FAQ
What are the next steps?
The revised Draft Concept Plan is being developed and will be available for feedback in July 2019.
What causes the algal growth in the Bodkin lakes and is it harmful to the environment / humans?
The floating algae that are often present in the Bodkin lakes are filamentous green algae, namely Chaetomorpha and Cladophora species. In general, this algal issue is not of concern to the environmental health of the lake or to human health, but rather is one of aesthetic concern. The algae are a natural cyclical feature of the lakes, but is however often exacerbated by the stormwater runoff that ‘feeds’ the system with excess nutrients.
Why do we need a new living stream when we already have one?
The current living stream is located between the south lake in Bodkin Park and the Andrew Thomson Conservation Reserve wetlands and is not included in this project.
The new living stream will run between the north and the south lake and will retain sight to the water and the vegetation will be low lying and less dense than the current living stream.
What kind of species will you be planting?
Please see the Draft Planting Species List for full details of the species we will be using. All the species are native to this area and grown or sourced from the City’s Nursery, where all seeds and cuttings are taken from local stock free of weeds and disease.
There are three planting mixes that are detailed in the Draft Concept Plan and each of these mixes is specifically tailored for their position on the bank and proximity to the water.
Planting Mix 1: Nutrient stripping sedges along the banks and into the high water level, scattered with small low lying herbs to maintain sight lines to the water.
Planting Mix 2: A combination of brightly flowering low lying shrubs and ground covering herbs with some sedges planted throughout. This mix also includes small numbers of native wetland Banksias and Melaleucas which will assist in bank stabilisation and erosion prevention.
Planting Mix 3: A variety of brightly flowering native shrubs and herbs planted into the dry areas of the banks. This mix also includes some seedlings of large Marri trees which are essential in supporting our native bird population.
Is there opportunity for community planting events?
In partnership with the City, South East Regional Centre for Urban Landcare (SERCUL) will be carrying out the planting works and will host a number of community planting days as part of this. The sedges and wetland species are scheduled to be planted in early 2019 and the dryland species will be planted mid-2019. If you would like to be informed about the community planting days, please tick the box on the online feedback form, email enquiries@southperth.wa.gov.au or come along to the drop in feedback and information session on Saturday 3 November, 10 -11.30am.