Substantial dune protection and restoration work on the Leschenault Peninsula has been carried out by the Department of Environment and Conservation and the Leschenault Catchment Council.

The project, funded through a $42,000 Coastwest grant, was the continuation of previous work in the Leschenault Peninsula Conservation Park with in-kind contributions from DEC, LCC, Mitsubishi 4WD Club, Department of Corrective Services, South West Institute of Technology and local Woolkabunning Kiaka and Gnaala Karla Booja people.

An Aboriginal burial site discovered some years ago on the peninsula was protected with sand-trapping fences and about 1km of fencing in strategic sections was erected to protect dunes and vegetation from 4WD vehicles, quadbikes and motorbikes.

The project also involved bulldozing and rebuilding frontal dunes, brushing 10 hectares of dunes, planting 6000 seedlings and installing 20 rehabilitation signs to raise public awareness of the environmental value of the area.

Three signs can be seen at the access from the Buffalo Beach car park, at Belvidere Beach and at the northern part of the beach.

LCC project manager Beren Spencer and DEC manager of parks and visitor services Leon Price said the project had started 16 months ago.

“About 100,000 people visit the Leschenault Peninsula every year, ” Mr Price said.

“The area is home to ringtail possums, carpet pythons and fairy terns that are classed as a vulnerable species and are breeding on the peninsula.

“The recent project builds on previous work undertaken with a Coastwest grant and aims to educate visitors and rehabilitate and protect this conservation and recreation area.”