Ashfield Flats Master Plan Implementation

The Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) developed the Ashfield Flats Master Plan to guide future land management and planning in the area. This Master Plan was created through a collaborative process involving DBCA, the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage (DPLH), the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (DWER), the Town of Bassendean, and Water Corporation, with active community engagement, including representation from Whadjuk and Noongar communities. Preparation of the Master Plan was supported by a two-year monitoring program to understand the Flats' hydrological processes and assess local vegetation.

As the largest river flat in the Perth Metropolitan Region, Ashfield Flats holds significant environmental value, housing a large occurrence of the Subtropical and Temperate Coastal Saltmarsh Threatened Ecological Community (TEC) and designated as Bush Forever Site 214. The site is also a popular location for community recreational activities, making it essential to balance public access with environmental conservation.

The Master Plan sets forth the following objectives:

• Preserve and adapt the area's unique environmental qualities.
• Connect people with nature to enhance community well-being.
• Promote knowledge sharing.
• Implement sustainable, coordinated management practices.

To achieve these goals, the Master Plan outlines 45 actions.

In 2024, the Town of Bassendean secured $1,999,392 in grant funding through the Australian Government’s Natural Heritage Trust under the Urban Rivers and Catchments Program. This project, scheduled for completion between 2025 and February 2028, will involve:

• Installing fencing to protect the Threatened Ecological Community, especially saltmarsh species, from uncontrolled access.
• Implementing weed control across 40 hectares.
• Conducting an integrated monitoring program to track changes in flora, assess the effectiveness of weed control, and monitor soil and water quality.
• *Restoring riparian (foreshore) areas from the east end of the Chapman Street Drain Boardwalk, extending to the private property boundary north of Sandy Beach Reserve.
• *Installing a new limestone path between the Chapman Street Drain Boardwalk and Sandy Beach Reserve at 0.8 AHD or higher, to help protect the natural environment.

The Town, DBCA, and Bassendean Preservation Group (BPG) will contribute support, including project management, staff and volunteer labour, and plant supply from BPG.

The Town will continue to work with stakeholders and the community in the delivery of this project. Further updates will be provided on this webpage as the project progresses. To join the project mailing list, please email [email protected].

This project is funded by the Australian Government’s Natural Heritage Trust under the Urban Rivers and Catchments Program, with the support of the Town of Bassendean, the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions and the Bassendean Preservation Group.

*The new path alignment as shown on the Master Plan is conceptual only and does not necessarily represent the actual location for installation.  Both the path location and type of foreshore restoration works will be determined during detailed design, drawing on the expertise of a qualified coastal engineering consultant, and the application of established best management practices. Further consultation will take place during detailed design. If you are not already on the mailing list and would like to be kept up to date on project progress and consultation opportunities, please email [email protected].

 

Proposed Schedule

 

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