Excluding the bushland and wetland areas within Perth Airport, minimal natural vegetation remains within the City of Belmont - less than 2% of the original extent.
For details on natural areas within the City please visit the Natural Areas page.
The City undertakes many activities to assist with restoration of ecological and biodiversity values, including maintenance of 50 hectares of natural areas and implementation of environmental restoration and revegetation projects each year.
The City has achieved Milestone 3 of the Perth Biodiversity Project through development of a Collective Local Biodiversity Strategy in partnership with the Town of Bassendean and City of Bayswater.
In 2019/20 the City will be implementing the following environmental restoration and foreshore stabilisation projects. For more information on any of these projects please contact the Parks and Environment Department on 9477 7257.
Avian Botulism, Algae and Aquatic Plants
The City is occasionally contacted by residents concerned about water quality in the City's lakes, or the growth of algae and aquatic plants.
The majority of algae and aquatic plants are normal components of wetlands that may ‘bloom’ temporarily at one time of the year when conditions are favourable. When the environment returns to its natural balance both algae and aquatic plants will return to normal levels.
Lawn and garden fertiliser application is one of the contributing factors to high nutrient levels in waterways, which causes the problem. To reduce your impact select a ‘Fertilise Wise’ endorsed fertiliser. Refer to the Fertilise Wise website
for more information.
Another issue that can arise in the City's lakes is an increase in the naturally occurring bacteria that can cause avian botulism. Avian (bird) botulism is a serious disease which causes progressive weakness, paralysis and death in waterbirds. For more information please refer to the Avian botulism information sheet
Please report any sick or injured birds to the City of Belmont or the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attraction's WILDCARE Helpline on 9474 9055. The Helpline operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week to provide immediate assistance for sick, injured or orphaned native animals.
The natural behaviour of magpies is to defend their territory to protect eggs and young from attack during the nesting season, generally between August to October each year. For more information on how to avoid issues with swooping magpies, refer to the Department of Parks and Wildlife website
If you feel a swooping magpie has become a danger to people, it can be reported to the Wildcare Helpline on 9474 9055.
Australian White Ibis
Each year the Australian White Ibis breeds in several City reserves, including Tomato Lake.
The ibis is a protected native species present in increased numbers in the Perth metropolitan area, due to our rubbish and organics (food waste). Due to the large distances that ibis travel (up to hundreds of kilometres per day), the issue extends throughout the Perth Metropolitan region and as such, must be addressed at a regional scale to be effective.
The City keeps informed of new information available through the Perth Airport Bird and Animal Hazard Management Advisory Committee and the Australian White Ibis Study coordinated by the Mindarie Regional Council. The City has also advocated to West Australian Local Government Association (WALGA) support for a regional control programme.
Regarding management of ibis, the City relies on the advice of the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions – Ibis Fauna Note available here
The City actively discourages feeding of wildlife including ibis through the EMRC’s Healthy Wildlife: Healthy Lives project, and regularly removes litter from parks.
What can the community do?
Reduce organics (food waste) disposed to landfill, as this is a key food source for the ibis, which can travel hundreds of kilometres per day. The City supports our community to reduce food waste through:
- Discounts are available to City of Belmont residents for worm farms, compost bins and bokashi buckets through Switch your thinking’s Rewards for Residents Program.
To reduce the food available to ibis, park visitors are encouraged to:
- Wrap any food scraps and place in a bin immediately;
- Not to feed the ibis or any other waterbirds.
The City appreciates your cooperation with the above.
In spring and summer, many reptiles emerge to bask in the sun. During this time you should take precautions to minimise the chance of encountering snakes.
Remember, snakes are an integral part of the natural environment and play an important role in wildlife ecosystems.
If you see a snake in a park or reserve, please contact the City of Belmont Parks and Environment Department on 9477 7257.
Do not approach or aggravate it in any way. Most bites occur when people accidentally step on snakes, or while attempting to kill them.
If you find a snake in your garden or house please contact the Wildcare Helpline 9474 9055 to be referred to a volunteer reptile remover.
For more information on dealing with snakes, please visit the Department of Parks and Wildlife website
or contact the Department on 9219 9840.
Feeding Wild Birds and Animals
Our native fauna, especially the birds and mammals, are particularly appealing to many people. Many animals can become habituated to the presence of people and soon learn to take advantage of food refuse and offerings. Though this is usually done with good intent, feeding wild animals can upset the balance of nature. For further information on why you should not feed wild birds or animals please refer to the Information Sheet.