Unique Cockburn wetlands precinct upgrade begins
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Due for completion in early 2021, the $6m project will provide an upgraded community and environmental asset for the whole community and its three tenants; The Wetlands Centre Cockburn (TWCC), Native ARC (NARC) and Bibra Lake Scouts (BLS).
Funding from the City plus Developer Contributions will enable construction incorporating a variety of sustainability principles for a new NARC facility and renovation of its existing building, renovation of the TWCC building, a new scout shed with a dedicated Rovers den, extra parking, improved traffic and public access, landscaped walkways and outdoor classrooms.
An extended TWCC building will include an education room, relocated meeting room, educational artificial wetland and a nursery.
City of Cockburn Environmental Education Officer Vicky Hartill said a vision for a new masterplan for the precinct began taking shape 20 years ago.
“The precinct is a major hub for environmental education, wildlife rehabilitation, scouting activities and the community and has the potential to be an environmental community hub for a much wider region,” Ms Hartill said.
“A draft vision was formulated in 2017. With input from the site’s three tenants and after extensive consultation with these groups and the wider population, including local Nyungar community members, youth, service users and people with a general interest in the lakeside precinct, work is due for completion in about 12 months.”
The precinct is within Beeliar Regional Park with the original wetlands centre constructed almost 30 years.
The planned development will be contained within the site’s existing footprint to minimise impacts on surrounding bushland and wetland areas, and to mitigate fire risk.
All tenants will continue to operate onsite during the upgrade with the site remaining open to the public, however certain areas will have restricted access during construction.
Native ARC will remain open 8.30am-7pm 7 days a week and TWCC and BLS will operate as per the normal hours on their website.