Overview
- Client:Emerge Associates
- Locality:City of Wanneroo
- Summary:Historic vehicle tracks were closed and degraded areas rehabilitated. Weeds were removed in winter 2016 with 23,000 native dune seedlings planted, protected by 17,000 tree guards. Plant densities 70% above target with no infill planting allowing handover nine months ahead of schedule and 29% under budget.
Location
Jindalee Foreshore
Jindalee Foreshore
Images
Lookout view before Feb 2016
The Brief
This video was prepared by our project partner Plantrite.
The Jindalee foreshore has historically been frequented by off-road vehicles, which has contributed to degradation of the dunes and native vegetation, both directly and indirectly by opening the area up to weed incursion. A Foreshore Management Plan (FMP) was initially developed to identify potential demands on the foreshore and to propose management measures for rehabilitation of the dune systems. However, the FMP was more a strategic document rather than an executable management plan. Tranen were engaged to develop and implement a Foreshore Rehabilitation Plan, detailing the proposed rehabilitation activities, and specific management methodologies for achieving successful rehabilitation of the degraded areas.
This project was a finalist in the 2020 Revegetation Industry Association of WA Awards for Excellence.
Lookout view 2019
Constraints & Issues
- Historic beach and dune access point for 4WD vehicles – still accessed and soil compacted and eroded from use;
- Raised foredunes highly exposed to prevailing sea breeze;
- Rabbits active in the area;
- Typical dune weeds dominating large sections, but also providing stability; and
- Hardscaping and pedestrian traffic limiting management options.
Our Management Approach
- Closure of vehicle tracks at strategic locations using physical barriers (earth mounds, boulders);
- Control of weed infestations through herbicide application, manual removal and brush cutting;
- Installation of over 23,000 native dune species seedlings and 17,000 tree guards;
- Installation of coir netting and mulch, to stabilise eroded foredune and secondary dune areas;
- Ripping of closed vehicle access tracks to reduce soil compaction and promote seedling establishment; and
- Control of pest rabbits with RHDV release, warren destruction and Pindone baiting.
The Outcome
The project commenced in winter 2016 and was handed over to the City of Wanneroo in October 2017 nine months ahead of schedule. Off-road vehicle activity has been curtailed with no access to the foreshore by vehicles since the barricades were put in place. Problematic weed levels were significantly reduced, allowing the planted seedlings and native vegetation to re-establish. At handover the project was ahead of the target of plant density of more than 1 plant / m2, with an average 1.7 plants / m2 across the foredune and the secondary dunes. The overall cost was 29% under the expected budget.
