THE City of Bayswater will take over management of the eastern section of Baigup Wetlands after securing $1 million in Cook Government funding for restoration works and infrastructure upgrades.

The move ends the long-standing split management of the regionally significant wetland between the city and the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage.

Acting mayor Elli Petersen-Pik said the change would improve environmental management of the reserve.

“This will strengthen the care and protection of one of the most significant environmental sites in the City and an area that is enjoyed and appreciated by so many in our community, from walkers and cyclists, to nature lovers,” Cr Petersen-Pik said.

• City of Bayswater Acting Mayor Elli Petersen-Pik (centre) with members of the Baigup Wetlands Interest Group and City of Bayswater Environment staff Alex Devine and Tom England.

He said community members from the Baigup Wetlands Interest Group had pushed for the entire reserve to come under city management because the existing arrangement “hindered the best possible care” of the site.

“With the City now assuming responsibility for the entire site, both our community and the environment will benefit from an increased level of service delivered by the City’s Natural Area Management team.”

The WA government funding will support environmental restoration and maintenance work, as well as replacement of the deteriorating boardwalk near the Garratt Road bridge.

The city will now prepare a management plan for the entire wetland and investigate seeking Class A Nature Reserve status for the site.

Baigup Wetlands is a Bush Forever site that provides habitat for native wildlife and contains significant estuarine saltmarsh vegetation.