Mosaic Map: NRM funded projects
Key
site specific
region wide
Shark Bay dunes get a helping hand
The Eagle Bluff dunes at Shark Bay are being restored thanks to a series of major conservation projects taking place in the renowned World Heritage Area.
Funding
This 2.2 million hectare area is already well protected as a marine park, Hamelin Marine Nature Reserve and World Heritage Area but there are other efforts underway to support further conservation projects. These projects have been funded with almost $130,000 from the Australian Government and contributions from the State Government through the Rangelands NRM Co-ordinating Group.
Activities
One project is the Eagle Bluff Recreation development, which Project Manager Cheryl Cowell said was the most popular and accessible lookout site in the World Heritage Area.
"Eagle Bluff is a popular day use tourist destination about 20 kilometres south of Denham on the west coast of Peron Peninsula," Cheryl said. "This is an outstanding site for the interpretation of Shark Bay's World Heritage values such as seagrass beds, marine mega-fauna and scenic views. However a combination of uncontrolled visitor use and extreme sensitivity to the natural forces of erosion and weathering processes has caused significant erosion and damage to the landscape."
Achievements
Today pedestrian access has been controlled thanks to a new 400-metre return loop walk trail, which includes a 200 metre-long boardwalk along the rim of the bluff. Vehicle access has been curbed by closing access to sensitive areas and improving definition of tracks and parking areas.
Dunes and cliff edges that had been damaged by uncontrolled access were restored with brushing, direct seeding and planting of species that occur at the site. Rehabilitation has resulted in new plant cover and healthier dunes and cliff edges.
"The site is now accessible to all visitors - including wheelchair access - and the boardwalk boasts several platforms with greatly enhanced views of the spectacular and diverse coastal landscapes," Cheryl said. "Interpretive signs have been installed with a range of World Heritage themes including geological history, marine processes, biodiversity values, threatened species and human use and impacts."
The Eagle Bluff project, which received excellent feedback from the local community and visitors, was carried out by the Department of Environment and Conservation and involved community consultation, volunteer assistance, the local Shire Council and input from World Heritage Committee members.
Other projects underway include research into marine life including turtles, dugongs and seabirds.
More information
- Cheryl Cowell, WA Department of Environment and Conservation: (08) 9948 1208 or cheryl.cowell@dec.wa.gov.au
- Shark Bay World Heritage website: www.sharkbay.org
See also
Key
Links to another web site
Opens a pop-up window