$1m State Grant Revives Lake Monger (Galup) & Perry Lakes

Published on 30 November 2023

Two environmental initiatives – funded under the State Government's 'Greening our Communities' grants scheme – have revitalised Lake Monger (Galup) and Perry Lakes Reserves, ensuring sustainable urban wetlands for the Town of Cambridge community.

Town of Cambridge Mayor Gary Mack, Minister for Water Hon Simone McGurk MLA and Local Member for Churchlands Christine Tonkin MLA visited Lake Monger (Galup) on 23 November to mark the successful completion of the projects.

The Town allocated $300,000 to Perry Lakes and $700,000 to Lake Monger (Galup) of the State Government’s $1 million provision to enhance both reserves’ ecological health.

“The Town of Cambridge would like to express its sincere gratitude to Simone McGurk and Christine Tonkin for their support for these two important environmental projects,” Mayor Gary Mack said.

“The Town would also like to express its gratitude to the Friends of Galup-Lake Monger and Friends of Perry Lakes for their involvement in the planting of 5,000 seedlings at each site as part of the projects.”

Mayor Mack emphasised the importance of continued collaboration with the State Government to secure funding for further improvements outlined in the Perry Lakes Management Plan and the recently drafted Lake Monger (Galup) Management Plan.

“These ongoing efforts are crucial to preserving and enhancing the ecological integrity of these urban wetlands, ensuring they remain a refuge for wildlife and a testament to the Swan Coastal Plain's remnant vegetation.”

The Lake Monger (Galup) project focussed on enhancing stormwater quality by refurbishing conveyance swales using nutrient-stripping vegetation. Major project highlights include the removal of invasive Casuarina trees, clearing over one hectare of weed cover on swale banks, and removing 1,000 tonnes of debris, including hydrocarbon-rich sediment. Fauna management involved relocating 40 turtles and nests, while installing a limestone rock weir and fallen logs improved aquatic habitat. The project received positive feedback, with improved biodiversity evident in buffer areas.

At Perry Lakes, the grant facilitated the planting of 85,000 wetland plants to enhance water quality in both water bodies. This followed the Town's diversion of stormwater from Herdsman Main Drain to increase water levels, providing a refuge for wildlife during Perth’s long hot summers.

Photo: Friends of Perry Lakes, Town of Cambridge Mayor Gary Mack, Minister for Water Simon McGurk MLA, Member for Churchlands Christine Tonkin MLA, and Friends of Lake Monger (Galup).