Urbanisation and Karst Systems – living with karst in Western Australia
Abstract
Urban development and its associated impacts is one of the major karst management issues within south-west Western Australia.
The unique karst system that runs along the WA coastline faces many issues: water abstraction, catchment vegetation, impacts by development, visitation and management impacts. Protecting the karst system from current development and the impact of Perth’s expanding population is a huge task.
There have been a range of karst issues and outcomes to date. In some areas, speleologists have been able to work with landowners, developers or the local Government to assess a proposed subdivision for caves and karst features. Speleologists are sometimes not involved or are not allowed access to land to make appropriate comment on potential impacts to caves and karst or advice is disregarded.
A lack of timely consultation with specialists or a lack of understanding of the complexity of karst, can result in environmental damage. It is important that all who are involved in management and planning decisions within karst systems, are aware of the IUCN Guidelines for Cave and Karst Protection. Likewise, the EPA have Guidance Document 33 – for Planning and Development – including a significant chapter on karst.
This paper discusses two case studies within the karst system. One locality has had significant impacts on karst features, despite the features being identified by speleologists.
Plans for part of this area include installing a road that will bisect land with a large number of caves and karst features – and the karst system that exists in native Tuart bushland is at risk. In the other locality, speleologists have been able to contribute to the protection of the karst in a proposed subdivision. As a result, the part that contains karst may be either incorporated into a bushland reserve or be purchased by the Government to add to the National Park.
The Speleological groups are working with numerous local groups and Government agencies to improve recognition of environmental management and safety issues associated with karst in the area.
The paper reviews the outcomes and considers the key issues. As Perth’s population increases, subdivision and development will continue to occur. Karst impacts will continue unless there is a change in attitudes regarding the importance of karst and karst features, and their management. A collaborative approach is essential to achieve appropriate management of karst in this area. This paper will propose some options for successful outcomes.