A Squadron Of Pelicans

Wellard Wetlands
Alcoa began mining clay at Baldivis, for use at the residue storage area, in the 1980’s. This was an almost treeless farmland area. The rehabilitation of this mine provided Alcoa with an opportunity to develop an artificial wetland - Wellard Wetlands. This project won an inaugural Western Australian Government Golden Gecko Award in 1991.

Wellard Wetlands is now a beautiful wetland complex providing habitat for more than 84 bird species, including 38 waterbird species. Over 1000 water birds frequent the lakes in the autumn, when other seasonal wetlands in the area are dry.

As well as providing a passive recreation area for the community, Wellard Wetlands has been used to re-introduce injured birds back into the wild, and eucalyptus trees in the area are being harvested by Perth Zoo to provide feedstock for their koala population.

Facilities at the wetland include information boards, walkways and bird hides, together with an orientation area which allows groups to congregate with minimal disturbance to the wildlife. A dry-composting toilet unit has been provided for visitor use.

A nutrient filter area, where reeds and sedges absorb excess nutrients from surrounding farmlands, has also been incorporated into the wetlands.

With available water determining that no further lakes can be built on the site. Alcoa is researching other useful rehabilitation and re-use options as mining continues.

Just having their Annual General Meeting!

birds and boats