CHONTELLE SANDS wants to transform Little Rush Lake into a community bijou.

The Yangebup Progress Association president says the lake has been neglected by council, and several public artworks and plaques installed in 2001 are now covered in graffiti, falling to bits or overgrown by trees.

Ms Sands adds the copious amount of dead vegetation at the lake is a fire risk and that rubbish—including broken glass obstructing pathways—is a safety risk for walkers, pets and cyclists.

“Little Rush Lake has been neglected and we want to help council transform it,” she says.

“There is so much history down there and we could have tasteful plaques pointing out sites that were once Chinese Market Gardens and an old homestead.

“A viewing platform or jetty at the north side and some BBQ facilities would attract more people.”

“We have collated all our suggestions in a submission to council.”

The YPA lobbied council to restore artworks, but “Wagyl” totem poles were found to be rotten and required removal.

• Chontelle Sands is keen to transform Little Rush Lake. Photo by Stephen Pollock

Cockburn council media adviser Hana Jestribek says original artists couldn’t be contacted to restore the works.

“On Friday, a group from conservation volunteers Australia began restoration works, including pruning around existing artwork and oiling of the pieces,” she says.

“There are plans to relocate some of the pieces of artwork as well as construct bitumen trails to them, to encourage visitors.

“The city is happy to discuss options for more signage with the YPA and where necessary for funds to be included in the 2016-2017 budget deliberations.”

Ms Jestribek adds the city intends expanding its bush tucker tours to include Yangebup and Little Rush Lakes.

Recently, the YPA did a community clean up at the lake.

“The amount of general rubbish in the area is alarming; it looks horrible and is dangerous to the native wildlife within the reserve,” Ms Sands says.

During a brief tour of the reserve, the Chook spotted two bandicoots and a bobtail lizard.

by STEPHEN POLLOCK