A New Concept in Active Community Conservation

Funded by The Gordon Reid Foundation for Conservation

Lake Mealup is a large freshwater lake situated 2 kilometres east of the Harvey Estuary, 20 kilometres from Pinjarra.

The lake provides an important refuge for waterbirds and is part of the WTXT Peel-Yalgorup system which was listed under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International Importance in 1990.

(See Peel-Yalgorup).

The property owned by the Society contains a variety of Swan Coastal Plain habitats including mixed jarrah, marri, tuart and banksia woodlands,with melalucca and flooded gum flats, large, open reed beds and extensive areas of open water.

The bird list is impressive - over 100 species - and the flora list is up to 150 species so far. Much remains to be discovered about other forms of wildlife which inhabit the property.

Birds which have been seen include:
Spoonbill
White-face Heron
Swamp Harrier
Regents Parrot
Variegated Sitella
Rufous Whistler and, recently,a Tawny Owl

and the site contains a range of:
Orchids, Banksias and Reptiles.

The Lake Mealup Preservation Society (Inc.)is a non-profit organisation which was formed with the objective of conserving Lake Mealup and the surrounding bush in its natural state. Prior to 1986 most of the lake was privately owned. From 1986 to 1988 the Society purchased three blocks in and around the lake totalling 120 hectares. By 1988 virtually the entire lake was owned by either the Lake Mealup Preservation Society or the Department of Conservation and Land Management.

The Society has about 70 members, including 48 Full Members who own shares in the property, and Associate Members. Recurrent operating costs are funded from an annual membership fee, applicable to all members, which is currently $40.00

The Society has several meetings each year. These are held either at the property or in Perth. regular camps are held at Lake Mealup at which members can get to know each other, explore the different habitats and carry out maintenance of our fences and facilities, flora and fauna surveys and habitat enhancement. An elevated hide for viewing the lake and its birdlife has been finished.

Members are free to visit the property at any time and enjoy the surprising feel of isolation which the lake offers

The Society welcomes inquiries from individuals wishing to know more about the Society or who are interested in becoming members. Donations to the Society are also welcome

For further information Phone:

Peter Wilmot 9244 3015

Max Bailey 9444 7920

or write to

Dr Kate Creed
PO Box 240
NORTHBRIDGE W.A. 6865