The new and improved boardwalk at Goegrup Lake has been completed and is now open for the public to enjoy, thanks to $750,000 in WA Recovery Plan funding.
The new 292-metre-long boardwalk was designed to meet current mobility and accessibility standards, and includes three viewing nodes with benches and interpretive panels describing the area’s environmental and Aboriginal cultural values.
Goegrup Lake has significant environmental and cultural value and is part of the Peel Yalgorup wetland system; it supports more than 20,000 migratory and resident shorebirds each year and is important habitat for the samphire, a native plant that is a key indicator species for the Coastal Saltmarsh Threatened Ecological Community.
The boardwalk has been designed to protect and enhance this sensitive and fragile environment, using modern building materials to maximise the boardwalk’s life and minimise environmental disturbance during construction.
In coming months, a remotely operated, pole-mounted camera will be installed at the northern end of the boardwalk to assist with dolphin monitoring during low tides.
It will be the fourth Dolphin Watch monitoring camera deployed by the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions in the Mandurah area.
As stated by Environment Minister Reece Whitby:
“Communities across Western Australia are now starting to see the tangible benefits of the McGowan Government’s Recovery Plan. The completion of this project at Goegrup Lake means people can now better enjoy this beautiful area, while learning more about our incredible biodiversity and fascinating Aboriginal culture.
“Great care was taken by the local Western Australian contractors to minimise disruption to the sensitive wetland environment during construction, with no heavy machinery used and the old boardwalk removed entirely by hand.”
As stated by Mandurah MLA David Templeman:
“Lake Goegrup Nature Reserve is a popular location for fishing, bird watching and enjoying the natural environment, and this new boardwalk will allow more people to safely enjoy this stunning lake and surrounds.
“The design of this boardwalk has proven very successful and we look forward to seeing how we can use it to further enhance more of our beautiful conservation areas.”
As stated by Murray-Wellington MLA Robyn Clarke:
“Lake Goegrup Nature Reserve is much-loved by locals and the new boardwalk will make it more accessible for those who want to enjoy this beautiful part of our State.
“I am proud to be part of a Government that values the natural environment and is committed to preserving it for future generations.”
