THE Town of Bassendean has secured $83,454 in grant funding to deliver a revegetation and weed control project in Bindaring Park north over three years.
The funding was received through the state government’s Swan Canning riverpark urban forest program delivered by the DBCA (Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions).
Friends of Bindaring Wetland Bassendean volunteer Val Humphrey said the planting would not only help revegetate the area but also increase the dense shrubs, which in turn offered greater protection for the local wildlife such as quendas.
“The quendas do a great job of turning over the soil and suppressing weeds as they hunt for bugs and fungi,” Ms Humphrey said.
“The planting planned for June and July will extend the area where these small marsupials can shelter with greater safety and extend their population.
“We are also grateful to people who are keeping their cats at home so that these helpful animals can flourish.”
A Town of Bassendean spokesperson said the project would enhance the Bindaring Park’s urban forest ecosystem by reducing weeds, improving water quality and planting native species to provide a habitat for local wildlife, including quendas, brushtail possums and many bird species.
“It will build upon the town’s previous improvements in the area and will be supported by Friends of Bindaring Wetland Bassendean and La Salle College’s volunteer planting and weeding events,” they said.
“Works will commence with weed control in autumn this year and conclude in 2029 after ongoing weed control and three years of selective winter planting of species to increase canopy, habitat and diversity.”
The project aligns with the priorities identified in the town’s 2023/33 council plan to conserve, protect and enhance the Swan River foreshore, nature reserves and waterways.
“These projects build on the strong results from earlier rounds, restoring degraded areas and expanding urban canopy with hundreds of thousands of native plants,” Environment Minister Matthew Swinbourn said.
“The Cook Labor government’s continued investment in this program reflects our commitment to protecting and enhancing Perth’s natural assets for future generations.”
