yet the Government remains fixed in its plan to build an enormously expen-sive and unnecessary road through the area. The area between North Lake and Bibra Lake is recog-nised as the most significant aboriginal heritage site south of the Swan River yet this area will be com-pletely buried by the road. We will have informative maps and members of our group to answer your questions.

Baigup Wetland Penny Lee

Coordinator, Baigup Wetland Interest Group T 08 93705437 or 0448 543 755 E baigup@iinet.net.au

Baigup Wetland lies on the border of Bayswater and Maylands downstream of Garratt Road Bridge on the Swan River. Approximately 1km in length and 200m across, it is valuable remnant of original floodplain augmented by two constructed lakes which now provide permanent water for approximately 80 bird species. Revegetation by City of Bayswater and volunteers aims to reduce weed cover and restore the area to a more natural vegetation profile. Baigup Wetland Interest Group is a network of 160 interested community, government, and other people who receive 4 electronic newsletters a year. These may also be accessed at our Urban Bushland Council website: http://www.bushlandperth.org.au/member-groups/3-north-of-the-river/205-baigup-wetland-interest-group Work days are scheduled every second month and occasional educational activities are also organ-ised. To receive the newsletter, email Penny on baigup@iinet.net.au

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ADDITIONAL NON-ORAL POSTERS/DISPLAYS, cont’d

Securing our water future - the challenges of managing groundwater use and wetlands

Michael Hammond and Andrew Paton Department of Water - Head office

The Atrium, 168 St Georges Terrace, PERTH WA 6000 PO Box K822, PERTH WA 6842

T 08 6364 7600, E Atrium.Reception@water.wa.gov.au W www.water.wa.gov.au

Perth’s groundwater resources provide a crucial part of our public water supply, as well as water for our city’s public open spaces and an extensive area of local agriculture. They also sustain internationally and nationally significant wetlands. Wetlands are important natural assets, support biodiversity and public amenity and have a positive influence on the water quality of groundwater aquifers. They are also valuable tourism assets and prized as recreational areas with significant cultural values that make them an important part of community health and wellbeing. The Department of Water supports Western Australia's growth and development by managing the availability and quality of water sustainably – now and for the future. We are committed to using the best water science to manage Western Australia’s water for the benefit of the economy, the community and the environment. Management of groundwater abstraction under a drying climate to reduce impacts on wetland ecosystems is a priority of the department. Though our management is underpinned by excellent science and long term data sets, the complexi-ty of the groundwater-surface water interactions, climate change and the increasing demand for water for our growing city, present some significant challenges. Our display focuses how the department is taking on these challenges using a practical water plan-ning and management approach. It will show that adaptive management, built on long term monitoring and contemporary science, is critical to managing complex groundwater systems under multiple pres-sures, and will highlight the important role of developing climate resilient water resources.

Rakali community survey 2015 Sabrina Trocini and Katherine Howard

WWF-Australia, PO Box 4010, Wembley WA 6913 T 08 6231 0223, W rakali@wwf.org.au

WWF-Australia and the WA Department of Parks and Wildlife have launched a new citizen science survey to learn more about the distribution of rakali or Australian water rats (Hydromys chrysogaster) in Western Australia. The rakali is one of the few amphibious animals in Australia that have successfully adapted to a semi-aquatic lifestyle, occupying both fresh and marine waters, including riverine, wetland, estuarine and coastal habitats. Rakali are a very elusive species, notoriously difficult to study and. very little is known about its distribution and if the WA rakali populations are stable or declining. We are asking the community to let us know when and where they observed rakali or signs of their presence (e.g. feeding middens, scats, tracks). Observations from the community will help us map the distribution and identify critical habitat characteristics of this elusive species. Every observation will make a valuable contribution to advancing our knowledge of the secretive rakali and therefore support the conservation of this native species. The Rakali Community Survey is supported by Lotterywest and runs until 31 March 2015.

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ADDITIONAL NON-ORAL POSTERS/DISPLAYS

Microcosm evaluation of the ability of vegetated floating islands to remove nutrients from eutrophic water

Bernie Masters FIA Technology Pty Ltd, PO Box 315, Capel WA 6271  

T 0408 944 242, E bmasters@iinet.net.au

Constructed wetlands are frequently used to remove nutrients and other pollutants from water. The primary nutrient reduction mechanisms are uptake by bacterial/algal biofilms living on exposed surfaces within the water column (>80%) and uptake by plants (<20%). The use of vegetated floating islands is a new method of increasing the total surface area within a waterbody on which biofilms can develop. All floating island designs seek to maximise biofilm develop-ment through the growth of plant roots hanging within the water column beneath an island and through the use of high surface area material within the body of the island. Research on the efficiency of nutrient removal using vegetated floating islands is limited. A micro-cosm trial using one cubic metre intermediate bulk containers – IBCs – began in February 2012 and concluded in August 2014. Over the 30 months of this trial, IBC 3 which contained the vegetated floating island developed into a stable, complex ecosystem with excellent water clarity and improved water quali-ty within which amphibians and aquatic invertebrates thrived. In contrast, water in the Control and Par-tial Treatment IBCs retained the initial algal bloom which developed immediately after nutrients were added and they remained much less unattractive to amphibians, with a less diverse aquatic fauna. Analytical results from the 30 month trial showed that vegetated floating islands improve or modify water quality by:

Lowering pH Rapidly removing NH4 which is maintained at sustained low levels Rapidly removing NO3 Improving water clarity in spite of elevated nutrient levels.

Turtle Oblonga Network Dianne Hunter

C/- PO Box 4206, Myaree WA 6154 T 0424 727 624, E secretary@turtleoblonganetwork.org.au

W www.turtleoblonganetwork.org.au

The Turtle Oblonga Rescue and Rehabilitation Network is a not-for-profit organisation based in Perth and operating throughout the range of oblong turtles: the SW corner of WA. In January 2011 many of the lakes on Perth's coastal plain were either dry or almost so. The plight of oblong turtles during this very hot summer was the catalyst for the formation of the Network. The large numbers of turtles lost through dehydration, starvation and road trauma as a result of that summer brought home just how quickly an animal which is now considered common may be tipped toward extinction like so many of the world’s turtles. The network was formed to address the lack of knowledge about these wild turtles and to consolidate rescue and rehabilitation efforts. The Network has a strong veterinary focus and provides community information along with training for both rehabilitators and members of the veterinary profession. Our aim is to ensure that every turtle receives professional and compassionate care. We also provide community information, training for wildlife rehabilitators and consultancy services for the community of Western Australia. We collaborate with all levels of government on mitigation measures for oblong turtles.

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The Cockburn Wetlands Education Centre Inc. is a not-for-profit community organisation. The Centre was established at Bibra Lake in 1993 to provide information to the public about wetlands and their management. It provides a home for the Wetlands Conservation Society, Friends of the Cockburn Wetlands Education Centre, and the Bibra Lake Scouts. The Centre is managed by representatives of the three core groups, and a councillor from the City of Cockburn. The Board employs a full-time Wetlands Officer and some casual staff. Community volunteers, work experience students and work-for-the-dole participants assist with the implementation of the Centre’s activities. Funding is provided by our major sponsor, the City of Cockburn. The running costs of the Centre are also met from grants, donations, hire of facilities, education, contract/consultancy work and contributions from the participating groups. Tax-deductible donations can be made to the Centre. The Centre is an ideal venue for seminars, meetings, functions, recreation and nature studies. Regular and casual bookings are available at very reasonable rates from the Wetlands Adminstration Officer. Educational excursions are available to school groups of all ages. An annual school event to celebrate World Environment Day is held in partnership with our members, along with the City of Cockburn and Native ARC. ‘Get Wild About Wetlands’, a family school holiday initiative, delivers eco walks, talks and night stalks for the community. The program is delivered in partnership with the City of Cockburn. The Centre holds the annual WA Wetland Management Conference to mark the occasion of World Wetlands Day. It provides an opportunity for the exchange of information and ideas between wetland practitioners. Rehabilitation works occur in the Bibra, North and South Lake reserves of the Beeliar Regional Park. The Centre has established a wetland and dryland seed production area for future sustainable seed supplies. Volunteers grow approximately 10,000 seedlings per annum from locally provenanced seed in the Centre’s nursery. A landcare demonstration trail has been developed in the Bibra Lake Reserve. Tours of the trail are available by arrangement. If you would like to assist our work in informing and educating people about the Beeliar Wetlands you would be most welcome to join us. Voluntary assistance is always needed to help with displays, information to visitors, landcare and maintenance of the Centre.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT: Cockburn Wetlands Education Centre

184 Hope Road, Bibra Lake WA 6163 Phone/Fax: (08) 9417 8460

Web: http://www.cockburnwetlands.org.au E-mail: community@cockburnwetlands.org.au

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2.55 pm - 4.00 pm WORKSHOP SESSION 2 cont’d.

Room 4 (Meet at the gazebo)

Community approach to wetland seed propagation Staff and volunteers

Cockburn Wetlands Education Centre Inc E community@cockburnwetlands.org.au

The staff and volunteers at the Cockburn Wetlands Education Centre operate a small-scale nursery for the annual propagation of 10,000 local native plants for rehabilitation projects in the Beeliar Regional Park. This workshop will introduce practical tips for timing, hygiene, seed dormancy, sowing, watering, fertilisers, transplanting and pests and diseases with a focus on wetland plants. The session will include a hands-on session in the Centre’s on-site nursery where you will learn how to propagate/grow native wetland plants from seed for rehabilitation projects. Detailed information is continually updated in the Centre’s nursery manual which includes germination/potting mix recipes, seed collecting times, techniques and more. The information has been collated from the experiences of Volunteer Nursery Manager, Norman Godfrey.

4.00 pm - Post-conference drinks & nibblies

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2.55 pm - 4.00 pm WORKSHOP SESSION 2 cont’d.

Room 3 Designing for the future. Rehabilitation & conservation.

A volunteer’s experience & reflective deliberation Gavin Waugh

Volunteer T 0409 295 781, E gavinbwaugh@bigpond.com

Reflections from the personal experiences of Gavin Waugh among; The Friends of Bull Creek Catchment (FoBCC) City of Melville (CoM), South East Regional Centre for Urban Landcare (SERCUL), National Resource Management (NRM), APACE, Men of the Trees (MotT), Cockburn Wetlands Education Centre Inc including reference knowledge attained through other research investigations and contemplations. As with all management matters, the understanding and clear identification of a designed outcome is of utmost importance toward the most efficient and sustainable result being achieved. This presentation will promote encouragement and inclusion of volunteers in knowledge and management development skills for outcome design, ahead of simplistic managing of volunteers. Successes and corrective techniques will be shown against tribulation and mistakes, experienced along the road to arriving at the epiphanic realisation that habitat knowledge has been a significant missing link in sustainable environmental management planning. The enthusiasm and interest of volunteers has provided a vehicle through which professional experience and knowledge has been served into our community. And conversely it is an ability to tap into that resource of professional experience and knowledge which is important for the mustering and expansion of volunteer commitment and community support. The presentation will elaborate the above through the following subject areas; (in no particular order)

• Outcome design of Environmental Rehabilitation for Ecosystems; ◦ Microhabitat variety

▪ abiotic and biotic composition ▪ ecological processes

◦ Plants & Monoculture Impacts ◦ Encouraging Animals & Insects

• Symbioses & Intimate Habitats for Target Species • Systematic and Strategic Planning (content) • Weed; Understanding, Significance and Removal Strategies • Resource & Resource Management • Knowledge, Knowledge Management and its Accessibility • Public value and promotion against economic competition

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OPENING

9.00 am Opening remarks Denise Crosbie Wetlands Officer

Cockburn Wetlands Education Centre Inc

9.05 am Welcome to country

Reverend Sealin Garlett

Reverend Sealin Garlett, is a Noongar man from the South-West of Western Australia. He was born in the wheat belt town of Bruce Rock, 270km to the east of Perth. Reverend Garlett is an ordained minister of the Uniting Church in Australia and his parish is in Coobellup. Sealin’s ministry has always included his passion for reconciliation. He has worked tirelessly to promote the journey of our individual cultures. He is currently Chairperson for Uniting Aboriginal & Islander Christian Congress in Western Australia.

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Chairperson: Linda Metz, City of Cockburn

KEYNOTE SESSION 1

9.15 am Ramsar speaker

Water, Wetlands and Urban Development Brett Dunn

Program Manager - Urban Water Management Department of Water, PO Box 332, MANDURAH WA 6210

E brett.dunn@water.wa.gov.au

Brett is from the Department of Water’s Peel Region, and manages their Urban Water Management program. Brett’s presentation is focussed on how wetlands and urban water are considered through the state planning process and how wetlands can be integrated into urban areas for environmental and community benefit.

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2.55 pm - 4.00 pm WORKSHOP SESSION 2

Room 2 Ecologically and economically sound management

and restoration of wetlands and riverways  Judy Fisher PhD {repeat session}

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2.55 pm - 4.00 pm WORKSHOP SESSION 2

Room 1 Hot bodies, hot nights – watching bats in thermal flight

Joe Tonga Director, Natsync Environmental

T 0418 918 367

Technology has advanced to the stage where it has become cheaper to manufacture thermal units to just within realms of civilian market. The base models may not be as good as the military type but it certainly does the job. It is a real eye opener. Observing the bats (and other nocturnal animals) without any interruption to their natural behaviour is brilliant. When the bat boxes are occupied with many bats, they emit a soft glow. The bats dart around like fireflies. The thermal can penetrate vegetation to a certain depth depending on certain environmental factors. Watch the demonstration and see what is now possible.

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PLENARY PRESENTATIONS - SESSION 1

9.50 am Valuation and using that in decision-making for wetlands

Dr Paul Hardisty Director, CSIRO Land and Water Flagship, GPO Box 1666 Canberra ACT 2601

c/- T +61 26246 4572, E Sally.Wilson@csiro.au

Dr Paul Hardisty is the Director of the CSIRO Land and Water Flagship, a national research partnership which provides the science to underpin Australia’s economic, social and environmental prosperity through the stewardship of land and water resources, ecosystems, and urban areas. Previously, Paul was Director of CSIRO’s Climate Adaptation Flagship which provided practical and effective adaptation options to climate change and variability. He has more than 20 years experience in the environmental and sustainability fields, with recognised global expertise in the resources and industrial sectors and advising corporations and governments. Prior to joining CSIRO Paul was the Global Director of EcoNomicsTM and Sustainability at the international engineering services company WorleyParsons. Paul holds a PhD in Environmental Engineering from Imperial College, University of London, and has been a visiting Professor in Environmental Engineering at the College since 1999. He is an Adjunct Professor at the University of Western Australia School of Business, where he teaches sustainability and climate change to MBA students. Paul has a strong scientific publication record and has published two books, most recently, Environmental and Economic Sustainability. He lives in Perth with his wife and two sons, and for fun competes in Ironman triathlons.

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ORAL POSTER PRESENTATIONS - SESSION 1

10.15 am Better management of Ramsar wetlands in Perth

Belinda O’Brien Coordinator, Environment Program

Perth Region NRM, 80 Great Northern Highway, Middle Swan WA 6056 T 08 9374 3325, E Belinda.obrien@perthregionnrm.com

In 2014 Perth Region NRM reviewed the management plans of three wetlands, Forrestdale Lake, Thomson’s Lake and Becher Point wetlands. These wetlands are declared as having international importance under the Ramsar convention as they provide refuge for international migratory waterbirds. The purpose was to review the current management of these wetlands to determine if there were gaps that need to be addressed to better manage these wetlands. The results of the review have shown the ecological character of these wetlands is not being met under the current management regime and there were large gaps between written management strategies and on-ground implementation of the strategies. Ramsar listed wetlands are assigned limits of acceptable change and these limits apply to the ecological characteristics of the wetlands. They are critical in determining if a wetland is functioning in such as way as to sustain its ecological characteristics. The limits of acceptable change were reviewed for Forrestdale Lake and Thomson’s Lake and in both cases was not being met. The significance of this study has identified that we are not meeting our international obligations in terms of the current management of these wetlands. Management plans are the critical tool used to manage wetlands in and around Perth. However, they must be resourced to ensure the on-going protection and maintenance of ecological character of our precious wetland habitats. We hope this review can be used to open the door for further discussion and lead to better management of wetlands in the metropolitan region.

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1.30 pm - 2.40 pm WORKSHOP SESSION 1 cont’d.

Site tour (meet at the gazebo)

From wetland weeds to a wetland SPA!  Denise Crosbie Wetlands Officer

Cockburn Wetland Education Centre Inc 184 hope Road, Bibra Lake WA 6163 

T 08 9417 8460, E denise@cockburnwetlands.org.au

The wetland vegetation community at Bibra Lake has suffered from past land clearing practices and subsequent invasion by weeds. Since 2003 the Cockburn Wetlands Education Centre, with support from the City of Cockburn, has undertaken a variety of trials to develop practical techniques for re-establishing the wetland vegetation communities. The project aimed to create reasonably self-sustaining vegetation communities that would also function as a wetland seed production area (wet SPA) to supply locally provenanced seed for annual revegetation projects. The site visit will pass through an annual sequence of works dating back to 2003 and examine the practical techniques used including seed collection and propagation, initial site preparation, revegetation and maintenance. Photomonitoring records will demonstrate the changes over time. A highlight of the visit will be the new Narma Kullarck floating boardwalk. Please bring a hat, water bottle and wear enclosed shoes. (Please note: some delegates may have participated in this site visit during previous conferences. The visit is primarily aimed at new attendees as there is insufficient time to visit alternative sites during the conference).

2.40 pm - Afternoon tea

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1.30 pm - 2.40 pm WORKSHOP SESSION 1 cont’d.

Room 3 Diatoms in our wetlands: a vital tool for assessment of present and past

environmental changes and community engagement A/Professor Jacob John

Adjunct Professor and Research Associate Curtin University and Department of Parks and Wildlife

Department of Environment and Agriculture, Curtin University GPO Box U1987 Perth WA .Australia 6845

or Diatom section, State Herbarium, Department of Parks and Wildlife

17 Dick Perry Ave, Kensington WA 6151 E Jacob.John@DPaW.wa.gov.au or j.john@curtin.edu.au

Recent reports by CSIRO and BOM (Bureau of Meteorology) confirm the severe decline in rainfall in South west of Western Australia and South Australia. The impact of climate change has been well reflected in the decrease in surface water as well as the underground water resources in all the aquatic systems of Western Australia. . Acidification, eutrophication, and salinization are some of the major visible climate change. Extensive investigations on water quality and algae conducted on urban streams, river systems in the south west, mining pit wetlands at Capel, Lake Clifton, and Perth wetlands within the last 25 years are analysed in this presentation to illustrate the adverse effects of Climate change. An abiding theme in these studies are the use of Diatoms as the most effective tools for assessing environmental changes in the aquatic systems. The uniqueness of diatoms is their ability to reflect changes not only in the present but also the past. Palaeoecological studies conducted in North lake going back to 40 000 years add to the value of diatoms in assessing climatic changes. Diatoms are very attractive microscopic algae that capture the interest of students and public and are increasingly used to kindle an interest in exploring the microscopic world underlying the intricate food web in our wetlands and to enhance public engagement in scientific discoveries. As sea level rises, the biodiversity of diatoms in our coastal fresh water wetlands decline. Diatom monitoring can be incorporated as part of a management strategy for the assessment of restoration measures and diagnostic tools. Several examples of practical monitoring programs conducted in Western Australia and published globally are presented in the paper.

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10.19 am Healthy Wetland Habitats

Adam Turnbull Environmental Officer

Department of Parks and Wildlife, Locked bag 104, Bentley Delivery Centre WA 6983 T 08 9219 8788, E adam.turnbull@dpaw.wa.gov.au

Healthy Wetland Habitats is a voluntary program giving technical and financial support to landholders who care for wetlands. The program is an initiative of the Western Australian Government and administered by the Department of Parks and Wildlife (DPAW). The focus of Healthy Wetland Habitats is to help private landholders develop a wetland management plan to protect and care for their wetlands. The purpose of the management plan is to identify priority management actions, such as fencing, revegetation and weed control, which will ensure the wetland’s values are maintained and enhanced for future generations. Once a management plan is prepared, landholders can access funding of up to $10,000, borrow equipment and seek ongoing advice to carry out priority management actions identified in the management plan. If there is an existing management plan, landholders may also be eligible for funding assistance. Any private landholder whose property contains a wetland on the Swan Coastal Plain, and who would like to better manage his or her wetland to ensure its long-term conservation, can apply.

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10.23 am Review of the Ramsar Convention

and ecological character trends in WA’s Ramsar wetlands *Michael Jay Williams1, Associate Professor John Bailey2 and Noraisha Oyama, PhD3

Murdoch University 1T 0447 375 842, E mjwilliams@iinet.net.au

2T 08 9360 2375, T J.Bailey@murdoch.edu.au 3E N.Oyama@murdoch.edu.au

As a signatory to the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance, especially as Waterfowl Habitat (Ramsar Convention), Australia is required to designate selected wetlands as Ramsar wetlands and maintain the ecological character of each site. Ramsar wetlands in Australia are listed as matters of national environmental significance under the federal Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (these wetlands are nevertheless largely managed by the states/territories). The ecological character (or ecosystem health) of each Ramsar wetland is reported to the Secretariat of the Ramsar Convention through the Ramsar Information Sheets and Ecological Character Description reports. Any major changes to the ecological character must be reported to the national and international bodies of the Ramsar Convention. This may result in the wetland being placed on the Montreux Record of sites in ecological danger. In 2006, the State Office of the Auditor General) found that some of the Ramsar sites in Western Australia were not adequately managed thereby putting their ecological values at risk. This paper reports upon a review of changes to the ecological character and ecosystem processes in the twelve WA Ramsar wetlands and the influence of tenure, purpose and management on these descriptors.

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1.30 pm - 2.40 pm WORKSHOP SESSION 1 cont’d.

Room 2 Ecologically and economically sound management

and restoration of wetlands and riverways  Judy Fisher PhD

IUCN/CEM Theme Leader; IUCN Commission on Ecosystem Management (CEM) Ecosystems & Invasive Species; Research Associate;

Western Australian Museum; Research Director, Senior Ecologist, Fisher Research Pty Ltd

PO Box 169 Floreat, Perth T +61407984091, E ecologist@westnet.com.au

Without well managed and effective restoration of degraded wetlands the health of wetlands cannot be maintained particularly during periods of rapid change. We will spend a short time explaining the IUCN/CEM Thematic Group Ecosystems and Invasive Species Overarching Goal and approach which is to develop: An effective Ecosystem Approach to adaptive invasive species legislation, governance, policy, management and restoration, which develops functioning and resilient ecosystems, that enhances biodiversity, its services, human well-being, health, livelihoods and food security, incorporating indigenous and local communities. This Approach is now being developed in Europe, the Pacific, Asia, many Island States and a growing number of places around the Globe. The brief introduction will be followed by interactive discussions and direction setting around implementing and measuring the ecological and economic effectiveness of on ground restoration and management projects utilising this approach. The aim of the workshop will be to provide direction to develop management and restoration projects which will be ecologically and economically effective while demonstrating to managers and other funders that ongoing investments in these projects is justified and beneficial to their constituents.

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CONCURRENT WORKSHOP SESSIONS Delegates can attend a maximum of two workshops during the concurrent sessions. Please check which workshops you have been allocated to (see printouts on doors and windows). Late registrations and speakers may not have not been allocated a workshop. Please attend a session that is not marked ‘full’. 

1.30 pm - 2.40 pm

WORKSHOP SESSION 1 Room 1

Feral animal control in the City of Cockburn Adam Harris

Environmental Officer City of Cockburn, 9 Coleville Crescent, Spearwood WA 6163

T 08 9411 3444, E aharris@cockburn.wa.gov.au

The City of Cockburn has been undertaking feral animal control program for several years including monitoring the outcomes of the program. This workshop will present two case studies outlining cross agency and community approaches to managing feral animals. Budget information and monitoring results will be presented along with communication strategies to enable participants to develop their own program highlighting some of the challenges.

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10.27 am Home River Ocean

*Sarah Molloy1, Dr Emily Hugues Dit Ciles2 and Peta Kelsey3 1Community Engagement Facilitator

South West Catchments Council (SWCC), PO Box 5066, Bunbury WA 6230 T: 08 9781 3112, E sarah.molloy@swccnrm.org.au

2South West Catchments Council 3Department of Water

The Home River Ocean (HRO) urban nutrient behaviour change program is aimed at reducing the amount of nutrients entering South West wetlands and coastal waterways from urban development. The first campaign, ‘Save the Crabs, Then eat Them’, encourages urban residents and professional gardeners not to fertilise lawns and gardens in winter. The campaign uses humour and the iconic Blue Swimmer Crab to highlight the impact nutrient runoff can have on wetlands, estuaries and the marine environment. This broad-reaching advertising campaign uses television, newspaper, radio, online and printed material. The use of fertilisers in urban areas is an increasing nutrient pollution source to waterways and the ocean. Currently in the Peel, urban development occupies only 6% of land use and yet it contributes nearly 20% of phosphorus entering the Peel-Harvey Estuary 9 (EPA, 2008). A comprehensive evaluation of HRO’s first campaign is currently underway (with preliminary results to be released before the World Wetlands Day Conference). The Urban Nutrient Survey (Kelsey, 2010) of households in Western Australia found that that 11 to 13% (by type) of household garden nutrient inputs (by weight) occur in winter. This figure is verified in formative research commissioned by SWCC in Meadow Springs, Mandurah (Beckwith Environmental, 2011). This behaviour contributes 10% of the urban nutrient load to waterways. Therefore by addressing winter fertilising, this campaign has the potential to reduce nutrient export to South West coastal waterways by over 10 tonnes per annum. The presentation will provide an overview of the Home River Ocean winter campaign, the approach used, preliminary impact, as well as present the tools developed (TV advertisements) to the audience. This project is suitable for a poster, concurrent presentation and potentially a workshop session, however there will be limited interaction with the audience due to the nature of the presentation. Home River Ocean is an initiative from South West Catchments Council supported by GeoCatch, Peel-Harvey Catchment Council, Department of Fisheries, Department of Water, Water Corporation, Swan River Trust and Murdoch University. The program is funded by the Australian Government and Government of Western Australia.

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10.31 am Managing Western Australia’s Historic Lowlands Reserve

Megan Rowland Assistant Operations Officer

Swan Coastal District, Department of Parks and Wildlife, PO Box 1266, Mandurah WA 6210 T 0412 782 351, E megan.rowland@dpaw.wa.gov.au

Managed by the Richardson family for over 150 years, Lowlands has recently come under management of the West Australian Department of Parks and Wildlife. It is the only large remnant area of its type remaining on the Swan Coastal Plain between Perth to Bunbury; 1,310Ha of intact ecosystems including remnant bushlands and Serpentine River system. Lowlands is now proposed as a Class A nature reserve and is the focus of a major conservation initiative. The intact riverine ecological system of Lowlands provides spawning grounds for endangered and priority aquatic species; several conservation category wetlands such as Hymus Swamp; populations of threatened flora and fauna. It also has a significant area of remnant mature Banksia woodland. Lowlands is the only remaining place where these species are still found together on the Swan Coastal Plain. Despite the above, there are some major threats to Lowlands including, dieback (Phytophthora); altered hydrological regime on the riverine system; introduced species plus the potential impacts of wildfire. Other potential impacts are from surrounding land uses and lack of connectivity to other bushland. Lowlands has been included in the Peel Harvey Catchment Council project ‘Rivers to Ramsar: Connecting River Corridors for Landscape Resilience’ through funding from the Australian Government. With support from partners, the Department of Parks and Wildlife are implementing control measures as well as restoring areas of bushland and aquatic habitat to ensure the reserves values remain intact. The project will reconnect corridors to increase refuge, breeding and food sources for native fauna (both terrestrial and aquatic) that traverse the landscape.

10.35 am - 11.20 am MORNING TEA

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NOTES PAGE

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12.26 pm The challenge of protecting Perth’s wetlands

*Andrew Paton, Ben Drew, Mike Hammond, Trudy Evans & Emily Harrington A/Section Manager – Environmental Water Planning

Department of Water T 08 6364 6830, E Andrew.Paton@water.wa.gov.au*

Perth is fortunate enough to have a large groundwater system, covering an area of over 2200km2 and made up of three aquifers, to supplement its water supply. The Gnangara and Jandakot ‘mounds’ are groundwater systems that form part of the Perth groundwater basin and supply about 80 per cent of Perth’s water. As well as the urban water needs of a capital city, these groundwater systems also support national and internationally significant groundwater dependent ecosystems such as over 600 wetlands. These groundwater systems are vital in supporting flora and fauna as the area receives very little rainfall over the summer and winter rainfall is declining. Average groundwater levels are lower than ever before (Figure 1), and the majority of these wetlands are in critical condition. With Perth growing so rapidly and demand for water increasing, the Gnangara and Jandakot groundwater systems are shifting out of balance. The Department of Water manages groundwater abstraction from these systems. This management is underpinned by some excellent science and long term data sets, but even with this, the complexity of the groundwater-surface water interactions, climate change and the demands for water for a growing city, present some significant challenges. This paper will highlight the DoW’s practical approach to water planning and management to achieve environmental objectives for these systems. It will show that adaptive management built on long term monitoring and contemporary science is critical to managing complex groundwater systems under multiple pressures, and will highlight the important role of delivering climate resilient water to meet demand.

Figure 1. Average relative groundwater level change across the Gnangara groundwater system compared to the average highest recorded groundwater level.

12.30 pm - 1.30 pm LUNCH

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Chairperson: Adam Turnbull, Department of Parks and Wildlife

PLENARY PRESENTATIONS - SESSION 2

11.20 am Propagating future landcarers

Karen Warner Natural Resource Management Coordinator

Eastern Metropolitan Regional Council (EMRC) E karen.warner@emrc.org.au

The Eastern Metropolitan Regional Council (EMRC) is a progressive and innovative regional local government working on behalf of six member Councils - Town of Bassendean, City of Bayswater, City of Belmont, Shire of Kalamunda, Shire of Mundaring and City of Swan. EMRC is committed to addressing environmental issues and supporting positive environmental action through a number of projects and programs. EMRC’s Eastern Hills Catchment Management Program is one such program that is engaging youth in bush skills activities through the Bush Skills for Youth project and environment projects through the Australian Government’s Green Army program. Both these projects will introduce/build on, the experience young people have with nature. The aim is to foster a connection with the natural environment, bring about behaviour change and respect for and appreciation of the natural assets of Australia and in doing so, develop our future land carers and future stewards of the environment. The success of the EMRC’s existing Bush Skills for the Hills program is sure to be replicated with this new project. The importance of Bush Skills for Youth is supported by research that suggests children are spending less time outside and therefore have less contact with nature, causing 'Nature Deficit Disorder' - a term coined by Richard Louve in his book Last Child in the Woods. It could be suggested that as a result of this lack of outdoor play, there is a declining sense of moral responsibility towards the environment. The Green Army program will consist of 3 teams of 9 young people age 17-24, who will work on projects such as river restoration along the Swan River, weed management, planting, building bird boxes and disease management of native trees. The projects will give young people the opportunity to deliver positive environmental outcomes, gain training and experience in environmental conservation and explore careers in conservation management. They will also provide much needed support to community groups, landcare groups and local governments to implement local and regional environmental projects.

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NOTES PAGE

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12.22 pm Understanding and mitigating the influence of historical managerial decisions

on the fauna of the Vasse-Wonnerup *Dr James Tweedley1, Stephen Beatty1, James Keleher1, & Kath Lynch2

1Centre for Fish and Fisheries Research, School of Veterinary and Life Science, Murdoch University,

90 South Street, Perth, WA, 6150 T 08 9239 8808, E j.tweedley@murdoch.edu.au

2Department of Water, Busselton

Temperate wetlands and estuaries are widely regarded as the most degraded of all aquatic ecosystems, largely due to their exposure to a range of deleterious anthropogenic influences. In the case of the Vasse-Wonnerup Wetland System (VWWS) near Busselton, such impacts have included, land clearing for agriculture and associated severe eutrophication, the diversion of river flow and the construction of barriers (floodgates) to prevent the intrusion of saltwater into the wetland. Although the prevention of flooding and maintenance of surrounding pastoral land has been achieved, the VWWS has also suffered from numerous fish kill events and algal blooms. Current managers are thus faced with the problem of managing the legacy of historical management decisions, while also being under community and political pressure to introduce additional (but non-compromising) measures to reduce the frequency and severity of fish kills and algal blooms. This presentation details the anthropogenic changes that have occurred in the VWWS over the last 200 years and describe the resultant changes in environmental conditions, particularly salinity. The implications of these changes are then explored by comparing the fish and macroinvertebrate communities within different parts of the wetland in different seasons and also to those fauna recorded in other local systems. These analyses show that while the invertebrate fauna comprises wetland/freshwater species, the fish fauna of the VWWS is typical for an estuary. The compositions of both faunas undergo marked seasonal and regional changes in response to changes in salinity. The preliminary results of an acoustic tracking study demonstrate that, by understanding the movements of selected fish throughout the VWWS, management strategies could be refined to mitigate the effects of poor water quality and prevent or reduce the severity of fish kills.

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12.18 pm Re-Imagining Perth’s Lost Wetlands

*Dr Nandi Chinna1

Independent Researcher, Poet Edith Cowan University 

1E chinnanandi@hotmail.com or a.saraswati@ecu.edu.au

Jeff Murray, Associate Professor Rod Giblett, Landgate, City of Perth, Dr John Ryan, Dr Chris Kueh, Dr Danielle Brady

 

Have you ever wondered what Perth was like before it was a city? Re-Imagining Perth’s Lost Wetlands tells the story of Perth’s swampy past. Re-Imagining Perth’s Lost Wetlands is a joint project between Edith Cowan University (ECU), City of Perth, and Landgate, which aims to raise awareness of the cultural and environmental importance of Perth’s wetlands. Some of the city’s most iconic buildings, including the Perth Railway Station, have been built over swamps that previously stretched from Lake Monger to Claise Brook. The exhibition features three-dimensional digital modelling of Perth’s lost wetlands prior to 1827 in the Claise Brook catchment from Herdsman Lake to the Swan River. The three-dimensional models on display are based on Nyoongar history, archival maps, geological soil mapping, vegetation complex mapping, artistic impressions and botanists’ early settler accounts of flora. This exhibition provides a valuable setting to showcase the rich cultural history and environmental significance of these areas to the wider community.

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11.45 am What, Where, Why: understanding Western Australia's aquatic biodiversity

Adrian Pinder Principal Research Scientist

Program Leader, Wetlands Conservation Program, Science and Conservation Division Department of Parks and Wildlife, Locked Bag 104, Bentley Delivery Centre, WA 6983

T 08 9219 9868, E adrian.pinder@dpaw.wa.gov.au

Planning for the conservation of biodiversity is likely to be much more effective where we know what biodiversity we are trying to protect (how many species, what kinds), how significant it is (endemicity, phylogenetic lineages) how it is distributed (rare, restricted, common) and what factors govern that distribution (so we can make predictions and understand threats). Twenty years ago we had very little understanding of the diversity and distributions of Western Australia’s aquatic invertebrate diversity, hampering our ability to design effective conservation programs. As a result of numerous small and large scale surveys and monitoring programs the situation is now much improved (though there are still large gaps) and this data is being put to a variety of uses.

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ORAL POSTER PRESENTATIONS - SESSION 2

12.10 pm

Lake Mealup on the road to recovery and beyond *Heidi Bucktin

Project Officer - NRM Department of Parks and Wildlife, PO Box 1266, Mandurah WA 6210

T 0448 700 501, E Heidi.bucktin@dpaw.wa.gov.au Peter Wilmot ,Lake Mealup Preservation Society,

Peel Harvey Catchment Council & Department of Water

Lake Mealup forms part of the Peel-Yalgorup wetland system on the Swan Coastal Plain in South Western Australia and is recognised under the Ramsar Convention as internationally important for migratory waterbirds. Declining rainfall since the 1970s and modified drainage has led to the lake drying out. The reduced water levels have also allowed the spread of the invasive bulrush, Typha orientalis. Exposure of the sediments has caused extreme acidification and loss of habitat for waterbirds. In response, a collaborative effort has started to restore the Lake and protect the future of the Lakes ecological values. The Lake Mealup Recovery Program was developed to respond to this decline. The program’s greatest asset has been its involvement and its range of stakeholders. It follows an adaptive management approach which identifies targets for ecological health and monitoring triggers for management action. The key component of the recovery program is the diversion weir which allows controlled diversion of flow from the Mealup Main Drain into Lake Mealup to maintain water levels and reduce acidification. Diversion of drainage water into the Lake in combination with a program of mechanical and chemical control of typha have resulted in a significant improvement in water quality and almost complete elimination of typha. Since then, the abundance of water birds has increased from less than 100 before the recovery program to over 2,000 birds with 43 species recorded, including trans-equatorial migrants. The Recovery Program has been a demonstration of successful cooperation between a range of groups working together under an adaptive management framework to achieve positive outcomes for a significant and important wetland. The future is looking good if we continue to optimise operation of the diversion weir, and maintain monitoring to determine the optimal water level regime to maximise the ecological values of the lake.

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12.14 pm

Experiential learning fosters change *Kim Benjamin1, *Heather Pearson2 and Mary-Ann Oliver3

1Lecturer Applied Sciences Challenger Institute of Technology, Murdoch Campus

T 0405 337 897, E kim.benjamin@challenger.wa.edu.au 2,3Friends of Booragoon and Blue Gum Lakes

2T 0412 047 025, E heja13@bigpond.com

Vocational Education students studying Environmental Monitoring and Technology became passionate about the degraded state of Blue Gum Lake which was used as a case study to teach ecology and field monitoring. As students spent time in the wetland and assessed their data attitudes transformed from ambivalence to a sense of ownership and concern. The wetland was then used to teach environmental management. Under my guidance students develop management action plans, which have been implemented and revised since 2012. These plans are submitted to council and with council permission students monitor, weed and revegetate the reserve, as well as engaging in public awareness campaigns. Education brochures have been developed in direct response to public surveys and with council approval distributed to 500 households in 2012 and 2013, and displayed on bulletin boards. Students have also worked with the local primary school and scouting groups to raise public awareness. As lecturer I take on the role of coordinator as each student group works on a different project and in different parts of the reserve. It is critical to the projects success that student teams work cooperatively to deliver agreed outcomes on time and produce technical reports that make recommendations so future students can continue the work and supply information to various stakeholders. The success of the project has been rewarded with small NRM grants including a $1500 grant to run a wetlands awareness day that was run in conjunction with the local ‘Friends’ group and administered by the City of Melville. Students gave up their Sunday morning to lead guided nature walks, wetland weed identity activities and macro-invertebrate displays that compared the diversity of healthy and degraded wetlands. The event was well attended and 8 people joined the Friends group. This once neglected wetland is undergoing rehabilitation work by Council, SERCUL, volunteer groups and my students.