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ABOUT THE PROJECT
Home to over thirty species of endangered birds, snakes, bats and native wildlife Lake Kununurra and the Ord Dam attract large numbers of locals and tourists; the Convention of Wetlands of International Importance (more commonly known as RAMSAR) has identified Lake Kununurra as a RAMSAR site.
“Many locals and tourists can be seen along the lake fishing and enjoying the scenery. The lake itself is vital to irrigation throughout Kununurra and the Ord and it provides water for much of the regions horticultural industry,” said Project Manager Dick Pasfield.
When observers began to notice the decrease in native flora and increase in exotic weeds including Neems, Leucaena and Parkinsonia a Working Weeds Group was created to prioritise how to address infected areas.
Due to the environmental and economic impact of the weeds the Key Management Actions for the Lake Kununurra project was identified as a strategic investment for Rangelands WA.
THE CHALLENGE
As a small infestation began to spread, locals and bird enthusiasts recognised the need to protect the internationally recognised bird habitat.
“Initially an East Kimberley Working Weeds Group was established to select the priority sites. It was important to target sites which were manageable and able to be contained,” said Dick.
“The weeds we selected were located in relatively small pockets along Lake Kununurra and at the base of the Ord Top Dam. By addressing these areas now, we are able to protect the ecology of the area,” said Dick.
Scattered across more than fifty-five kilometres, fifteen sites where chosen as priority areas for eradicating harmful aquatic and woody weeds on Lake Kununurra.
Fighting extreme heat and humidity project officers sprayed each individual weed to prevent further spreading.
OUR SUCCESSES
Since the project commencement, workers have completed eradicating weeds at five sites.
“It is extremely positive to see the on-ground results of this project. With these sites now only requiring annual monitoring we have protected these environmentally significant sites which are home to more than thirty species of birds, crocodiles and small mammals,” said Dick.
By the completion of the project it is predicted fifteen sites will have been completed and will only require monitoring.
BENEFITS TO THE KIMBERLEY REGION
- Protection of local horticultural industry against exotic fruit tree pests;
- Greater protection of the tourism industry in Kununurra;
- Conservation of an internationally recognised bird habitat;
- Protection of native flora and fauna including bats and crocodiles;
- Increased protection of cultural sites from exotic pests;
- Increased accessibility to Lake Kununurra and the Ord Dam;
- Protection of social / tourism sites.
This project was made possible through assistance from:
- Rangelands WA
- Australian Government
- Western Australian Government
To request further information please click here.
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