Local waterbirds enjoy new home

A major environmental project to repair damaged river walls and create habitat for wildlife is now complete at South Perth Foreshore. The Black Swan Habitat forms part of the South Perth Foreshore Strategy and Management Plan and is jointly funded by the City and the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions through their Riverbank Program.

Spanning 128 metres, the Black Swan Habitat comprises a sheltered island for birds to nest safely, two vegetated headlands and a beach area that will allow waterbirds to take off and land safely on windy days when the water is rough. It provides a retreat for bird watching, breeding, ecology, and learning and has already began attracting local schools to help students learn about wildlife conservation. 

The City grew 11,000 native plants and 20 trees at our nursery for the project, which will revegetate the foreshore and create improved habitat as they grow. 

We are asking the community to please be mindful when walking and cycling along the foreshore while we carry out further path improvements alongside the Black Swan Habitat. A section of the cycle path will remain shared with pedestrians for the next few weeks while the works are undertaken. 

A group of local volunteers continue to assist the City by monitoring birdlife around the Black Swan Habitat. The Friends of South Perth Wetlands community group visit South Perth Foreshore several times each week to collect data on bird numbers, species, breeding and migration. Findings will be used to help the City assess the effectiveness of the project.  

Learn more about the Black Swan Habitat project.