Historic wetlands profile gets a lift

Signs were erected last month identifying the wetlands and encouraging path users to take an interest in the area and its future.

Mayor Sylvan Albert said the vision was to provide the community with information about the history of the site, including how it was originally a Noongar camping ground because of the fresh water springs and plentiful food supply in the swamps and river.

‘These days the tides come right up the river and with decreased rainfall in the Wheatbelt, we’re no longer getting the large volume of fresh water that used to flood down each winter and bring everything to life again,’ he said.

‘Our longer-term plan is to simply help the best we can to keep the reserve healthy and keep the community informed about how valuable the reserve is, not only for City of Bayswater, but for all Perth residents.’

Baigup Wetland Interest Group co-ordinator Penny Lee said having the pathway was vitally important with a high emphasis on healthy lifestyle and decreased use of cars in the metro area.

‘The path is a high-use facility with large numbers of people using it for recreational purposes and travelling to and from work every week all year round,’ she said.

‘The pathway connects with similar pathways throughout City of Bayswater and the Perth area.

‘Baigup Reserve extends from the junction of Kelvin Street and Swan View Terrace in Maylands to Garratt Road Bridge in Bayswater.

‘As there’s no path below the houses in Swan View Terrace, walkers and cyclists travel via footpath or road around to Bath Street where the dual purpose path continues around Maylands Peninsula and all the way into East Perth alongside the Swan River.’