Protecting Local Wildlife and Fauna in the Park
Rockingham Park Pty Ltd, the Developers of Heritage Park Estate have been working with local wildlife conservationists Lyn and Bob Hancock and students at Calista Park School to reduce the impact of land development on local fauna as much as possible.
“The natural environment is one of the things that makes Heritage Park Estate so special,” Heritage Park Estate’s Community Facilitator, Paul Watchirs, said.
“This means that as developers we not only have a duty to protect and conserve the environment where possible, it is also in the best interests of our purchasers for us to do so.”
“When Lyn brought to our attention some of the issues relating to the development and its impact on local fauna, we were happy to do what we could to help.”
Environmental awareness signs along Baldivis Road have been installed to warn motorists to take care and watch out for native animals that may be crossing the road.
An environmental awareness article has also been produced for residents, giving them information about local wildlife.
“Many people, for example, mistake bandicoots for rats without realising how wonderful it is if a bandicoot takes up residence in their garden,” Paul said. A fact sheet has also been developed, with the help of Lyn and Bob Hancock and Om Shanti Animal Hospital, providing guidance on what to do in the event of finding injured wildlife.
Negotiations are also underway with Calista Park School for the students to produce possum boxes with materials supplied by Heritage Park Estate.
“These possum boxes will be provided free to residents,” said Paul.
“If a possum has somewhere cosy to live and nest, it is far less likely take up residence in a domestic roof space!”
At Heritage Park in Baldivis, wherever possible mature stands of trees and natural bushland have been retained, rehabilitated and incorporated into the landscaped open spaces and parklands.
Care has been taken to allocate adequate open space and natural bushland to accommodate wildlife, including the careful selection of plant species for all communal open spaces.