Library

Publications held by PPG

List last updated April 2006 - Please note that many of these journals and reports are old and could be regarded as out of date. We include them here as (ARCH) i.e. archival material, which is not to suggest that they have no relevance today.

The latest acquisitions are labelled as (NEW) and the date of publication is included where possible.

(*) indicates a publication which could be especially useful for studies of the Peel Region.

(L H) denotes a publications left to PPG by the late Len Howard

• Canals
• Chemical
• Development
• Environmental Rules Etc
• Flora/Fauna
• General Environment
• Legal
• Roads and Pathways
• Structure Plans Etc
• Water Usage
• Waterways

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Canals

Conservation Reserve Environmental Management Program - Mariners Cove (NEW) Prepared For: Cedar Woods Properties Ltd - By Bowman, Bishaw and Gorham Perth, W A Report No: R97123, January, 1999.

Mandurah Quay Consultative Environmental Review by LeProvost, Environmental Consultants 13 August 1990 (Report No.R294) to Forx Pty Ltd

Performance Compliance Report Mariners Cove Stage 1A (NEW) Preconstruction prepared for Cedar Woods Properties Ltd by Bowman Bishaw Gorham Report No.:R97123 January 1999

Public Environmental Review Port Mandurah Canal Estate Stage 2Prepared by Bowman Bishaw Gorham April 1995 for Esplanade (Mandurah) Pty Ltd C/- Cedar Woods Propeties Limited

Recommendations for the Development of Canal Estates (ARCH) Steering committee of Canal Developments 12 March 1981

Chemical

The management of low level radioactive Gangue residue at the Mt Walton East Intractable Waste Disposal Facility, Western Australia (ARCH) Environmental Management Programme Report and Conclusion of the Environmental Protection Authority. Bulletin 811 April 1996

Pollutants and Toxicology. Study Guide and Course Materials - Murdoch Uniuversity. School of Environmental and Biological Sciences 1992(ARCH)

Rare Earth Project, 4 km south of Alcoa Alumina Refinery an d next to Gallium Plant, PinjarraRhone-Poulenc Chimie, Australia Pty Ltd. - Report of the Environmental Protection Authority, Perth, W A - Bulletin 810 April 1996 see separate document for appendices to this report.

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Development

Community Projects '01-'02. Natural Heritage Trust. A Commonwealth Government Initiative

Peel Development Commission Annual Report 1998/99 (NEW) Peel Development Commission, 45 Mandurah Terrace, MANDURAH W A 6210 (1 of 4)

Peel Economic Perspective- An Update on the Economy of Western Australia's Peel Region Peel Development Commission 45 Mandurah Terrace, MANDURAH W A 6210 March 1999. Prepared by the Department of Commerce and Trade and the Peel Development Commission (1 of 4)

Peel Geographic Perspective Building the Partnership for the Future (NEW) Peel Development Commission 45 Mandurah Terrace, MANDURAH W A 6210 April 1999 (1 of 4)

Peel Report - Living in the Region (NEW) Peel Development Commission 45 Mandurah Terrace, MANDURAH W A 6210 (1 of 4)

Peel People and Population. A Portrait of Western Australia's Peel Region Dept of Trade and Commerce and Peel Development Commission Aug 1996 (Arch.)

Peel Region Sea to Scarp. Peel Development Commission 1993 (ARCH)

Peel Region Sea to Scarp. Peel Development Commission 1993 (ARCH)

Peel Sustainable Development Plan 2020 - A discussion papaper - for public comment (NEW) Prepared by the Peel Development Commission September 2002

Point Grey Development Project Environmental Review and Management Programme (ARCH) Produced by Dames and Moore for Mallina Holdings Limited July 1987

Proposed Urban Development Amarillo Farm, Karnup Homeswest Public Environmental Review Part 1 (Main document) June 1996

Residential development and drainage, Amarillo Farm, Karnup Homeswest Report and recommendation of the Environmental Protection Authority, E.P.A., Perth, Western Australia. Bulletin 862 June 1997

Shire of Murray Town Planning Scheme No. 4 Amendment No. 1 04 (Point Grey)

Shire of Murray Town Planning Scheme No. 4 Amendment No. 1 08 (Lot 3 Fiegert Road, Barragup) Environmental Review 24 September 1997

Shire of Murray Town Planning Scheme No. 4 Amendment No. 1 08 Report and Recommendations of the Environmental Protection Authority Environmental Protection authority, Perth, W A Bulletin 890 May 1997

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Environmental Rules Etc

Department of Environmental Protection - Annual Report 1998/99 (NEW) Department of Environmental Protection, Westralia Square, Level 8, 141 St George's Tce, PERTH, W A 6000

Directory of Conservation and Environment Groups in Western Australia (ARCH) Compiled by Clare B McGrath for Conservation Council of Western Australia (Inc) October 1986

Environmental Technology for Sustainable Development. Study Guide and Course Materials School of Biological and Environmental Sciences 199( Environmental Weed Strategy for Western Australia (NEW) Department of Conservation and Land Management-W A 3rd May, 1999

Fire Management Planning for Urban Bushland. A Guide for Landowners, Fire Officers and Bushland `Friends' Groups.(NEW)Fire and Emergency Service Authority of W A, 2000

Green Office Guide: A guide to help you buy and use environmentally friendly office equipment.(NEW) Commonwealth Government 2001 - A joint initiative of Commonwealth, State and Territory governments agencies.

Land Management. Course READER VOL.1 Murdoch University School of Biological and Environmental Sciences 1992 (ARCH)

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Flora/Fauna

The Birds of Lake McLarty (NEW)- Tony Kirkby, Marcus Singor and OTHERS(self published)

The Birds of the Mandurah District, Western Australia - Robert Stranger. Printed by Fineline Print and Copy Service,Western Australia, May 2003

Direct Seeding of Trees and Shrubs. Greening Western Australia in Association with Western Australian Department of Agriculture

Field Planting of Trees and Shrubs. A Guide for Landowners and Developers in the Shires of Serpentine Jarrahdale and Murray.By Warren Mortlock, Peter Grime, Keith Bradby and Neil Ovens. Community Catchment Centre, Pinjarra. September 1993 (ARCH)>

A Flora and Vegetation Survey of the Coast of the City of Mandurah By Trudgen, Malcolm Consultant Botanist. Published by Department of Planning and Urban Development, Albert Facey House, 469 Wellington St, Perth, W A

Honey Plants in Western Australia (ARCH) Smith,Francis G. D.Sc.,B.SC. (For), N.D.B. Senior Apiculturist Department of Agriculture of Western Australia Bulletin No.3618 1969

Hooded Plover -Management Plan (2002-2012).Western Australian Bird Notes, Supplement No.7,(NEW) Published by Birds Australia -Western Australia Inc.July 2002.Written and produced by Julie Raines Drawings by Judy Blyth

In My Backyard: Community-based Sustainable Development in Regional Areas (ARCH) Stocker, Laura and Pollard, Lisa Institute for Science and Technology Policy, Murdoch University, W A 1994

Greening Local Plants: A Guide for Vegetation and Biodiversity Management Greening Western Australia, 1118 Hay St, West Perth, W A

The WATERBIRDS OF GOEGRUP AND BLACK LAKES IN THE PEEL INLET REGION Bamford, M.J., Wilcox, J.A. Published bt Peel Preservation Group Inc. MANDURAH, W.A. 6210 August 2001 (NEW!!!!)

Waterbirds of Peel-Harvey Estuary in 1996-1997 Report by J.A.K. Lane, G.B.Pearson and A.G.Clarke - Dept. of Conservation and Land Management Nov. 2002

Waterbirds of Peel-Harvey Estuary in 1998-1999 Report by J.A.K. Lane, G.B.Pearson and A.G.Clarke - Dept of Conservation and Land Management w.a. Nov 2002

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General Environment

Global Spin: The Corporate Assult on Environmentalism Sharon Beder. Published in Australasia 1997 by Scribe Publications Pty Ltd in association with Green Books Ltd, UK

The land is in your hands. A Practical Guide for Owners of Small Rural Landholdings in Western Australia Agriculture Western Australia November 1999

(**)Peel-Harvey Catchment - Natural Resource Atlas (NEW) Weaving, Sarah, Mapping by Batory, Jason. Spacial Resource Information Group, Agriculture Western Australia.[Has lists of the flora and fauna of the area.] January 1999. Sponsored by the Southern Coastal Plain Project of the South-west Sustainable Rural Development Program, Agriculture Western Australia

Peel Inlet and Harvey Estuary Management Strategy. Environment Review and Management Programme - Stage 2 (L.H.) (ARCH)Prepared for Department of Agriculture, Department of Marine and Harbours by Kinhill Engineers Pty Ltd May 1988

Perth's Ground Water and Our Lifestyle. Produced by Groundwater and Environment Branch, Water Authority of Western Australia. December 1993 (ARCH)

A Strategic Plan for PERTH'S GREENWAYS: Final Report Alan Tingay and Associates Dec. 1998 Prepared for: Environment Australia, Ministry of Planning etc. (ARCH)

Strategies for Conservation and Recreation on CALM Lands in Western Australia. The conservation, environmental protection and recreation strategies of W A's Department of Conservation and Land Management. December 1987(ARCH)

Striking the Balance - Highlights in Conservation and Environmental Management in Western Australia 1983-1988 (ARCH)Government of Western Australia 1988

Summary of Public Comments for the Environment Western Australia 1998: State of the Environment Report -July 1998 (NEW)

Dept. of Conservation and Land Management. Western Australia December 1987(ARCH)

A Vision for a Greener City. The Role of Vegetation in Urban Environments The 1994 national Greening Australia Conference - Proceedings (ARCH)

Windows on the Past - Windows on the Future (NEW) 46 Landscapes Classified by the National Trust - Eringa,Karel Pub. Environment

Yalgorup National Park Draft Management Plan 1993 (ARCH) Department of Conservation and Land Management, Perth, Western Australia 1993

Yalgorup National Park Summary and Analysis of Public Submissions Management Plan No.29 (ARCH) Department of Conservation and Land Management, Perth, Western Australia 1994

You are the Earth -David Suzuki and Kathy Vanderlinden. David Suzuki Foundation, Allen and Unwin (NEW)

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Legal

Disappearing Acts: A Guide to Australia's Threatened Species Law.

A National Environmental Defender's Office Network Publication. Produced with Assistance from the Ian Potter Foundation 2000 (NEW)

Environmental Ethics Course reader prepared by Patsy Hallen, School of Social Sciences, Murdoch University. First Semester 1995

Planning for the Environment. WA's Planning Laws and how to improve them.*(NEW) Proceedings of Seminar of Friday, 19 May 2000. Presented by the Environmental Defender's Office

Structure Plans Etc

The Inner Peel Region Structure Plan -Mandurah Pinjarra/Point Grey Ministry for Planning July 1996

The Inner Peel Region Structure Plan Final Report Western Australian Planning Commission - 1997

Metropolitan Region Scheme: Amendments - South West Corridor (ARCH) State Planning Commission - November 1993

Peel-Bunbury Highway Peel Deviation Road Alignment Definition Report Main Roads Western Australia - Ecologia: Environmental Consultants, G.B. Hill Consulting Engineers in ass'n with Paul Holmes and Associates March 1996

Peel Region Scheme. Background Report for Public Comment (NEW) March 1999. Western Australian Planning Commission

Peel Region Scheme. Vol. 1 Report on Submissions : City of Mandurah and the Shires of Murray and Waroona (Provisional) Western Australian Planning Commission September 2000(NEW)

March 1999. Western Australian Planning Commission

Perth-Bunbury Highway Peel Deviation -Public Environmental Review Main Roads Western Australia - Ecologia: Environmental Consultants January 1997

Perth Metropolitan Region Pedestrian Strategy. Discussion Paper. Parts 1 and 2 1999 Dept. of Transport, W A . (NEW)

Perth Walking. The Metropolitan Region. Pedestrian Strategy Department of Transport, W A. (received March, 2000) (NEW)

Roads 2020 Regional Road Development Strategy 1995 (ARCH)

Draft Regional Road Development Strategy South West and Peel Regions Main Roads Western Australia Strategic Road Planning May 1995 Report No. 184P

South West Metropolitan Railway, Perth to Mandurah Commissioner of Railways, Report and Recommendations of the Environmental Protection Authority. The Environmental Protection Authority Perth, W A Bulletin 1102, July 2003

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Water Usage

Stormwater Management Strategy and Plans for Byford and Mundijong Incorporating Water Sensitive Design Principles (ARCH) Prepared for the Water Authority of WA and the Department of Planning and Urban Development By Evangelisti and Associates, Consulting Engineers and Project Managers in association with Landvision, Consultants in Urban and Environmental Planning. November 1994 (ARCH)

Water Conserving Design for Gardens and Open Space (ARCH) Based on a paper presented to the Urban Water Demand Management Conference Institution of Engineers Australia, Australian Water and Wastewater Association, Sydney 30-30 October 1989. Hill, A.L., Nicholson,C.J.. Published by the Water Authority of Western Australia, John Tonkin Water Centre, 629 Newcastle Street, Leederville WA 6007. Report no.WP 89 December 1989

Water Reform in Western Australia. Allocation and Transfer of Rights to Use Water . Proposal for Discussion Waters and Rivers Commission Report WRSI 1997 (ARCH)

Water Sensitive Urban (Residential) Design Guidelines for the Perth Metropolitan Region Schedule of Best Management Practices Prepared for the Department of Planning and Urban Development Water Authority of Western Australia Environmental Protection Authority by Whelans, Consultants in Urban and Regional Planning. Halpern Glick Maunsell, Consulting Engineers and Environmental Scientists in Association with Thompson Palmer, Landscape Architects, Institute for Science and Technology Policy, Murdoch University. April 1993 (ARCH)

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Waterways

A Changing Estuary - The Peel-Harvey Estuary (Before and after the Dawesville Channel) Waters And Rivers Commission 2002-2003 VIDEO

Coastal and lakelands Planning Strategy: WA Planning Commission 1997 (ARCH)

(*)Coastal and Lakelands Planning Strategy:Dawesville -Binningup (FinaL) WA Planning Commission 1999 (NEW)

Dawesville Channel Monitoring Programme Technical Review. Prepared for Waters and Rivers Commission by Lord, D.A. and Associates Pty. Ltd.in conjunction with Environmental Advisory Services, Murdoch University, W A.1992

Directory of Wetlands of International Importance - An Update

Ramsar Convention Bureau

Draft Management Proposal for Wetlands in the City of Mandurah Students of N319: Environmental Management, Environmental Science, Waters and Rivers Commission Report WRT 28 1998

Draft Management Proposal for Wetlands in the Shire of Murray (ARCH) Students of OF N319: Environmental Management, Environmental Science, Murdoch University 1992

Draft Wetlands Policy of the Commonwealth Government of Australia Draft for comment ("No Official Government Status" Jan. 1996) (a) and (b)

A Guide to Wetland Management on the Swan Coastal Plain (ARCH) Edited by Godfrey, Norm, Jennings, Philip, Nichols, Owen. Published by The Wetlands Conservation Society 1992

A Guide to Wetland Management in the Perth and Near Perth Swan Coastal Plain Area

An update to EPA Bulletin 374 Report of the Environmental Protection Authority EPA, Perth, W A Bulletin 686 J Course reader prepared by Patsy Hallen, School of Social Sciences, Murdoch University. First Semester 1995

Information Paper Prepared by Bruce Gall for the Wetlands and Migratory Wildlife Unit of the Australian Nature Conservation Agency and with input from the National Wetlands Advisory Committee

Lake McLarty Nature Reserve: Western Australia (NEW) Bill Rutherford and Josephine Te Puni - Produced by Peel Preservation Group Inc. in partnership with WWF - Australia's Shorebird Conservation Project and funded by the Australian Government's Natural Heritage Trust 2006

Managing and Protecting Western Australia's Most Vital Resource - Houseboats Waters and Rivers Commission - Statewide Policy No.7 June 2001 (NEW)

Murray Basin Surface Water Allocation Study. Overview of Stakeholders Issues. Prepared By Beckwith and Associates For Waters and Rivers Commission April 1999

North Fremantle Stormwater Drainage River Outfall Report. (ARCH) By Flood, Glen October 1994.

*Nutrients in Tributary Inflows to the Peel-Harvey Estuarine System, Western Australia. Status and Trend. (NEW) B N Jakownya. Waters And Rivers Commission Aquatic Branch - Report No WRT 23 2000

(*) The Peel-Harvey Estuarine System Study (1976 - 1980) Technical Report Biology of Molluscs. (ARCH) Wells, F.E., Threlfall, T.J. and Wilson, B.R. West Australian Museum June 1980 The Department of Conservation and Environment Bulletin No.97

(*) The Peel-Harvey Estuarine System Study - a Report by the Estuarine and Marine Advisory Committee For the Environmental Protection Authority March 1981 Department of Conservation and Environment Bulletin No. 88

(**) Pilot study to assess the current and historical extent of the shore erosion in Peel-Harvey Estuary and the lower reaches of Serpentine, Murray and Harvey rivers. (NEW-draft only) Kobryn, Halina T., Glasson, Ron, Segal,Richard, and Hale, Jenny, Murdoch University, School of Environmental Science, South St, MURDOCH, W A 6150 Jan.2000

Protection of Waters from Pollution in Western Australia Waters and Rivers Commission WRP 27 July 1997 (ARCH)

Samphire Marshes of the Peel-Harvey Estuarine System Western Australia Edited by McComb, Prof. A A J, Kobryn, Halina T, Latchford, Jane October 1995 copies a, b and c

Understanding and Reducing Urban Impacts on Waterways in Denmark, Western Australia Project Officer: Syme, Alex; project supervised by Duxbury, Louise for Environment Centre, Denmark, Western Australia. July 1995

And Potential In The Perth Metropolitan Region By The Water Sensitive Urban Design Research Group. February 1990. The Western Australian Water Resources Council.(ARCH)

Waterways Commission Information Pack: Securing the Future Waterways Commission Information Pack: Securing the Future Waterways Conservation Act. 1976 - 1982 And Regulations. Western Australia (L.H.)(ARCH)

Western Australian Wetlands Edited Giblett, Rod and Web, Hugh

Wetlands of the Swan Coastal Plains Vol.1 Their Nature and Management Balta,Shirley with contributions by Lavery,Paul and Froend,Ray

Wetlands of the Swan Coastal Plains Vol.2a Wetland Mapping. Classification and Evaluation, Main Report Hill,A.L. and Semeniuk,C.A.

Wetlands of the Swan Coastal Plains Vol.3. Interaction between lakes,wetlands, and unconfined aquifiers. Townley,L.,Turner,J.,Barr,A.,Trefry,M.,Galitis,V.,Harris,C. and Johnston,C.

Wetlands of the Swan Coastal Plains Vol.4. The effects of altered water levels on wetland plants Froend,R.,Farrell,R.C.C.,Wilkins,C.F.,Wilson,C.C. and McComb,A.J.

Wetlands of the Swan Coastal Plains Vol.5. Managing Perth's Wetlands to conserve the aquatic fauna. Balla,S.A. and Davis,J.A.

Wetlands of the Swan Coastal Plains Vol.6. Wetland classification on the basis of water quality and invertebrate community data. Davis,J.A., Rosich.R.S.,Bradley,J.S., Gowns,J.E., Schmidt,L.G. and Cheal,F.E.

Wetlands of the Swan Coastal Plains Vol.7 Waterbird Usage of Wetlands on the Swan Coastal Plains Storey, A.W., Vervest, R.M., Pearson,G.B., and Halse,S.A.

Wetlands Policy of the Commonwealth Government of Australia. January 1997

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Archives

1: TRIBUTES TO JOSEPHINE TE PUNI

NANCY: Her house, although on a small lot, is surrounded by native vegetation that she had planted. It has become a sanctuary for all kinds of birds. Wouldn't it be great if all back yards could be turned into sanctuaries? After trips to town for shopping and running errands, I just loved stopping by her place just to relax in her haven. It broke the drive to and from Lake Clifton. I will miss those special times.

JUDY: Jo's cheerful courage in facing death was inspirational and her pride in her daughter and granddaughters and their devotion to her care was wonderful to behold. That she was able to spend her last days watching the birds play in the bush outside her window seemed totally right. I remember her for her love of music, especially the Australian Chamber Orchestra, her love of her family and her energy in achieving best environmental conservation.

GRISELDA: I really got to know and respect Jo well when she took on most of the burden of producing the second edition of The Waterbirds of Goegrup and Black Lakes in the Peel Inlet Region. This led on to our mutual interest in threats to the wat erbirds of Lake McLarty and many meetings by the lake with various people from the WA Museum, Universities, CALM and the Department of Agriculture. We circumnavigated the lake on foot several times checking fencing, weed infestation, cattle encroachments and fox threats as Jo's interest and enthusiasm for the lake environment increased.

SHIRLEY: When first I joined PPG I was impressed by a confident, articulate, distinguished woman with silver hair. As I got to know Jo better, I discovered that she was all this and much more. There are not many people who are as passionate about caring for the environment and who go on to put that passion into tireless hard work.

It would be unrealistic to infer that we always saw eye-to-eye on everything, PPG is a GROUP and we always talk things through to come up with a good solution. The resulting group outcomes are always much, much more than the sum of the individual efforts. We are already missing Jo, who has been an integral part of our group. She will continue to be sorely missed. She does leave behind the legacy of her efforts, the gift of her achievements, and a host of wonderful memories.

FIONA: Like Nancy, I will miss the warm welcome Jo gave me as I dropped in on my regular working week commute between the Mandurah Park and Ride and Lake Clifton. These half-hour visits over a cup of tea, chocolate biscuits, seaweed rice crackers and cheese always resulted in discussions about her latest environmental project, Lake McLarty which we championed so energetically, but often we talked about life and living, dogs, chooks, her peacock and inevitably the next issue of The Preservation Times for which she was not only a prolific contributor but one of the two editorial managers. I know she'll be looking over my shoulder as I complete the next edition due out at the end of this week.

KATH: Josephine's reverence for the environment went far beyond a walk on a fine sunny day. Hail, rain or shine, with her dogs, she patrolled Falcon from the ocean dunes to Estuary edge, Cox Bay and the Len Howard Conservation Park. If she found things not ship shape she did not mind whose toes she trod on :- officers of Council's Parks and Gardens or Murray Love at CALM - she was determined to get something done about it. Her loss will leave a huge hole in the PPG organization.

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2: ANNUAL REPORT 2005

This report must start with our most devastating happening of 2005 - the death of Josephine Te Puni, resulting in a loss to this organisation that will be felt as long as her name remains alive among its members. Josephine was still at the height of her powers and more deeply involved than ever in the administration of PPG in all its aspects when struck down by cancer. Though she had made her arrangements to continue to the extent of her abilities during what she expected to be a convalescent period following her operation; it was not to be and she died in the early hours of Sunday morning, 6 November.

Now back to the beginning of 2005 which saw PPG already with the knowledge that, following determined efforts by Josephine, Lake McLarty would be accepted as the site in W.A. for the Shorebird project, through a $20,000 grant from Canberra's Department of Environment and Heritage under the patronage of the World Wildlife Fund. Following a meeting of a steering group, comprising members of PPG, Conservation Council of W.A., City of Mandurah, CALM and Landcare, James Duggie (Cons. Council) was anticipated to be in charge of the project. Josephine passed to him two names of bird experts (recommended by Marcus Singor) who may be interested in being employed to undertake a survey and be instrumental in preparing an educational pamphlet for surrounding landowners and Shire of Murray, but he asked Josephine to take charge of the task. Consequently, Josephine met Bianca Priest (WWF), briefly over from Tasmania, in the afternoon of 3 February and was surprised to find that WWF expected the project finished by May, though PPG had only been advised three days prior ! Fortunately Bianca Priest promised to apply for an extension. This left Josephine with the task of deciding on and drawing up a contract employing Bill Rutherford to do the survey, dealing with State Government departments, politicians and other organisations, plus what Josephine found to be necessary - appealing against planning decisions already in place - a huge and daunting task. Josephine managed all this,possibly to the detriment of her own health. Also she flew to Tullarmarine for a conference with WWF and co-ordinators of other Shorebird projects in other States. Additional funding is to be provided into 2006 to complete the project and a PPG sub-committee has been formed to carry on.

This was by no means PPG's first interest in Lake McLarty. For a very long time, Brian Bucktin had done water testing at the lake and new arrangements were tentatively in place for its continuance by Matt Williams, environmental instructor at Coodanup High School. Unfortunately, that did not happen and guess who (?) did the water testing - Josephine, wading out into the lake and delivering her samples for analysis to Dorothy Crook at Water and Rivers. PPG had participated with Pinjarra High School in the revegetation around the lake, with good results and Josephine was urging CALM to get on with establishing a Management Plan, which is now in place. The material for the production of the 20 page educational booklet is now in the hands of Perth Museum, delivered by Fiona O'Connor, who leads the sub-committee comprising Nancy Fardin, Maureen Campbell, Lyn Dickman (finance), Sybil Smith (communication) and Vic Beacham it has taken to replace Josephine.

All through 2005, PPG has protested at Mandurah being fobbed off for the loss of vegetation and wetland reserves resulting from clearing for the South-West Metro Rail by a degraded piece of land, already owned by the State Government at Karnup - not even within the area of loss in Mandurah - and against Government's own rules that mitigation should be like for like and within the area of loss. Judy Trembath and Shirley Joiner have been the dedicated leaders of this protest, in putting forward the alternative purchase of a stretch of land close to Marlee Wetland Reserve, up for sub-division into rural lots by Mirvac Fini. The area has been surveyed for its flora values by our own Marion Timms together with a S-W rail botanist and City of Mandurah has been requested to back PPG's pressure with some of its own. We are still hopeful that our voice will be heard, with support from Council and a little added pressure on the Minister from David Templeman.

Also way back in January, PPG received advice from the City that a Trust was to be established for Remnant Bushland Buy-back. We made enquiries as to the process of appointing the Trustees, because it was hinted that PPG would take part. To date we have not heard that nominations to the Trust have been called. This is clearly a project of keen interest and must be followed up early in 2006.

PPG is always scraping the bottom of the barrel to pay rental on our broom-cupboard size office in this building but is always thankful to be able to hold our meetings in this section. We did have a small stall at Uniting Church one Saturday morning that raised $133 and $68 from the Creery walk, but are currently hopeful that now Peel Community Health is vacating the premises in Ormsby Terrace, that Council will open its heart and let organisations like ours, Mandurah Wildflowers , U3A, etc. benefit in having a better home and meeting place at low rental. Our committee member (Coral Richards) who is on the Arts Council is of the opinion that we have Buckley's hope, as they too have made an approach to Council and been privately advised their pockets will not be long enough.

Likewise the proposal for an Environmental Centre in Mandurah has died a natural death, reportedly because Mandurah lacks a champion like Bob Gooddale and, therefore, it is not a viable proposition.

The Minister for the Environment, Dr. Judy Edwards, announced late in December 2004 "Tuart Reserve to be Expanded". Later this was followed by Ecoscape's very complicated "Tools for Identifying Indicative High Conservation Woodlands". Again the area around Marlee Wetland Reserve was nominated by PPG. Nothing has come of that as far as we know. Funny, how these announcements are made with great fanfare and then the whole idea seems to die on the bush !

Apart from large issues, ordinary routine office and recording functions have to be carried out. Sybil Smith continues to be our very efficient Office Manager and Web Weaver; was away in China briefly in mid-year, and is very pleased with over 3,000 hits on our website www.green.net.au/ppg. Sybil, together with our Treasurer (Lyn) has been busy cooking up a grant application to Lottery West that should provide PPG with the most up-to-date computer/professional printer/scanner and fax equipment to dream about, plus a make-over for the website. In the meantime our Printer 'gave up the ghost' but those wonderful people "The Muscateers" came to our rescue and we are still in business. Keep your fingers crossed for a successful outcome to our grant application - if successful our old outdated stuff will go to "The Muscateers", who will recondition it and pass it to someone needy. Better still volunteer for office duty on Monday mornings then, if we get our Lotteries grant, you could have a happy time playing with it, between the not onerous duties of answering the phone and referring people to our website for environmental info they are after. Sybil had a "funny" happen recently - a woman from Denver, Colorado, emailed her enquiring if a species of toad was endangered or not? Sybil was quickly on to Google and there was the information with a picture of said toad right there in Denver, Colorado - quickly passed to the woman on the spot.

It was a very happy day when Marion Timms became a member of our committee. Her knowledge of native flora (always on the tip of her tongue - the Latin names just flow seemingly without effort) is so extensive, it takes your breath away and is of enormous advantage to PPG. Apart from that, Marion is not shy in expressing her opinion on planning projects and offering advice with regard to changes in management practises for reserves, public open space and parks. This is now being appreciated and sought after by Local Government and TAFE. If you didn't take part in the guided tour over the conservation area of Creery Wetlands last month, the opportunity will come up again in the New Year when suitable weather permits.

That is Vic Beacham behind the video camera there, recording events today and ever ready with his camera at meetings, bushland gatherings and in areas requiring attention - like the dumping of tyres causing fire and environmental hazards in a reserve area. His valuable historical knowledge of Peel is well known and frequently called upon. His long-time work to obtain justice for bore owners adjacent to the Port Mandurah canal development whose water has become too saline to use on their gardens is now complete but the lasting benefit to those adversely affected, leaves them in Vic's debt for evermore.

Peel Deviation, has been exercising the collective mind of PPG, Politicians and Council for many years. In the first instance "Is it necessary ?" and PPG found the answer to be "No" in that S-W Highway could be updated instead, thus saving large tracts of productive farmland, pristine bush and wetland. A small PPG sub-committee with Nancy Fardin and Fiona O'Connor in the lead and expert support from Marion Timms has put on pressure to change the proposed route of the southern section since it became evident that Main Roads will go ahead with it, and instead of adhering to an earlier route plan, now propose to go through bushland instead of through a pine plantation already partly cleared, excavating a hill to a depth of 10 metres, with wide batters to accommodate it, thus taking large tracts of excellent bushland. Meetings with politicians (David Templeman and Sally Talbot), a site walk with Kim Hames (opposition member for Dawesville) and we were even successful in interesting Vic Sememiuk in our efforts. He has had a long-standing academic interest in the area, was interesting to listen to and gave us the benefit of his advice. Kevin Strapp has agreed to speak with Mr. Semeniuk, but Main Roads is well known for its arrogance, has made past mistakes - like the damage caused when building the Polly Farmer Freeway. However, PPG will pursue this matter vigorously to its conclusion in an endeavour to get it right.

The Draft Foreshore Focus 2020 plan is about to be presented to the Mandurah community for its comment, closing on 3 March. By now the public consultation meetings will be over. PPG's aim is to retain the environmental values of the foreshore. We have already lobbied hard, addressed Council Meetings and will continue our campaign in this regard, led by the embattled Judy Trembath.

If you haven't read the latest edition of 'Preservation Times' do so. It has eight pages full of interesting reading and not an advertisement in sight - a publication triumph and a credit to contributors, Fiona's editing and design, not forgetting the end work of photocopying and stapling.

I have left out a heap of problems PPG has had to face during 2005 to fulfil our purpose in protecting the Peel environment, in order to keep the length of this report within bounds, but there is still an important matter about to come to a head. That is the latest proposal for Lots 400 and 440 Wanjeep Road. PPG has tried to have this area on the banks of Serpentine River declared the Kings Park of Mandurah and saved for posterity because of its central position and the high quality of its flora. I call on all present here today to put pen to paper and take part in community comment on the proposal as soon as it is advertised by Council. As a member of MEAC (Mandurah Environmental Advisory Group) as well as PPG, I fortunately will be in a position to have input.

I have been secretary of PPG for twelve years and am retiring as of this meeting but will, of course, remain a member. It has been a demanding, frustrating, but sometimes rewarding position. Thank you for having me.

Kathleen Malta

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3: LEN HOWARD RESERVE - dead birds

I recently took a walk through the Len Howard Reserve in Erskine and was dismayed at the number of dead birds floating in the water. I have a friend in the area and he informs me that the birds have progressively got noisier over the past few months probably in preparation for nesting. There is a very large number of cormorants present and I can only assume they have been bullying the smaller birds for nesting locations, probably due to the destruction of the Creery Wetlands where they nested before.

It is a very sad state of affairs and the water body in the reserve is beginning to stink due to decomposition of the carcasses and the rotting of bird waste. My friend has a ten year old son who counted 70 dead birds in the water, along with countless eggs abandoned. Further evidence of environmental destruction in our area.

PPG members contacted the relevant authorities and the pool was cleaned up -cleared of carcasses that is. Apparently "overcrowding" has happened before!!

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4:Mandurah Railway

Perth to Mandurah Rail Route: asset or liability?

PPG thanks the WA Government: Perth Urban Rail Development for permission to use the introduction, three articles and two maps on this page.

Introduction

PURD is committed to respecting and preserving the environment during the construction stages of the railway and during its operation. Comprehensive environmental research and planning has been an integral part of the project since planning began in 1997. In this section you will find information on environmental studies and reports that relate to the South West Metropolitan Railway and the Northern Suburbs extensions to Clarkson. You will also find studies that relate to noise management along the route. A Public Environmental Review (PER) will be released for public comment early in 2002. You will be able to view and download the PER from this section when it is released.

Item from the Mandurah Mail April 10, 2004

Thanks to the Mandurah Mail 15th August 2002

Waikiki Station Area

Aerial Photo of Rockingham Alignment

Thanks to PURD for these images which may also be seen on their website.

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NATURE RESERVES

Land requirements for the Northern Suburbs extension necessitated the excise of 202 hectares from the Neerabup National Park. To compensate for the loss of this land, 572 hectares of private land and existing reserves will be ceded to the park. This will result in a net increase to the Park of approximately 370 hectares.

Access to the western boundary of the Neerabup National Park, and heritage values within affected areas of the Park, are being managed in consultation with the Department of Conservation and Land Management (CALM).

The site for the rail car depot for the northern suburbs railway was originally proposed for an area between Burns Beach Road and Neerabup Road. It was to have been on the western side of the alignment in the vicinity of Tamala Park. The Environmental Review for the depot showed that the native vegetation in this area wa s in excellent condition. The site also provided an east - west vegetation corridor from Neerabup National Park to the coast. PURD, in consultation with th e Department of Environmental Protection, then looked for suitable alternatives. A site further north in the Nowergup area was located. This site is considerably degraded, with dramatically reduced floral diversity. It provided a much better option environmentally. This site is now the location of the proposed rail car depot. PURD will also rehabilitate 10 hectares of degraded land adjacent to the proposed depot in the neighbouring Neerabup National Park. The result of the relocation is that approximately 3 31 hectares of native vegetation in excellent condition will be retained and the impact on the east -west corridor will be minimised. Also 10 hectares of degraded land in the Neerabup National Park will be rehabilitated.

There are two Regional Parks and seven Bush Forever sites in proximity to the proposed South West Metropolitan Railway (SWMR). These are:

* The Spectacles, Site 269 (within Beeliar Regional Park)

* Sicklemore Road Bushland, site 272

* Leda and adjacent bushland, site 349

* Lake Cooloongup, Lake Walyungup and adjacent bushland, site 356 (within Rockingham Lakes Regional Park)

* Stakehill Swamp, site 275 (within Rockingham Lakes Regional Park)

* Anstey Swamp, site 379 (within Rockingham Lakes Regional Park)

* Paganoni Swamp and adjacent bushland, site 395 (within Rockingham Lakes Regional Park)

Access to nature reserves that are affected by the railway is being managed in consultation with CALM, where appropriate traffic and pedestrian overpasses will be constructed so that the railway does not impede public access to nature reserves.

PURD is also consulting with CALM, Fire and Emergency Services and local government on access to nature reserves for fire fighting and emergency response. A draft Access Management Plan has been produced and will be incorporated in the final Environmental Review and Public Environmental Review documents for the SWMR.

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Wetlands

The route for the South West Metropolitan Railway travels through the influence of several wetlands, from the Spectacles where the alignment leaves the Freeway at Anketell, to the Panganoni group of wetlands in the Lakelands region built further to the west, away from the wetland, to accommodate the railway.

During construction, management practices to control run off and maintain natural flow regimes will be implemented. Where necessary, silt traps will be constructed and cul verts will be placed. A monitoring program will be implemented to monitor ground water levels and water quality.

Flora and Fauna

Studies of the existing natural environment and targeted surveys for threatened flora and fauna have been completed along the route for the railway.Management programs for habitat conservation, die-back control, fauna man xtension from Currambine to Clarkson a population of the Priority 2 threatened species Acacia benthamii was located within the railway reserve. Expertise was sought from the Kings Park Seed Centre who subsequently took cuttings from the plants for relocat ion into the adjacent Neerabup National Park.

The Perth Urban Rail Development (PURD) has given a commitment to rehabilitate degraded areas of the Neerabup National Park adjacent to the future Nowergup depot. Fauna exclusion fencing will be erected along the route to prevent the incidence of rail kill. PURD is consulting with the Department of Conservation and Land Management (CALM) regarding faunal underpasses where faunal movement across the track is required. Unnecessary clearing during construction will be avoided by erecting fences delineating the limits of the clearing.

A Fauna and Vegetation Management Plan for the Northern Suburbs Transportation Corridor has been completed. Fauna and Flora Management Plans for t he South West Metropolitan Railway are nearing completion and will be available for public review in early 2002.

PPG thanks Bert Linden - Construction Manager for the Perth Urban Rail Development for permission to use the following pictures on this page. These are some of the photographs taken during a tour arranged by PURD and attended, along with other interested people, by several members of PPG.

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5: ANNUAL REPORT 2004

INTRODUCTION

Not widely known, but in delving through Peel Preservation Group minutes for this annual report, I found in Business Arising that the PPG was awarded a citation for a "decade of achievements" by the Urban Bushland Council Meeting. We are now in the first year of another decade of being environmental watchdogs, or bulldogs as some might say. Conservation of our beautiful Peel Region requires passion and a dogged belief that we will make a difference. Sometimes the task seems daunting, but with small steps and mighty tenacity, we will keep fighting. Our efforts are mostly spent on local issues, but we are all too aware that we need to liaise and support environmental groups in other regions in WA, Australia and, indeed, the world to conserve the biodiversity of what we have left.

I have structured this annual report into six sections:

• Highlights - Successes
• Conservation Work on the Ground
• Political and Community Issues
• Workshops, Seminars and Submissions
• Guest Speakers
• The Future

HIGHLIGHTS - SUCCESSES

EDO takes up bore water cause

There has been movement, although slow, on the issue of salinity in Mandurah bores. PPG member Vic Beacham's doggedness on this issue for the past few years has resulted in the Environmental Defender's Office taking up his cause, saying it was a good case and something would be achieved. Not without incident, a memo from the EDO to the Minister for Environment was lost, which held up any progress on the issue. But Vic kept Greens MLA Chrissie Sharp updated on the matter and Chrissie brought the issue of the bores to the notice of Parliament after it was reported to the PPG that the Minister had not replied to the EDO's follow-up letter. Finally, Vic was invited to a meeting with Minister in October, but unfortunately couldn't go and had to be represented. There have been quiet wins for Vic, however, with developer Cedar Woods agreeing to put several aggrieved bore owners on mains waters. During the year, Vic also started bore water sampling at the new developments at Madora and has kept the PPG informed of every bores in Halls Head that has gone salty.

Shorebird Conservation Project

The Shorebird Conservation Project Taskforce visited Perth in early June studying sites (particularly Ramsar sites) all over Australia. Environmental campaigner Joan Payne contacted the PPG for some input to which the PPG obliged by compiling a list of waterbird sites needing care. In September, the news came through that Lake McLarty, Goegrup Lakes, Nairns and Lake Clifton would be included in the project, which is being funded by the World Wildlife Fund. WWF money ends in 2005. This is a major achievement for the PPG as it will strengthen the case for our Ramsar listed sites to be protected properly.

Environment inspires art award win

Long-time PPG treasurer Lyn Dickman won the $1000 Acquisitive Award at the 2004 Rockingham Regional Art Award. Lyn was inspired to create her work "Regeneration" on the effects of natural and man-made impacts on the landscape, particularly in and around Mandurah. Lyn has regularly contributed her artwork to The Preservation Times over the years, which help highlight the articles written about a wide range of issues that the PPG takes on as part of its watchdog work. Congratulations once again to Lyn for helping to draw attention conservation issue in the Peel region.

CONSERVATION WORK

Following on from the Seal Rock transect near Tims Thicket last year, PPG members continued to work with Cate Tauss from the WA Herbarium on a transect at Long Island. In Feburary, 10 stalwart souls waded through brackish swamp and waist-high water to reach the island, but they succeeded in locating a previous transect to collect a field herbarium of overall healthy vegetation, except for Casuarinas affected by previous fires and salt intrusion from high tides. As many as possible returned in October, despite very wet and windy conditions, to complete the transect collecting 33 specimens. The hardiest of the original group also completed the Seal Rock transect collecting on their person nearly as many kangaroo ticks as vegetation specimens.

After fours years of testing the water at Lake McLarty and the Goegrup Lakes Brian Bucktin finished his work on April 1. This cannot go with a special thanks to Brian for his tireless efforts in providing such a good baseline for future testing that CALM has mentioned the results of his work at recent workshops in the area.

An organised walk of PPG committee members to check on reported concerns about weeds along Lake Clifton, namely narrow leafed cotton bush, apple of Sodom and bridal creeper, resulted in the PPG advising MEAC for action by Department of Agriculture. Action is still pending, although the Lake Clifton Landcare Group advised the PPG that it had distributed rust on to bridal creeper along a portion of the lake's edge.

Perth-Mandurah Railway - allocation of land to be granted in mitigation for parkland used in the rail corridor issue. The PPG viewed a map of suggested sites and reported on our choice of purchasing additional land adjoining Marlee Reserve as mitigation for environmental damage. Later in the year, PPG was disappointed to hear that this had been rejected by the Department of Planning and Infrastructure because the adjoining land was privately owned and too expensive to purchase. We wrote to the Department expressing it poor choice of rejecting the purchase of additional land adjoining Marlee Reserve and giving up 17ha of degraded bushland at Kwinana already in State Government ownership.

PPG members continued to be involved in planting projects, such as helping to plant 1800 trees with FOR Peel at South Yunderup and Culleenup Island, and successfully receiving $200 from the City of Mandurah that was used for riverbank stabilisation at Serpentine Cove. Riverside Gardens Primary School students helped out. Thanks to Thelma Crook from Ribbons of Blue and to Men of the Trees for the plants. Maintenance work also continued at Lake McLarty to remove stakes and guards from seedlings planted in winter 2003. The success rate of plantings was reported to be about 55 per cent. Hopefully, the remaining plants will survive another long hot summer.

PPG members were out and about taking photographs of clearing and questionable location of dual-use path and extensive fore-dune stabilisation. Photos presented to MEAC members to view and to comment on the Southport Foreshore/Golf Course Management Plan. Photographs were also tabled during the year of clearing along the verge of Old Coast Road and the Cox Bay development after the Main Roads Department was reminded of the developer's obligation to revegetate. Still 70-80m of road verge needs attention along yet another limestone wall. PPG followed up with a letter expressing concern over location of housing on the wetland to the north. Due to the high risk of acid sulphate soils on the site, Council officers have asked for a redesign of the road between private lots and the foreshore reserve.

But it's not all work all of the time. PPG members took some time out to enjoy a wildflower walk to Lake Pollard and Martin's Tank in Yalgorup National Park. Marion Timms led the expedition followed by a picnic lunch. More than 70 species were identified and of these about 20 orchid species.

POLITICAL/COMMUNITY ISSUES

Wanjeep Road

We are still hoping to save good bushland at Wanjeep Road. Early in the year letters were written to Mandurah MLA David Templeman and the City of Mandurah on progress to buy bushland. Later we were told the Government couldn't afford to buy the land as the 52ha site was valued at $5million (DPI advice). David Templeman met with PPG members to discuss other options, such as getting the developer to make a donation of some of the land, doing a land swap where the developer only takes degraded land, buying land from the developer (land NOT FOR SALE) or compulsory purchase. Avenues were discussed to purchase land, including the Australian Bush Heritage Fund to buy and manage the land with use of conservation covenants. In May a copy of a Memorandum of Understanding for the Wanjeep site considered using 6-7ha on the southwest corner and 16-17ha on the NNE corner for high density multi-storey housing (1000 dwellings) leaving 29-31ha to be saved as bushland. This was considered a good compromise, but much still depends on the Government.

Sarich's land at Lake Clifton

A submission was sent to Canberra urgently after hearing that an Outline Development Plan for Sarich's land west of Lake Clifton had been advertised. A watch was kept on The West Australian for announcement of a Public Environmental Review. PPG was informed that Sarich (or Cape Bouvard Investments) had offered the Lake Clifton land to Australian Bush Heritage Fund but wanted the fully developed price. In November, Environment Australia notified the City of Mandurah that consideration under the EPBC Act had resulted in a decision that the proposal was likely to have significant impact on a matter protected by the Act. e proposal must undergo an assessment and approval process under the Act before it can proceed. No action is required by the Council yet, but the issue will be referred to the Mandurah Environmental Advisory Committee during the public consultation phase.

Peel-Harvey Catchment

Peel-Harvey Catchment Council Community Forum at Fairbridge - launch of Small Landholders' Information Centre and talks on the Peel-Harvey Water Initiative, the Govt's Greenhouse Strategy, Coastal Catchment Initiatives, Water Quality Improvement Plan and the Natural Resource Management Strategy. PPG represented on Water Quality Improvement Plan group - first meeting in March. The WQIP will ensure a coordinated approach to catchment management and discussion points at the meeting were on changing drainage management practices to reduce nutrient export, background on water flows in the Peel-Harvey, the current status of the regional perspective, barriers and issues. Disappointment that there were few community members on the group - it was weighted by Govt representation - and that the presentations were too brief and rushed. Further insult to injury when PPG not informed of the September meeting.

Western Power transmission lines

PPG members walked the site for the Western Power transmission lines across Meadow Springs and sent in a submission. Response from Western Power assuring PPG that steel poles would be used and would run from existing line at Stock Road to the new substation site. PPG impressed with Western Power's efforts to be good corporate citizens by avoiding important ecological communities and declare rare flora. Also employing Mike Bamford to advise on the flight paths of wetland birds that could be affected at the bridge over the Serpentine River. August: new arrangement for a site visit of alternate line route. September: PPG members met for site visit to Marlee Reserve Wetland - walked the western side of the wetland following the markers and noting the Tuarts and understorey. Then drove to where Lakelands adjoins Amarillo and the clearing for the freeway extension (existing powerline there). Drafted a submission to Western Power and forwarded a copy to MEAC for the Sept 17 meeting.

Seascapes development

Seascapes - PPG members attended a workshop at Mandurah Quays organised by Mirvac Fini which was safe beach campaign for a groyne, a rock pool and rocks to be removed from swimming holes. A Seascapes Beach Steering Group was formed by Sustainable Consulting for Mirvac Fini with wide representation from community, local and government groups: Mandurah City Council, Department of Planning and Infrastructure, Department of Environment, PPG, Conservation Council of WA, Recfishwest, indigenous representives, Coastcare, Surf Life Saving and Seascape residents. Steering committee beach bus tour to Watermans, Scarborough, Cottesloe, Leighton and Mandurah beaches.

Len Howard Reserve

What a disappointment the past year has been in the management of the reserve. The dedication plaque installed in memory of our late environmental crusader and founder went missing again and like the year before, vandalism continues to be a problem as does dying vegetation already stressed by the drier conditions. Winter storms brought down many of the dead trees leaving the reserve floor strewn with masses of fire fodder. On the positive side, CALM upgraded the car park south of the reserve, widened the road with crushed limestone and installed bollards.

Sustainable September display once again mounted by PPG at the Mandurah Library.

PPG members involved in handing out pamphlets at the Forum Advocating Cultural and Eco-Tourism state conference at Mandurah Quay stating the real story of the battle to save the Creery Wetlands.

Annual fundraiser at Mewburn Centre on November 27 was very successful with nearly $600 raised. Thanks to all those who contributed and helped on the day.

WORKSHOPS/SEMINARS/SUBMISSIONS

Workshops/Seminars

Peel Regional Park Workshop - PPG members attended as a stakeholder group identified by Environmental Resource Management and expressed concern for future management of the park. PPG also stressed that the Serpentine River be included in management plans. Environmental Resource Management advised it would hold further community workshops during February and then draft a plan for further comment. Apparently, appointments were made for the Peel Regional Park Management Plan Committee, but the PPG was not included and not advised. Great disappointment.

Lake Clifton/Herron Structure Plan workshop organised by Koltasz Smith for MCC and Waroona Shire - beach access came up as a priority by some residents while others wanted to save the environment. Not represented accurately in the consultant's report - PPG protested and consultants acknowledged misleading results.

PPG comments requested for management plans being prepared by Ecoscapes for the City of Mandurah on Island Point and Warrungup Springs.

We attended a Litter Forum organised by the Department of Environment in June that highlighted the successful "R U a Tosser" campaign in NSW.

PPG attended workshops and prepared submissions on the draft bushland management plans for and Beecham Reserve in Coodanup, Dawesville Reserve, Janis Street Reserve, Tindale Reserve, Halls Head Reserve, Mandurah Terrace.

Submissions

Amendments to the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act.

Peel Region Scheme amendments.

Lot 2, Dawesville, and Barrow Island.

South West Catchment Natural Resource Management Strategy - Federal fund pool.

Lake McLarty, Lake Goegrup and Lake Clifton for inclusion into Peel Regional Plan.

The WA Government's Draft Greenhouse Strategy.

Mandurah Council's Draft Coastal Management Plan

ASS Workshop - Sept 1-3. No-one could go, but a walk arranged for PPG members to South Yunderup to see where a proposal for more canals is being considered for the worst ASS affected area in the Peel region.

Submission on plans for mining operation at Lake Clifton townsite

GUEST SPEAKERS

Kylee Carpenter gave us an update on the Conservation Council, Barrow Island, Bio-prospecting (using native plants for pharmaceuticals and who owns the rights), and introduced the Council's new Water Policy Officer from Environment House in Maylands

Water Corporation Project Manager Jim Chaswala and Environmental Officer Guy Watson spoke about the corporation's proposal to install an Activated Sludge Plant at the Caddadup Wastewater Treatment Plant to improve the quality of water available for reuse at the Port Bouvard development, including the golf course. Reassured that bores were already in place monitoring groundwater used and the water would be treated so that bacteria levels met health standards. On the down side, there would be some clearing for the sludge plant, but only minimal, and the officers said a flora and fauna survey would be carried out before the plant and an entry track were constructed.

Cameron Gardiner (Senior Natural Resource Manager for Peel-Harvey Project) reported on the progress of the Water Quality Improvement Plan, which is funded by the Federal Govt through the National Heritage Trust and is one of five being implemented in Australia. (June)

THE FUTURE

Cape Bouvard rural subdivision to be put on the MEAC agenda

Peel Environment Centre

Peel-Yalgorup Biosphere project

Burning off and firebreaks - changes to update legislation

Peel Deviation

South West Metro Rail project

Acid Sulphate Soils

Thank you to everyone who has supported the PPG over the past year, your help is much appreciated.

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6: The Creery Wetlands Debacle

p>Late sixties-early seventies first residential canal estate started at Sth Yunderup opening into Peel Inlet at mouth of Murray river.

BEFORE DEVELOPMENT

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1979 First canal development proposed for Mandurah.

1982 Environmental Protection Authority, EPA, approved Waterside Canal Development Stage 1, north of proposed Mandurah bypass.Also approved, in principle, Creery Wetlands, south of bypass route for Waterside stage 2.

1984 After Environmentalists point out ecological value of swamps earmarked for destruction ratepayers of Mandurah vote in referendum against further canals.

1989 Peel Harvey Estuary nominated to become part of Peel Yalgorup Ramsar listed site. Creery Wetlands, however, excluded from this at insistence of State Government.

1990 Waterside canals site Stage 1 going ahead but rezoning of Creery Wetlands (from Rural use) not yet taken place. In response to a strong petition, organised by PPG (Peel Preservation Group) and spearheaded by Len Howard, Mandurah City Council unanimously voted against development on the Creery and asked help of State and Federal Governments to buy the land for conservation. Help was not forthcoming.

1991 Cedar Woods Pty Ltd bought Creery Wetlands for a reported $1.2 million.

1992 The then Mandurah City Council started to look favourably upon Cedar Woods' proposed Harbour City canal development. A group of concerned environmentalists formed Creery Wetlands Support Group (CWSG) to try and save the wetland. In assessing the Harbour City Canal Estate proposal the EPA divided the 197 HA site into 3 areas each with different environmental values:

Area A - 96 HA - highest land with Tuart and Jarrah woodland plus Casuarina/Melaleuca lower down with some samphire. EPA said this dry land area could be developed.

Area B - 63 HA - central area of low-lying samphire with some open pools. Considered by EPA to be of some environmental significance which should be conserved but, surprisingly, announced it could be developed for canals if Government would not buy it for conservation.

Area C - 38 HA - area of foreshore, part of System 6, which EPA said should be conserved.

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AFTER FEBRUARY 1999

Prepared by Griselda Hitchcock and Beryl Francis with additions by Sue Grayling and edited for this website by Sybil Smith (Members of PPG Executive) Pictures digitised from video and photos taken by Vic Beacham, Len Howard and Anna Lanza.

Arguments against development on Area A put forward by PPG

Selections from Fact Sheet on Creery Wetlands presented to Mandurah City councillors and other interested parties in 1998.

1. Evidence is mounting world wide on the destructive nature of canal estates and last year the New South Wales Government directed their local Councils to enforce a new policy to ban any more canal estates on environmental grounds.

2. Figures on the costs to local Councils of maintaining canal estates are mounting every year. These costs include maintaining canal walling and water quality.

3. In a letter to the W A Minister for the Environment August 1993 the Australian Nature Conservation Agency, ANCA, stated This agency believes that the recommendations of the EPA and the responses by the proponent are inadequate and fundamentally flawed in that they fail to address the environmental issues at stake. Also The only outcome will be the loss of valuable habitat for the many species which utilise the area, and the potential for further impact on the water quality for the Ramsar listed areas of the Peel-Harvey Estuary.

4. In the EPA bulletin 695 1993, on the Harbour Canal Estate for the Creery Wetlands, a time limit of 5 years for commencement of the project was recommended, after which a reassessment must be made. This time limit expires in August 1998.

5. The advice given in the EPA Bulletin 695, that the Harbour City Canal Development could go ahead under certain strict environmental conditions, was based upon an Environmental Review commissioned by the proponent This Environmental Review has been strongly criticised in peer review documents released last year under the Freedom of Information Act. These documents claim that, not only was the Environmental Review factually incorrect in some of its data but it also drew faulty conclusions from it. We suggest that, should the EPA reassess the development in the light of this criticism, and of mounting scientific evidence on the value of wetlands and remnant native vegetation, they would be most likely to recommend against the development.

6. In September 1994 a Mandurah referendum overwhelmingly rejected the proposed Harbour City canal estate on the Creery Wetlands. This led directly to Mandurah councillors rejecting a rezoning proposal for the Wetlands. There is no reason to believe that Mandurah residents have changed their minds.

Scientific data is accumulating steadily on the environmental value of Area A of the Creery Wetlands.

7. City of Mandurah State of the Environment Report 1997 p34 states: There are a number of important wetlands in the City of Mandurah. The Creery Wetlands are a good example, having a high level of biodiversity with large trees, intact understory and samphire flats.

8. An opinion on the value of the Creery Wetlands expressed in 1995 to ANCA by Dr Semeniuk of WA, states: Preservation of the geomorphic values of a wetland requires that the boundary of said wetland be kept intact and that its context, in this case its relationship with surrounding hinterland and the estuarine water body, be retained.

9. Experts from the Wildflower Society of WA gave this opinion in Jan. 1998: A large portion of Area A is considered part of the wetland unit and should be preserved as such. These scientists are continuing their study of the Creery Wetlands using aerial photos supplied by PPG - more information from them is expected soon.

10. A member of the Dept. of Environmental Protection has stated that freshwater seepage into estuaries and inlets produced unique ecosystems and every effort should be made to conserve them. One such freshwater seepage (see Picture) occurs on Area A of the Creery Wetland.

11. PPG have identified 26 species of local native plants including large Jarrah and Tuart trees on Area A of the Creery Wetlands. Tuarts are under threat throughout the State due to heavy development along the coastal strip. The City of Mandurah's State of the Environment Report 1997 states on P34 In remnant Jarrah and Tuart forests, fauna is well represented by the Grey Kangaroo, Emu, Brush Wallaby, Short-nosed Bandicoot and diverse bird populations. This includes two rarely sighted bird species: the Peregrine Falcon and Red-eared Firetail Finch.

Conclusions

In the light of mounting scientific evidence on the value of wetlands and remnant native vegetation,and on the environmentally destructive effect of Canal Estates, we suggest any proposal for Canals on Creery should be reassessed by the EPA. This would be in line with their sunset clause recommendation in Bulletin 695. (see Fact 4 above).

Until this has been done, rezoning of Area A of the Creery should not go ahead as it may be decided to add Area A to Conservation Zones B and C. These arguments (prepared for the PPG committee by Griselda Hitchcock, Beryl Francis and Sue Grayling) were presented to Mandurah City Councillors and similar presentations were made to the Ministers for Planning and also Environment.

There are 9 volumes of indexed material (thanks to the librarian who did this for us) as well as more recent correspondence etc. in our filing cabinet. Arrangements can be made for this material to be viewed and photocopied for study purposes.

As you will see from the photographs above work commenced on Area A in February 1999.

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Article from the Coastal Times Friday 26 January 2001

Article from the Coastal Times Friday 2 February 2001

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Creery pictures taken at high tide - these show the areas which have become inundated

There is some suggestion that wading birds will benefit from having constant shallow water here but surely the samphire will not be able to survive.

Early morning photos taken by Griselda Hitchcock, others taken by Vic Beacham.

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8:BUS STATION/TUARTS FELLED

Note the housing proposed for the area between the bus and rail precinct and the houses that are already in place - with the pleasant view and good air quality provided by the trees which will have to go if this plan is implemented. Photos are on the way to show that many tuarts will have to be destroyed.

Item from The Mandurah Mail January 9 2003

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9: TUART TREES

Item from The Mandurah Telegraph December 17 2002

Item from The Coastal Times November 29th 2002

Item from The Preservation Times last edition for 2002

From the Coastal Times August 20th 2002

From the Coastal Times August 9th 2002

Taken from the Mandurah Mail July 18 2002

From the Telegraph 16th July 2002

From the Mandurah Mail 11th July 2002

Why Tuarts need help

Some of the main stressors causing the severe decline and deaths of Tuarts include changes in land use, local hydrology and geology (including groundwater extraction), changes in fire regimes, the availability of nutrients, climate, change, and drought.These factors have weakened the trees to the point where tuart borer activity becomes life threatening and not just a part of the natural cycle, where the trees cannot use their own defences to curb borer activity.

There is no doubt that human activities are threatening the survival of the Tuart as a plant species unique to unique to WA's coastal strip from Jurien to Busselton. Now is the time for humans to help the Tuart.

Tuart Summit on November 18 helped to pool ideas and brainstorm issues to help save the Tuart.

These included:

• creating immediate response tactics in cases of threatened clearing of Tuarts
• identifying, researching and monitoring, threats to Tuarts and developing actions to ameliorate the threats developing an atlas of the condition of Tuarts in different places throughout its range
• creating guidelines for private landowners and developers
• implementing a levy on bulldozing of Tuart trees on public and private land
• promoting Tuarts - holding a Tuart Week- and ensuring that information on them is included in Education Department curricula
• involving local government in saving and promoting Tuarts
• supporting research projects in universities
• identifying heritage value or significant Tuart trees
• preserving adequate amounts of plant communities in which the Tuart occurs
• liaising effectively with the State Governments Tuart Response Group and making sure the TRG project officer oversees regeneration of Tuarts, regular water testing and coordinating experimental trials by individuals and groups

Anyone wanting to be involved in the Tuart Coalition can contact the SW Environment Centre on 9754 2049.

Item taken from The Preservation Times

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Thanks to the Mandurah Telegraph November 27th 2001 for this item.

Item courtesy The Coastal Times

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11: WATERBIRD COUNT

Waterbird Count - Goegrup and Black Lakes Area.

MAP OF GOEGRUP LAKES SYSTEM NEAR MANDURAH

Map showing waterbird sampling sites monitored on Lake Goegrup Area 2000 and 2001.

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12: ENVIRONMENTALIST JOAN PAYNE

Joan's tips on armwrestling the government - by Fiona OConnor

Environmentalist Joan Payne addressed the PPGs annual general meeting on December 2 with her stimulating and inspiring talk "Environmental Advocacy - arm wrestling the Government".

Taking a years' break from her work with the Conservation Council of WA, Joan also launched the PPG's latest publication The Waterbirds of Goegrup and Black Lakes in the Peel Inlet Region and praised the PPG for its foresight in commissioning the book and the Mandurah Birdwatchers for hundreds of hours of monitoring work.Joan said she was absolutely delighted to be at a meeting of conservationists where a 12-member committee was regularly elected. The PPG has set a benchmark in voluntary conservation from its beginnings with Len Howard as lone voice 20 or so years ago talking about the values of the [Peel] area to now, she said.

Joan began her talk on environmental advocacy saying the main aim was to make the three tiers of Government accountable for Australia's environment. Perth's character is defined by its natural system the dunes, scarp, estuarine systems, beaches and plants and animals -but we still have to fight for this. There are myriads of documents, 10 or more years old that say wonderful things about our environment but are never implemented, she said. Each one of us has not only the right but the responsibility to demand information, truthful answers and responses. Persistence counteracts fobbing off.

The Government is there to act for the public good, not sectional interests.Joan continued her talking about how individual conservationists and environmental groups could stand up and be counted. She said understanding legislation that is, what the three tiers of Government could do within their powers and making sure environmental assessments were carried out regularly were vital.To achieve this, she listed a variety of avenues that could be pursued including parliamentary questions, grievance motions, parliamentary standing and select committees, Freedom of Information (FOI is a powerful tool), the Auditor General, the Ombudsman, letters to parliamentary members, participation on committee and the media.

Joan gave a case study to illustrate that persistence and knowledge of Government processes resulted in a successful outcome-being elected on to an inter-agency working group for the Conservation Council in a recent land clearing case.This involved writing to the Environment Minister, talking to various levels of Government departments, which included compiling bits of information through conversations with officers and from the community, taking photographs to be used as evidence, using FOI to get more information, getting legal advice and working with the media to get to the bottom of the land clearing mystery.

Joan concluded her talk urging the PPG and other environmental group always to remain vigilant and to avoid any pressure that could compromise groups.

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13: CANAL ESTATES

Ramsar Topics no. 1 - Final Report July 1998: Canal Estates / Marinas

Overview

When we established the Ramsar "Hot Topics" forum on World Wetlands Day this year, the first subject chosen was canal estates/marinas because of growing concern about the accelerating loss of wetland areas to these increasingly common developments along the shores of our rivers and estuaries. Concern has also been expressed about the long-term impacts of canal estates on the total environments of these aquatic ecosystems.When we launched this "Hot Topic", we said the following which should be remembered when reading this review of what we have found. "We are trying to locate any information which can help us all to understand where the truth lies on the canal estates/marinas question. Please note that we are not requesting statements of opinion or attitude towards canal estates/marinas. Our intention is to locate the science on the subject, not to conduct a global poll on what people think of them. We are very keen to obtain references to studies that have scientific rigour and have taken a dispassionate view of the "fors" and "againsts " of canal estates/marinas."

Over the past six months we have had brought to our attention some 24 references which have some relevance to the construction and operations of canal estates or marinas. We would like to thank those people who responded. We hope the bibliography will help others to locate references to further examine the issues relating to these development types.

So what have we found?

It is clear that a number of studies have examined the impacts of these modified or constructed "environments". Their conclusions are referred to in the following in more detail, but in essence it seems that canal systems which are not designed to allow a certain level of "flushing" can result in environmental problems. Factors such as the nutrient loading which may occur in the canal system and even wind direction may play a major role in determining the water quality, which in turn can affect the biological diversity and general amenity value of the canal environment and surrounds. There are these and many other factors which need to be considered in the design and impact assessment for canal estate developments as referred to in the following review.

The seemingly more recent trend in some countries to avoid single outlet canal systems in favour of dual or multiple outlet systems is clearly to be encouraged where canal estate developments are being considered. The higher levels of flushing should prove advantageous for maintaining water quality if the primary consideration is providing an artificial water system for leisure activities. Of course, it also should be recognised that in one case we are aware of (the state Government of New South Wales in Australia), the construction of canal estates has been banned for environmental reasons which are given below. While there are no signs that this action will be followed in other countries (so far as we are aware), it does indicate the level of concern which is apparent. It also highlights another aspect of canal estate construction which surprisingly has not been considered in the publications brought to our attention; that is, the cost-benefit analysis of installing an artificial canal system over retaining a naturally functioning ecosystem such as a wetland.

It would seem that this is an area where further research would be helpful to assist local decision-maker with what are sometimes difficult decisions. A theoretical situation is that of a local administration faced with deciding on whether or not to allow the conversion of an estuarine wetland area in