Ashfield Flats Master Plan

Ashfield Flats lookout

The Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) has prepared the Ashfield Flats Master Plan to provide guidance for future land management and planning for the area.

The Master Plan has been prepared following a two-year monitoring program which aimed to identify the dominant hydrological processes at the reserve. The program monitored water flows, surface and groundwater levels, water and sediment quality, and developed hydrological models.

Ashfield Flats is the largest remaining river-flat in the Perth metropolitan area, on the flood plain of the Swan River. This Bush Forever Site and listed wetland of importance is home to the Subtropical and Temperate Coastal Saltmarsh Threatened Ecological Community (TEC). The TEC is protected under State legislation (Biodiversity and Conservation Act 2016) as well as Federal legislation (Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999).

The Ashfield Flats Master Plan will play an important role in prioritising the protection of the environment and enhancing the Threatened Ecological Communities (threatened environment) that exist there. Community access to the site is important for recreation, and will need to be balanced against the environmental significance of the site.

What is the Ashfield Flats Master Plan?

The master plan is a strategic level document based upon the findings and recommendations of the Ashfield Flats Hydrological Study. The master plan takes analysis of site context, community consultation, and conditions (i.e., environmental qualities, community values) to establish appropriate policies and objectives with associated strategies/ management/ intervention activities for the study area.

Ashfield Flats study area

Why did DBCA develop a Master Plan for Ashfield Flats?

In 2018, work was being done to restore vegetation and improve the foreshore area. Unfortunately, this effort wasn’t well communicated to the public, causing a delay in management activities. However, during the same period, a thorough study of the site’s hydrology was conducted.

The Ashfield Flats Hydrological Study forms a comprehensive foundation of understanding from which works can be based upon. It is from this position that the Ashfield Flats Master Plan was prepared.

Who conducted the Master Planning process?

The Master Plan was prepared by a multidisciplinary consultant team, contracted by DBCA. The project was delivered by Urbaqua, as the lead consultancy, in partnership with Southwest Kinships, Shape Urban, MP Rogers, and PGV Environmental.

Who are land managers for this site?

Ashfield Flats is managed by multiple organisations. A large portion of Ashfield Flats is managed by the Department of Planning, Lands & Heritage, with sections under the management of the Town of Bassendean. The Water Corporation manage the drainage reserves that transect the site.

Why are the Ashfield Flats so important?

The Ashfield Flats are home to the Subtropical and Temperate Coastal Saltmarsh Threatened Ecological Community (TEC). The TEC is recognised under State legislation (Biodiversity and Conservation Act 2016) and protected under Federal legislation (Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999).

Further information on Subtropical and Temperate Coastal Saltmarsh can be found on the Federal Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water website.