Management of Cormorants at Lake Brearley to improve water quality

The City of Bayswater will be undertaking works to remove vegetation on the islands in Lake Brearley (indicated in red, on the attached map). Clearing will only occur where evidence of nesting has occurred the other islands will be monitored for activity. Contractors have been arranged to carry out the removal of the following species which have been identified as invasive by the Department of Biodiversity Conservation and Attractions (DBCA):

• Casuarina cunninghamiana

• Schinus terebinthifolia

The islands are populated in the winter months by cormorants, which are contributing to water quality challenges within Lake Brearley. The birds are not utilising the site at present, thus allowing works to be undertaken. Following the removal of invasive vegetation, the islands will be revegetated with endemic species to promote biodiversity. This action is part of the City of Bayswater’s continuing efforts to mitigate water quality issues within the Lakes. The change in vegetation will result in the cormorant population moving to more appropriate areas away from the lake, and will ease the nutrient loading that they had previously added to the lake. Bird droppings will be removed from the islands before any vegetation is planted, which will also assist in reducing additional nutrients entering the lake. The works will be undertaken in February and should last approximately a week. Works will include the use of chainsaws and machinery, and will be undertaken during business hours.