Overview
- Client:Tokay Property Developments
- Locality:City of Cockburn
- Summary:Implementation a Wetland Foreshore Management Plan for a portion of Lake Coogee commencing in 2012. Extensive weed control required for problematic species, followed by planting of 48,000 wetland seedlings.
Location
Lake Coogee
Lake Coogee
The Brief
In 2012 Tranen was commissioned to implement a Wetland Foreshore Management Plan for the rehabilitation of a portion of Lake Coogee, adjacent to a small new subdivision.
Constraints & Issues
- The site was a highly degraded wetland, dominated by problematic weeds.
- Some area are seasonally inundated with water.
- The ground was hard along one site boundary due to construction of a limestone wall.
Our Management Approach
- The upper 100 mm of the site was scalped after herbicide application to remove dead vegetation and weed seed contained in the topsoil.
- 48,000 wetland seedlings were planted.
- Tree guards were installed around all trees and shrubs to obviate herbivory and facilitate seedling establishment. Rush and sedge species did not require them.
- In hard areas, planting holes were augured to facilitate planting and loosening of soil to assist root penetration. Wet areas were progressively planted as winter water levels receded.
The Outcome
- In 2015 the completion criteria were achieved, on time and within budget. The site was then handed over to the City for future management.
- Forward planning, intensive site preparation and follow up weed control were the keys to success.
- Plant density was significantly higher than expected, and weed levels were low throughout the life of the project.