Find out how to support biodiversity in your backyard, neighbourhood and throughout the City of Swan.
Our region is home to a wide range of native plants and animals that rely on healthy habitats to survive. Small actions by residents and the community can help protect local wildlife and strengthen biodiversity across our landscapes.
You can also explore what biodiversity exists on your property and learn how to care for it.
The City has some of the most significant communities of flora and fauna in the metropolitan area and it is this biological heritage that the City is looking to maintain, enhance and sustain. Our commitment to the management of Swan’s biodiversity is addressed in our draft Local Biodiversity Action Plan.
Local Natural Area Mapping
As part of the draft Local Biodiversity Action Plan, a Local Natural Areas mapping was created to capture the richness of our local ecosystems and highlights key areas of biodiversity importance. Discover the Local Natural Areas within the City of Swan through the interactive map below.
Next Steps in the Action Plan
The draft Local Biodiversity Action Plan outlines the next steps to increase the practical application of biodiversity management within city practices and support our
community. These steps include:
- Engaging Private Landowners: Specific actions to engage and support private landowners in protecting biodiversity.
- Updating Mapping Data: Continuously updating local natural area mapping to provide guidance on the condition and priority management of local natural areas.
- Implementing Actions: Setting implementable actions to conserve, protect, retain, and manage local natural areas. We encourage all residents and visitors to get involved in our biodiversity protection efforts. Together, we can make a difference in preserving the natural beauty of the City of Swan.
For more information, please contact Sustainable Environment team by email, swan@swan.wa.gov.au.
- Retain and plant existing food resources by avoiding the removal of plants that provide food sources for black cockatoos, such as banksia, hakea, marri and jarrah. Plant seedlings rather than seeds
- Create new roost habitats by planting marri, jarrah and tuart trees. Plant several trees together and ensure they have access to enough food and water within a 6km radius
- Ensure safe setback planting distances from roads when planting black cockatoo food trees. On quiet streets where the speed limit is under 50km plant at least 3 to 5km from road edges. On busier roads where the speed limit is over 50km, plant at least 10m from the road.
For more information, visit Keep Carnaby's Flying - Ngoolarks Forever.
Use poisons only as a last resort, using first-generation anticoagulant rodenticides and avoiding second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides. This also reduces the risk to native wildlife and pets.
For more information about how to manage rodents in an owl-friendly way, visit Birdlife Australia.
One of the biggest threats to our natural environment is land clearing. Other threats include arson, off road vehicles, overgrazing, diseases such as Dieback, fire wood collection, chemical run-off and illegal dumping.
The City of Swan implements a number of capital works projects and maintenance programs on its land to reduce these threats.
Residents are encouraged not to feed feral or unowned cats, as this can increase their numbers and hunting activity, placing additional pressure on native wildlife.
All cats over six months old must be registered, microchipped and sterilised, unless an exemption applies.
All cats must wear a collar with a registration tag when in public places, including your front verge.
In the City of Swan, cats must not enter another person's private property without the consent of the property owner or occupier.
All cat owners must comply with the Cat Act 2011.
Find out more about animal registrations.
View the RSPCA Australia guide to keeping your cat safe and happy at home.
Requesting a cat trap
If you are having issues with unwanted cats on your property, you can borrow a cat trap from the City.
To request a trap, contact the City on (08) 9267 via email at swan@swan.wa.gov.au.
Please note, you are required to notify your neighbours and complete the animal trap disclaimer form. The number of traps is limited, so you may be placed on a waiting list.