Our wonderful world of wetlands

Wetland
Published on: Friday, 24 January 2025
News type:
The City of Joondalup is home to both artificial and natural wetlands, such as the conservation-significant wetlands of Yellagonga Regional Park.

Wetlands are classified as areas of land that are saturated or flooded with water, either permanently or seasonally. 

Wetlands can provide aesthetic value and recreation opportunities to a community, helping to cool neighbourhoods and encouraging more time spent in nature. Wetlands are also key to supporting rich biodiversity. They provide habitat, foraging space and nesting sites for local native wildlife such as waterbirds, amphibians and turtles.

Healthy wetlands are also vital for ensuring climate resilience. They are important carbon sinks, storing (or sequestering) vast amounts of carbon in their soils. Both artificial and natural wetlands are an important aspect of blue-green infrastructure which can provide significant cooling effects in high-temperature environments.

The City works alongside our community, neighbouring councils, organisations and the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions to protect and preserve our precious wetlands for future generations to enjoy. The City is recognised as a Gold Waterwise Council, as part of the Waterwise Council Program, and winner of the Living Green for Water category at the 2024 International Association of Horticultural Producers World Green City Awards.

Maintenance of our wetlands includes revegetation works, ongoing water quality monitoring, installation of water aerators in artificial wetlands and removal of invasive species. Other projects such as hydrozoning and smart groundwater irrigation systems also help to ensure our sustainable use of water in play spaces and parks does not impact nearby wetlands and groundwater resources.

Waterbirds

Waterbirds big and small

  • Joondalup wetlands are home to a wide range of native birds, including Australian Shelduck (Koorak in Noongar), Blue-billed Duck (Boodo), Black Swan (Koltjak), Little Pied Cormorant (Kokoko), Australasian Bittern (Boordenitj), Whistling Kite (Djando) and White-faced Heron (Wyan).
  • You can support our native birds at home by planting native gardens, installing bird baths, keeping pets contained to properties and using rodenticide-free pest baits.
  • Avoid feeding wildlife, such as ducks and other wetland birds. Non-native foods can make them sick and will pollute the water.
Southwestern Snake-necked Turtles

Southwestern Snake-necked Turtles

  • Joondalup wetlands are also home to the unique and near-threatened species of Southwestern Snake-necked turtle (Yaagan in Noongar).
  • Female turtles leave the water during spring to create their nests and lay eggs in the area surrounding wetlands.
  • As a part of the Saving our Snake-necked Turtle program, volunteers have patrolled the Yellagonga wetlands during spring each year over the past couple of years to protect female turtles and their nests and help to log data using the TurtleSAT App.
Freshwater fish

Protect our freshwater fish

  • Feral fish such as koi carp or goldfish can spread disease, damage natural habitats, degrade water quality, and compete for habitat with local species.
  • Don’t release fish, snails or aquarium plants into or near waterways, ponds, lakes, drains, toilets or the ocean. Return unwanted aquatic pets to your nearest supplier or dispose of them humanely. More information: Don't dump that fish
  • Fishing in conservation wetlands is not permitted and may negatively impact native species. Visit the Recfishwest app for suitable recreational fishing spots.

Help to look after our wetlands by implementing the following actions:

  • Keep dogs on leads and dispose of dog waste in and around wetlands and bushland.  
  • Keep cats inside at night and within property boundaries during the day. 
  • Avoid feeding wildlife, including ducks and other wetland birds, as it can make them sick and pollute the water. If you spot injured wildlife, contact the Wildlife Helpline 9474 9055.
  • Stick to pathways to avoid trampling native vegetation. 
  • Plant locally native plants in your garden to provide more habitat for native animals and help create ecological corridors between natural areas.  
  • Pick up litter from wetlands and bushland and organise or participate in Clean Up Australia Day events in your local natural area.  
  • Use water responsibly around the home and garden. Limiting our water allocation ensures reserves are available for all. 
  • Avoid or limit using chemicals such as pesticides, fertilisers and herbicides, on your property. These may get washed into stormwater drains or leak into groundwater and end up in wetlands. 
  • Join a volunteer Friends Group that cares for local wetlands such as Friends of Yellagonga Regional Park or Woodvale Waters Friends of Beenyup Channel. Help them by pitching in on weeding, planting or clean up days to preserve our wetlands for future generations of people and animals to enjoy.


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