Assessing the impacts of frequency of
extreme weather events and climate change on wetlands' health: A perspective of
Jack Finney Lake, Curtin University
Table of Contents
Chapter 1: Introduction. 4
1.1 Background of
the Study. 4
1.2 Problem
Statement 7
1.3 Aims and
Objectives. 8
1.4 Research
Question. 8
1.5 Research
Rationale. 8
1.6 Research
Significance. 9
1.7 Structure of the
Dissertation. 9
Chapter 2:
Literature Review.. 11
2.1 Introduction. 11
2.2 Climate Change
and Urban Wetlands in the Perth Region. 11
2.3 Extreme Weather
Events in Southwestern Australia. 13
2.4 Potential
Impacts of Extreme Events on Urban Wetlands. 14
2.5 Future
Conditions and Management Solutions. 16
2.6 Research Gap. 16
2.7 Summary. 17
Chapter 3:
Methodology. 18
3.1 Introduction. 18
3.2 Research Design. 18
3.3 Research
Philosophy. 18
3.4 Data Collection. 18
3.5 Data Analysis. 21
3.6 Limitations of
the Methodology. 21
3.7 Ethical
Consideration. 21
3.8 Summary. 22
Chapter 4: Findings
and Discussion. 22
4.1 Introduction. 22
4.2 Thematic
Analysis. 22
4.3 Vegetation
Survey. 32
4.4 Discussion. 32
4.5 Summary. 32
Chapter 5:
Conclusion. 33
5.1 Conclusion. 33
5.2 Recommendations. 34
5.3 Future Scope. 36
References. 37
Wetlands rank among Earth's most productive
and biologically diverse natural ecosystems. These areas provide essential
services, supporting environmental stability and human societies. Their
functions include regulating water regimes and mitigating floods by absorbing
excess rainfall. Wetlands also improve water quality, filtering nutrients,
pollutants, and sediments from surface runoff.
This natural purification process helps maintain the health of connected water
bodies. Ecologically, these areas are biodiversity hotspots, offering critical
habitats for varied flora and fauna. Many birds, fish, amphibians, and insects
depend entirely on wetland environments. The significant ecological and
societal contributions make wetland preservation a global priority. Degradation
leads to a loss of these vital functions, affecting environmental resilience
and community well-being.
While local climatic data suggest that
wetlands, especially the Swan Coastal Plain, require the introduction of
spatial boundaries, this can only be achieved by removing statewide
assessments, provided that the annual rainfall in Perth is decreasing due to
the Mediterranean climate. The wetlands are supposed to be the breeding grounds
for migratory bird populations. Because preservation of genetic diversity is
critical, the rationale for enhancing accessibility for the unique endemic
species will have to be made as a refugia. While water-dependent species have
experienced wet winters, the water storage systems, primarily located in the
Swan Coastal Plain, should be expanded to account for dry periods. The
preservation of genetic diversity is a critical ecological function that
flourishes in the Australian tourist region. Assuming that regional drainage of
the Swan Coastal Plain has been affected by urbanisation, there needs to be
accountability based on recent statistics regarding wetland loss. Local parallels,
when seen in an expansive way, relate to how the Swan Coastal Plain’s ecology
is closely interconnected to Jack Finney Lake.
Figure 1: Location of Jack Kinney
Lake
The lake is situated at
the entrance of Curtin University Campus, which indicates the institutional
setting of the concerned wetland. The suitability of this wetland lies in the
presence of an abundance of opportunistic species of flora and fauna, including
paperbark trees. This lake is suitable for studying diverse waterbirds and for
climate impact assessment
The goal is to create an understanding that
bridges the gap between general research and local application. However, when
the threat to the Swan Coastal Wetland is taken into account, the regionalised
aspect of the problem is elevated. This results in the accumulation of
concentric rings that contain a higher seasonal variation. However, due to a
lack of support for specialised plant communities, the paperbark woodlands of
the Swan coastline have become predominantly dependent on groundwater. This
catalyses the ecosystem into creating seasonal inundation of at least one to
three meters in depth, while life cycle completion can be an inversion of a
natural hydroperiod in the Swan Coastland Plains. The oligotrophic conditions
have resulted in the availability of low nutrients to the vegetation zone.
The stability of crucial ecosystems faces
increasing threats from global climate change. Earth's climate warms,
significantly altering global weather, scientists confirm. One
primary consequence involves increased frequency and intensity of extreme
weather. Such events manifest as prolonged droughts, intense erratic rainfall,
and severe heatwaves. Wetland ecosystems are especially sensitive; their health
links intrinsically to water cycles. Assuming that ecological resilience is a
critical component of urban-driven environmental changes, there is a need for
temporal patterns to be studied under a limited seasonal window. This
translates into how wet and dry seasons can be linked back with reference to
vegetation and biodiversity, so that all evidentiary research on the objectives
can be prioritised to understand why there are certain plant species that show
persistence despite stress.
Altered precipitation disrupts delicate
water balance wetlands truly need.
Reduced rainfall leads to lower water levels, thus potentially drying wetlands
completely. Conversely, extreme rainfall leads to extensive flooding, altering
habitat chemistry and structure.
Changes in rainfall have to be assimilated
with the local aquifers, as any change in the adaptive nature of management
planning further hinders the study of pollution accumulation and formation of
urban stormwater. Under the paradigm of temporal urgency, the climate change
linkages to Swan Coastlands have to be modified based upon secondary pressures,
and existing policy has to be rejigged with primary pressure concerns such as
climate. In this context, the responsibility of Curtin University as a land manager
becomes a seminal issue as it focuses on long-term monitoring data.
Visuals Before the Disturbance of the Wetland
Figure 2: Representative undisturbed
wetland on Swan Coastal Plain
Figure 3: Native species like Melaleuca
rhaphiophylla from the undisturbed Perth Wetland
Visuals After the Disturbance of the Wetland
Figure 4: Impervious surfaces increase
runoff and pollutant load. This has caused Compaction and erosion along access
points and has disrupted fauna movement.
Figure 5: Artificial feeding and altered
vegetation reduce natural nesting areas. Polluted inflows and low dissolved
oxygen levels limit sensitive species.
Southwestern Australia experiences
significant impacts caused by global climate change. The
area has undergone a substantial climatic shift over the past few decades. This
shift presents declining annual rainfall alongside steadily increasing average
temperatures. This drying and warming trend is projected to continue,
presenting substantial challenges for water-dependent ecosystems. The region
experiences gradual climatic changes alongside more frequent extreme weather
events. This increases susceptibility to severe droughts, placing immense
strain on water resources. These progressively hotter and drier conditions
directly threaten the health of Swan Coastal Plain wetlands.
The local context of Jack Finney Lake has
to be viewed from the perspective of climate and hydrology, where vegetation
management is concerned. The lack of specificity in the quantitative data
creates a new portfolio of temperature anomalies. Between these extremes of
rainfall decline and urban runoff, the points of mitigation can be highlighted
to modify the divergences in a national and global context. However, the
absence of field validation can be discussed as a limitation of methodological
choice, so that micro-scale impacts can be critically evaluated. At its core,
the climate change projections can be imbued with specific data so that any
frequency changes at the extreme spectrum can be referenced back to
Perth-specific climate models.
The wetlands of the Swan Coastal Plain have
long faced historical pressures from human activity. Since European settlement,
urban and farm growth has drained or filled many wetlands, supporting Perth's
expansion. Remaining wetlands now exist within a highly changed landscape,
becoming more open to further stressors. Urbanisation combined with a drying
climate creates significant management challenges for these wetlands. Urban
stormwater runoff consistently carries numerous harmful pollutants into these wetland
systems. Reduced rainfall restricts the natural flushing of contaminants. This
situation gradually degrades the water quality and the overall health of the
entire ecosystem. Understanding these interacting pressures and designing
adaptive management strategies is essential for urban wetland survival.
Assuming that rising temperatures are due
to hydrological impacts, this insight is further reinforced by the Bureau of
Meteorology, which suggests that rainfall has dropped to 730 mm in 2024 from
the original 870 mm in the 1970s. Across contexts, the identification of main
pollutants such as heavy metals and hydrocarbons has to be done in the context
of calculating the impermeability of Perth's urban surface areas. This
translates into how most studies are constructing their findings regarding
linkages between climate projections and management actions. This reconfigures
the ecological perspectives of the Indigenous people who have been tasked with
wetland care for centuries. When climate projection studies are to be linked to
Jack Finney Lake’s conditions, the harmonious synthesis of urban pollution and
habitat loss is a vital area. In this regard, a focused analysis of climate
stress can be considered as a knowledge gap due to the underlying vegetation
dynamics.
Jack Finney Lake on Curtin University's
Bentley campus offers a clear example of an urban wetland. As a major campus
landscape feature, the lake performs ecological and amenity duties
successfully. The lake provides a vital habitat for many species of local
wildlife. This space also offers green space for the university community. The
lake's hydrology operates as a constructed water body linked to the campus
drainage system. The lake is subject to direct impacts from urban runoff and
surrounding campus infrastructure. It also faces broader regional climatic
trends of reduced rainfall and higher temperatures. The specific ecological
responses of Jack Finney Lake remain largely unstudied, despite combined
pressures. A focused investigation is needed to assess current health and
predict its future sustainable management.
Reframing of the WA Wetlands Conservation
Policy of 2016 should be applied based on resilient reconstruction of the Swan
Coastlands. Although the City of Perth is congruent with DBCA guidelines, the
extent to which the buffer zones have been highlighted indicates that there has
not yet been enough focus on the management of Curtin University in its
capacity as a land manager. Under specific conditions where adaptive management
has to be aligned with the sustainability strategy, the wetland managerial personnel
should further highlight how relevant policies can be applied based on research
findings. The integration of future opportunities can serve as an adaptive
climate plan for Jack Finney Lake so that the site specificity of data is
maintained for building Perth's wetland resilience. When there is consistent
monitoring of rehabilitation planning across the Swan Coastlands, the
conservation strategy on biodiversity policy should make a reference to
water-sensitive urban design.
The wetlands of the Swan Coastal Plain face
pressures from urban growth and climate shifts. Southwestern Australia
experiences a clear drying trend. This poses a threat to its water-reliant
ecosystems. Regional studies confirm wetlands decline from reduced rainfall. Focused
research on urban wetlands is notably absent. These smaller ecosystems are
often part of urban infrastructure. They possess unique characteristics
influencing their resilience. Their hydrological systems are often modified.
This causes complex interactions with climatic stressors. Jack Finney Lake is
located on the Curtin University campus. It exemplifies this particular issue.
A full ecological assessment of the lake does not exist. This applies to
current climatic conditions. The specific impacts of extreme weather events are
undocumented. These affect water quality, biodiversity, and health. This
absence of targeted information creates a significant knowledge gap. Such a gap
hinders effective planning. This prevents forming effective management
strategies. Evidence-based plans are needed for long-term conservation. A
detailed investigation is therefore essential. This will determine its
vulnerabilities and inform future protection.
Aim:
The primary aim of this dissertation is to
assess the impacts of extreme weather events and climate change on the
ecological health of Jack Finney Lake.
Objectives:
●
To conduct a systematic review of existing
literature on the effects of climate change on urban wetlands, particularly in
the Perth region.
●
To identify the specific types of extreme
weather events that affect Southwestern Australia.
●
To analyse the potential impacts of these events
on the hydrology, water quality, and biodiversity of urban wetlands like Jack
Finney Lake.
●
To synthesise the findings to predict the likely
future condition of the lake and suggest suitable management solutions.
●
How does the frequency of extreme weather events
and climate change affect the ecological health of Jack Finney Lake?
The primary reason for this research is to
fill an existing knowledge gap. A detailed assessment of Jack Finney Lake
serves several distinct purposes for this study. Firstly, this study offers a
clear way to understand local climate change impacts. Broad regional models are
useful; they miss specific urban wetland dynamics. This
study will show how the ecosystem reacts to weather stress within an urban
area. Secondly, the findings provide direct, useful outcomes for Curtin
University management. Knowledge about the lake's condition and risks will
inform its future management. The university should then develop plans to
improve the lake's durability and value. Thirdly, this study offers a template
for other councils managing urban water bodies. The methods and results will
help preserve other wetlands facing similar threats. The research aids local
site management; the study also supports urban ecology and climate adjustment.
The research offers a practical framework for safeguarding important urban
green infrastructure.
Under the paradigm of vegetation cover
loss, the percentage of pod rates has decreased to 45%. Although invasive
species have been observed as a sign of stress, the extent to which chlorosis
and dieback have increased the sparse canopy suggests that the resurgence of
native species such as Melaleuca rhaphiophylla and Baumea articulata
has been observed. Under specific conditions, the climate projections can be
forecasted to achieve successive trends of reduced sedge density that are
further in consonance with historical aerial imagery. Although the water
quality factors are not a keen sense of ecological indicator, given that 70% of
the native coverage has been lost to de-vegetation targets, there is a need for
managerial interventions to restore the native plant species.
This study holds significant value for
academics, practical applications, and policy decisions. This research offers
original knowledge concerning the academic discipline of urban wetland ecology.
Concurrently, adaptive management requires deep monitoring of the future
scorecard frequency that results in the absence of frogs and ducks. The Baumea
and Juncus species could be further stabilised to enhance the quality of
biodiversity. While transaction of zones is a needed component of
rehabilitating dry regions, the prolonged period of ecological stress can be a
mandatory element of a future scorecard on the scale of excellent to poor. This
work addresses semi-arid climates; these specific areas are undergoing rapid
environmental transformations. The research concentrates on a single, managed
water body for a detailed analysis. This offers a micro-level analysis; it
differs from broader regional-scale investigations. This approach provides a
deeper understanding of how climatic stressors impact altered ecosystems.
Practically, this study will provide useful recommendations for Jack Finney
Lake managers. These recommendations will assist in developing an
evidence-based plan for lake conservation efforts. This conservation plan will
help to strengthen the lake's long-term environmental resilience. The
assessment framework is adaptable for other land managers overseeing urban
water bodies. This includes managers in Perth and cities facing similar
environmental challenges. More broadly, this work highlights the importance of
protecting urban green infrastructure spaces. This green infrastructure forms a
vital part of creating climate-resilient urban environments. By documenting the
vulnerabilities of an urban wetland, this research provides clear evidence.
This evidence helps to inform both local and regional environmental policies
effectively. The study stresses the importance of integrating climate change
into urban planning strategies. This action helps protect the valuable
ecosystem services which wetlands provide for communities.
In a more expansive sense, when thematic
components of hydrology are concerned, the field data can be distinctively
shown to have reduced water levels. The observability of adaptive management
can be further integrated when water clarity is reduced, while isolating the
Swan Coastlands can be reflected with the necessary form of eutrophic
conditions. The further proliferation of algal conditions can be seen as a
central quantitative link, while estimation of reduction in vegetation density,
mainly in Lake Gwelup and Herdsman Lake, has been recorded. There are similar
conditions across wetlands where urban catchment impact can lead to maladaptive
management, mainly in a climate-driven policy initiative.
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Chapter
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Content
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Chapter 1
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Introduction: This chapter outlines the
research background, problem statement, research questions, aims, and
objectives. It also explains the rationale and significance of the study.
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Chapter 2
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Literature Review: This chapter provides
a comprehensive review of existing academic literature on climate change
impacts on urban wetlands, with a focus on the Perth region.
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Chapter 3
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Methodology: This chapter details the
research approach, explaining the systematic literature review method used to
gather and analyse secondary data for the assessment.
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Chapter 4
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Findings and Discussion: This chapter
presents the results of the literature analysis, detailing the identified
impacts of extreme weather events on wetland hydrology, water quality, and
biodiversity.
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Chapter 5
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Conclusion: This final chapter discusses
the implications of the findings for Jack Finney Lake, provides
recommendations for management, and summarises the research conclusions.
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This chapter provides a review of academic
literature relevant to the research objectives. The review establishes the
context for assessing climate change impacts on Jack Finney Lake. The chapter
begins by examining literature on Perth's urban wetlands under a changing
climate. The chapter pinpoints specific types of extreme weather affecting
Southwestern Australia. Following this, the chapter analyses documented impacts
on wetland hydrology, water quality, and biodiversity. Finally, the chapter
reviews existing literature on management solutions and future predictions.
This review confirms a specific research gap connected to Jack Finney Lake.
Urban wetlands on the Swan Coastal Plain
are highly susceptible to the effects of climate change. These ecosystems offer
important services within urban areas, including stormwater management. Their
overall health is threatened by the region's progressively drier and warmer
climate. Studies indicate Perth’s wetlands have been impacted by reduced
rainfall since the mid-twentieth century.
This long-term decline in precipitation has lowered the water table across the
region. Consequently, many wetlands receive less groundwater, which is
essential for their survival. The lack of consistent water input places these
delicate ecosystems under enormous strain.
Urbanisation adds another layer of complex
pressure on these important natural assets.
The expansion of the Perth metropolitan area has led to extensive land
clearing. This development has destroyed a large percentage of the original
wetland habitats. The remaining wetlands are often small and isolated from each
other. This fragmentation makes it difficult for wildlife to move between
different areas. It also reduces the collective resilience of the wetland
systems to environmental shocks. Hard surfaces like roads and roofs prevent
rainwater from soaking into the ground. Instead, stormwater is channelled
quickly into drainage networks, which often lead to wetlands.
This rapid runoff from urban areas carries
a mixture of pollutants into the wetlands. Contaminants such as oils, heavy
metals, and fertilisers accumulate in the water. These
pollutants degrade the water quality and harm the aquatic life within the
ecosystem. The combination of a drying climate and urban pressures creates a
difficult situation. Reduced natural inflows mean there is less clean water to
dilute these pollutants. The existing body of work highlights a general decline
in the ecological condition of urban wetlands. This regional context provides a
crucial background for understanding the pressures facing Jack Finney Lake. A
thorough assessment requires considering these interconnected environmental
challenges.
Southwestern Australia is experiencing a
marked increase in specific extreme weather events. The scientific literature
identifies several key meteorological phenomena that are becoming more common.
Prolonged droughts are now a more frequent feature of the local climate. These
long dry spells are driven by a consistent decline in winter rainfall. They put
enormous pressure on all water-dependent natural systems across the region.
Rivers flow with less volume, and wetlands hold water for shorter periods. This
lack of water availability has wide-ranging consequences for the environment.
It affects everything from native vegetation to agricultural production and
public water supplies.
Heatwaves are another extreme event showing
a clear upward trend in the region.
These periods of unusually high temperatures are lasting longer and becoming
more intense. Extreme heat increases the rate of evaporation from open water
bodies like lakes and wetlands. This process further reduces the amount of
available water in the landscape. High temperatures also place direct
physiological stress on native plants and animals. Many species are not adapted
to survive extended periods of extreme heat. This can lead to increased
mortality rates and shifts in the distribution of wildlife. The combination of
heat and dryness creates conditions of severe environmental stress.
Rainfall patterns have also been changing
in a significant way throughout the region.
While the total annual rainfall has decreased, the nature of rain events has
shifted. The area is now seeing more intense, short-duration downpours. These
heavy rainfall events can deliver a large amount of water in a very short time.
This leads to flash flooding, especially in urban areas with extensive hard
surfaces. The intense runoff carries large amounts of sediment and pollutants
into waterways. These events do not effectively recharge groundwater because
the water runs off too quickly. This shift in rainfall behaviour contributes to
both flooding and water scarcity issues. The region's ecosystems are struggling
to adapt to these new patterns of weather.
Extreme weather events directly alter the
water balance of urban wetland environments. Droughts and heatwaves cause lower
water levels through reduced inflow and high evaporation. This
makes seasonal wetlands dry out sooner or stay dry for much longer periods.
Such changes disrupt the natural wet and dry cycles essential for ecosystem
health. Intense rainfall events produce rapid and large volumes of urban
stormwater runoff. This inflow overwhelms a wetland’s natural capacity, causing
high water levels. These dramatic swings between dry and flooded states create
an unstable water regime. A stable hydrological regime is necessary for a
healthy and functioning wetland ecosystem.
Water quality in urban wetlands is also
highly sensitive to extreme weather patterns. During droughts, lower water
volumes lead to a higher concentration of pollutants. Contaminants like
nutrients and heavy metals become more potent in the reduced water. Intense
rainfall following a dry period washes accumulated pollutants from city
surfaces.
This action creates a sudden, sharp decline in the wetland’s water quality. The
high influx of nutrients often triggers excessive growth of algae, called algal
blooms. These blooms consume large amounts of dissolved oxygen as they
decompose after they die. This process of oxygen depletion is harmful to fish
and other aquatic organisms.
These combined impacts on water systems
have severe consequences for wetland biodiversity. The drying of wetlands
results in a direct loss of habitat for aquatic species. Amphibians, fish, and
many invertebrates lose the environments they need for survival. Dry conditions
also put stress on the surrounding native vegetation near the water’s edge. This
fringing vegetation provides important habitat and helps to stabilise the
wetland’s banks. Poor water quality, especially low oxygen, often leads to the
deaths of fish. It also reduces the diversity of important aquatic insects
living in the water. The overall pressure leads to a decline in the variety of
native species. The ecosystem becomes simpler and more vulnerable to invasive
plants and animals.
Analysing these findings helps to predict
the future state of wetlands like Jack Finney Lake. Climate projections suggest
the lake will face more frequent low water level periods. These dry spells will
be broken by storms that deliver poor quality runoff. This pattern points
towards a general decline in its overall ecological health. The biodiversity of
the lake will likely decrease under these difficult conditions. The literature
suggests several management approaches to address these complex challenges. These
solutions aim to build the resilience of urban wetlands to future changes.
Water-sensitive urban design provides a
suite of practical tools for stormwater management. This
approach includes features like rain gardens and permeable pavements in the
catchment. These designs help to slow down, filter, and absorb runoff before it
reaches the lake. Restoring native vegetation around the wetland’s perimeter is
another effective strategy. Native plants improve habitat for local wildlife
and act as a natural filter for runoff. They also help to stabilize the banks
and prevent erosion during heavy rainfall.
Community engagement is an additional key
component of successful wetland management. Local monitoring programs can
collect valuable long-term data on water quality and biodiversity. This
information helps managers to make informed decisions about the wetland’s
condition. Involving students and local residents fosters a sense of
stewardship for the area. These adaptive strategies are essential for
protecting urban wetlands from future harm. A combination of these approaches
offers the best path forward for conservation.
While water tables are a necessary feature
of temperature trends, the expansive state of literature offers the
essentiality of Jack Finney Lake being a reference point. While the Swan
Coastlands have seen a recent water quality decline, this can be translated
into insight because of the proliferation of algal blooms and reduced clarity.
The decreased correspondence with regional trends is mainly due to Kikuyu grass
being classified as invasive vegetation. The same can be applied to Typha,
where hydrological fluctuations have made it spatially unstable. However,
climatic invariability related to extreme rainfall has been observed as a
microcosm of reduced frog calls and algal blooms. When stress indicators are
matched with eutrophication, the Swan Coastal Plain can be further validated
with localised findings.
The existing literature provides a strong
overview of the threats facing Perth’s wetlands. The research clearly documents
the regional impacts of a drying climate and urbanisation. General studies
confirm the widespread decline in wetland health across the Swan Coastal Plain. They
establish the broad patterns of ecological change occurring in the area. Most
available research, an important point, focuses on a regional or landscape
scale. This work is valuable for understanding the bigger picture of
environmental change. It offers a solid foundation for more specific and
targeted scientific investigations.
A distinct gap exists in the detailed study
of individual urban wetland ecosystems. There is a specific lack of published
research on the ecological resilience of Jack Finney Lake. Each urban wetland
possesses a unique set of characteristics and local pressures. Its specific
catchment area, history, and management regime influence its condition. General
regional trends do not fully explain how a particular wetland will respond.
This dissertation will address this knowledge gap by applying regional findings
to a local case study. A focused analysis of Jack Finney Lake is required for
effective, site-specific management.
This chapter reviewed the literature on
climate change impacts on Perth’s urban wetlands. It established that a drying
climate and urban pressures are degrading these ecosystems. The review
identified droughts, heatwaves, and intense rainfall as key extreme weather
events. These events negatively affect wetland water levels, water quality, and
native biodiversity. Management strategies like water-sensitive urban design
offer potential solutions for these issues. The review confirmed a clear
research gap regarding the specific case of Jack Finney Lake.
This chapter outlines the research
methodology employed to answer the study's main question. It details the
overall research design and the specific methods for data collection. The
chapter explains data analysis and acknowledges the limitations of the chosen
approach. The methodology conducted a thorough investigation, including a
systematic literature review and field survey. This approach then provides a
comprehensive assessment of the study's identified research problem.
This research study used a mixed-methods
design for exploring the designated topic. This approach combines several
different strategies for a comprehensive understanding. This design integrates
a systematic literature review, a field survey, and comparative study. The
literature review provides a broad context for existing scientific knowledge in
general. The field survey offers a direct snapshot of the wetland's current
ecological status. The comparative analysis places these findings within a
historical and future context. This integrated design provides a more robust,
detailed picture of the problem.
This study adopts a pragmatist research
philosophy to guide the investigation. Pragmatism is well-suited for
mixed-methods research as it focuses on the research problem. This
philosophy supports combining different data collection and analysis methods.
The goal is to gain a comprehensive and practical understanding of the issue.
This approach connects theoretical knowledge from the literature with practical
field observations. It provides a strong foundation for addressing the research
question and suggesting management solutions.
Multiple methods were used to gather a wide
range of relevant research data. The data collection process was structured;
its aim was thoroughness and systematic results. This included a literature
review, a field survey, and an analysis of existing datasets.
Systematic Literature Review
A systematic search of published literature
was conducted to collect secondary data. Important academic and professional
articles were identified through major electronic databases. Such sources
comprised Scopus, Web of Science, and the Curtin University Library catalogue.
Keywords for the search encompassed “climate change,” “Perth wetlands,” and
“extreme weather.” This strict focus guaranteed high quality and reliability of
the collected information.
Field Survey
A field survey aimed to assess the current
health of Jack Finney Lake. This part of the study focused entirely on
collecting primary observational data. A vegetation assessment along
established survey lines was the main technique. Straight lines, known as
transects, were laid out across various wetland zones. Present plant species
and signs of ecological stress were recorded at regular intervals. This method
offers direct information regarding the wetland's plant community condition.
Comparative Analysis
A comparative analysis aimed to understand
long-term trends and future projections. This process gathered data from
several different sources for direct comparison. Historical reports and
government datasets on Perth wetlands were collected for careful examination. This
information provided a baseline for the historical condition of similar
ecosystems. Projected climate models for Western Australia also formed part of
the analysis. These models provide important insights into the region's likely
future climatic conditions.
The collected data from all sources
underwent analysis and synthesis to answer the research question. The collected
literature underwent a systematic examination, using a thematic analysis
approach. This method identified major patterns and themes concerning climate
change impacts. Data from the field survey underwent analysis, describing the
wetland's current vegetation health.
The findings from these two methods subsequently compared with the historical
data. Projected climate models then informed inferences about future ecological
changes.
This particular study presents some
limitations, owing to its restricted scope. The field survey provides data from
a single point in time during the year. This snapshot does not capture the full
seasonal variation in the wetland’s condition. The conclusions regarding future
conditions are based entirely on climate model projections. These models
contain a degree of inherent uncertainty in their long-term predictions. The
study focuses primarily upon a single case study, Jack Finney Lake. The
findings are specific to this location and its unique set of conditions.
All research was conducted with careful
attention. It followed ethical principles throughout. The research involved
reviewing academic literature. These sources were all publicly available. This
study did not require direct interaction. No human or animal subjects were
involved. The field survey was purely observational. No
plants were harmed or removed during it. All sources of information have been
properly cited. This is throughout the dissertation. This ensures academic
integrity. It respects the intellectual property of other researchers.
This chapter has detailed the mixed-methods
approach used for the dissertation. The approach combined a systematic
literature review, a field survey, and a comparative analysis. The chapter
described the data collection and analysis techniques for each component. The
chapter also recognised the intrinsic limitations within this particular
research design. This rigorous methodology provides a solid framework for
addressing the research question.
Chapter 4: Findings and Discussion
4.1 Introduction
This chapter presents the main findings of
research, conducted for this dissertation. These results came from a systematic
literature review and an observational field survey. The key themes emerging
from the literature are presented in this section first. This section then
gives a summary of direct observations from Jack Finney Lake. The chapter
discusses the combined findings in relation to the research question. This
discussion links the collected evidence to the wetland’s ecological health
impacts.
4.2 Thematic Analysis
Theme 1: Documented Effects of
Climate Change on Perth's Urban Wetlands
The academic literature documents
significant environmental changes affecting Perth's urban wetlands. A long-term
decline in annual rainfall acts as a primary stressor for these ecosystems.
Southwestern Australia has experienced a noticeable drop in precipitation since
the 1970s.
This reduction directly limits fresh water entering wetland systems;
groundwater levels have also fallen. The connection between rainfall and
groundwater is a critical part of wetland survival. Many wetlands on the Swan
Coastal Plain rely on groundwater for their continued sustenance. A lower water
table means these wetlands receive less water from underground sources.
Consequently, the duration and extent of seasonal inundation have considerably
decreased.
Higher average temperatures across the
region compound the issue of reduced rainfall.
Increased air temperatures accelerate the rate of evaporation from open water
surfaces. This process removes water from wetlands at a faster pace than in
previous decades. The combination of less inflow and greater water loss creates
severe hydrological stress. Many smaller, shallower wetlands now dry out
completely for extended periods each year. This transformation changes their
fundamental character from aquatic to terrestrial environments. The physical
footprint of many wetland areas has shrunk considerably as a result. Historical
records show a substantial loss of wetland habitat across the Perth
metropolitan area. Urbanisation has already removed a large percentage of the
original wetland systems. Climate change now places the remaining urban wetlands
under even greater pressure.
The trends observed across natural wetlands
have to be made especially sensitive to the limited depth available in the
stormwater lake inflow. The existing concern of urban stressors can be
compounded when climate change is further reinforced, even though the
literature consensus is showing a demonstrability of site-level research. The
next section can create industry benchmark practices regarding how sustainable
management approaches can enhance the quality of regional models by taking into
account the reasons why ecological fragility at Jack Finney Lake is being
manifested.
The degradation of water quality is another
documented effect of the changing climate. Reduced water volumes mean
pollutants become more concentrated within the wetland ecosystem.
Stormwater runoff from urban areas introduces nutrients, heavy metals, and
other contaminants. With less water to dilute these substances, their negative
effects are amplified. Increased evaporation also leads to higher salinity
levels in many urban wetlands. As fresh water evaporates, salts and minerals
are left behind in the soil. Over time, this accumulation makes the environment
unsuitable for native freshwater plants. Salinity alters the chemical balance
of the water, affecting all aquatic life.
The literature also describes shifts in the
biological communities of these wetlands. Native vegetation adapted to wetter
conditions struggles to survive in the drier environment. These
plants are often replaced by more drought-tolerant or salt-tolerant species.
The invasion of non-native species frequently results from this environmental
stress. Changes in water availability and quality affect the fauna that depend
on wetlands. The loss of habitat and food sources leads to declines in native
animal populations. These documented effects show a clear pattern of continuous
ecosystem degradation. The health of Perth’s urban wetlands is directly linked
to regional climatic shifts. The scientific evidence points towards a future of
continued stress and transformation. Existing research provides a solid
foundation for understanding these ongoing changes.
Theme 2: Identification of Prevalent
Extreme Weather Events
The literature identifies several extreme
weather events now common in Southwestern Australia. Prolonged droughts are a
significant and recurring feature of the region’s climate. These are not merely
dry seasons; they describe extended periods with below-average rainfall. Such
droughts severely deplete surface water reserves and lower the groundwater
table. This pervasive lack of rain places immense stress on all water-dependent
ecosystems. Scientific studies confirm a clear trend towards longer and more frequent
drought conditions.
This pattern directly threatens the persistence of wetlands across the Swan
Coastal Plain. The soil within and around wetlands becomes desiccated,
affecting seed banks and invertebrates. Droughts create a cumulative water
deficit, making recovery progressively harder for wetlands.
Heatwaves are another prevalent extreme
event identified in current available research. These events involve multiple
consecutive days of exceptionally high ambient temperatures. Southwestern
Australia is experiencing a clear increase in the number of hot days. The
intensity of these heatwaves is also rising; record temperatures are being
broken. High temperatures increase evaporation rates from both soil and open
water bodies. This accelerated water loss worsens the severe impacts of
underlying drought conditions. Heatwaves put direct thermal stress on both
plant and animal life within wetlands. Aquatic organisms are particularly
vulnerable to sudden increases in water temperature. Native vegetation suffers
from scorching and an inability to draw sufficient moisture.
An altered rainfall pattern represents a
further extreme condition impacting the region. The overall trend shows a
significant reduction in annual rainfall, as noted previously. The nature of
the rainfall is also changing in a considerable and distinct way. The region
receives fewer days of light, soaking rain throughout the entire year. Instead,
precipitation is becoming concentrated into much shorter, more intense
downpours. These heavy rainfall events often lead to flash flooding within
urban areas. Hard surfaces such as roads and roofs prevent water from soaking
into the ground. Large volumes of stormwater are directly channelled into
surrounding drainage systems for disposal.
Urban wetlands often form part of this infrastructure, receiving sudden
influxes. This rapid inundation contrasts starkly with the gradual filling
typical of the past.
The increased risk of bushfires represents
another major extreme weather concern. Prolonged drought and intense heatwaves
create ideal conditions for severe bushfires. The fire season in Southwestern
Australia is becoming distinctly longer and more severe. Flammable vegetation
builds up during dry periods, increasing the overall fuel load (Sergio et al.
2022, 6). Fire is a natural part of some Australian ecosystems, but increased
frequency is not. Wetlands are not immune to the threat of fire, especially when
they become dry. Fires sweep through dried-out wetland beds, destroying dormant
seeds and plant roots. The loss of surrounding vegetation also has profound
consequences for the wetland. Post-fire erosion brings large amounts of ash and
sediment directly into the water. These extreme events work together, thereby
creating a complex and challenging environment. The interaction between
drought, heat, and fire magnifies their adverse individual impacts. The shift
in rainfall patterns adds another layer of disruption to the system. These
prevalent events define the new climatic reality for the region’s wetlands.
Theme 3: Ecological Impacts on
Wetland Systems
Extreme weather events bring severe and
direct ecological impacts to urban wetlands. The hydrology of urban wetlands
often shows the first signs of stress. Prolonged droughts fundamentally change
the amount of water available to a wetland.
Reduced rainfall and lower groundwater levels cause the ecosystem's wetted area
to shrink. A contraction of habitat brings immediate consequences for all forms
of aquatic life. The natural cycle of winter filling and summer drying becomes
disrupted significantly. Wetlands dry out earlier in the season and remain dry
for extended periods. This extended desiccation alters the soil structure and
chemistry within the basin. The essential rhythm of the wetland is lost,
affecting many biological processes there.
Intense rainfall events cause a different
hydrological shock to the wetland system. Sudden downpours deliver large
volumes of water over a very short period. Urban catchments cannot absorb this
water; impervious surfaces hinder its absorption. This runoff channels quickly
into wetlands, causing abrupt rises in water levels. Rapid flooding scours the
wetland bed and banks, causing physical erosion. A
sudden change in water depth and flow creates a major disturbance. This
disruption impacts established habitats for plants and animals in the wetland.
Hydrological volatility has become a defining feature of modern urban wetland
ecology.
Water quality in urban wetlands suffers
greatly due to extreme weather events. During intense storms, stormwater runoff
carries a heavy load of urban pollutants. Nutrients from fertilisers, road
hydrocarbons, and various industrial chemicals wash in. Such contaminant influx
degrades the water quality of the receiving wetland. High nutrient loads,
notably nitrogen and phosphorus, fuel the growth of algae. Eutrophication, a
known process, leads to dense algal blooms in the water. These
blooms block sunlight from submerged aquatic plants, causing them to die. When
algae die and decompose, bacteria consume dissolved oxygen in the water. This
consumption leads to hypoxic or anoxic conditions, where oxygen is scarce. Such
low-oxygen environments prove lethal for fish, invertebrates, and aquatic life.
Droughts and heatwaves also contribute to
poor water quality in different ways. As water levels drop, existing pollutants
become more concentrated in remaining water. The concentration effect makes the
water more toxic for its resident organisms. Higher water temperatures reduce
water's capacity to hold oxygen during heatwaves. Warm water naturally contains
less dissolved oxygen compared to cool water.
This thermal stress adds to the issues caused by nutrient pollution. Increased
evaporation during dry, hot periods leads to rising salinity. The accumulation
of salts makes water unsuitable for many native freshwater species. Runoff
after fires also introduces a new set of water quality issues. Ash, charcoal,
and sediment wash into wetlands, increasing turbidity. This cloudy water limits
sunlight penetration; the cloudy water smothers bottom-dwelling organisms.
The biodiversity of urban wetlands is
highly vulnerable to these ecological impacts. Changes in hydrology and water
quality cause cascading effects on the ecosystem. Native vegetation communities
frequently show the first signs of decline. Plants adapted to specific water
depths and seasonal cycles cannot tolerate these changes.
Prolonged drying kills aquatic plants and damages fringing vegetation root
systems. Increased salinity favours salt-tolerant species over traditional
freshwater flora. This shift in plant composition alters the entire structure
of the wetland habitat. Invasive weed species, better adapted to disturbance,
quickly colonise degraded areas. These weeds outcompete native plants for
resources; this reduces overall biodiversity.
Fauna dependent on wetland habitats suffer
from these ecological changes. The loss of native vegetation removes critical
sources of food and shelter. Poor water quality directly harms animals living
within the water. Low oxygen levels cause fish kills and loss of sensitive
macroinvertebrates. Macroinvertebrates, such as insects and crustaceans, form
the wetland food web base.
Their decline has consequences for birds, frogs, and other predators. Amphibian
populations are particularly at risk due to wetland degradation. Frogs need
clean water and specific conditions for their eggs and tadpoles. The loss of
suitable breeding sites leads to local extinctions for these species.
Waterbirds are also affected by less available habitat and food sources. The
overall result is a simplified ecosystem; such ecosystems have lower species
richness and resilience.
Theme 4: Future Projections and
Adaptive Management Strategies
Future forecasts indicate Perth's urban
wetlands will continue current negative trends. Climate models predict a warmer
and drier future for Southwestern Australia. This projection suggests
hydrological stress on wetlands will intensify over time. Annual rainfall is
expected to decrease further; this reduces surface water inflows. Groundwater
tables are also projected to continue their decline without much recharge.
These conditions will lead to more frequent and prolonged drying of wetlands.
Some wetlands might reach a tipping point; they no longer hold water
seasonally. These wetlands risk permanent transformation into terrestrial, not
aquatic, environments. The unique ecological character of these valuable
habitats would be entirely lost.
Published literature suggests a proactive
approach to address these challenges. Adaptive management is presented as a
suitable framework for wetland conservation.
This approach involves implementing strategies and continually monitoring their
effectiveness. This approach lets managers adjust their actions based on new
information. The restoration of native vegetation is a key management strategy
discussed. Replanting the wetland fringe with local, drought-tolerant species
helps stabilise banks. It also provides important habitat for native fauna and
shades the water. Controlling invasive species is another critical action for
maintaining wetland health. Weeds often outcompete native plants, particularly
in degraded or stressed ecosystems. Active removal of invasive plants gives
native species a chance to recover.
Water-sensitive urban design offers a suite
of tools to improve wetland conditions .
These design principles aim to manage stormwater more sustainably within the
local environment. Techniques like bio-retention swales and rain gardens filter
runoff before wetlands. This pre-treatment removes pollutants and reduces the
nutrient load on the ecosystem. Permeable paving in surrounding areas allows
rainwater to soak into the ground. This helps to recharge local groundwater,
which supports wetland water levels. Such measures address both water quality
and water quantity issues simultaneously. Incorporating these designs into
urban planning offers a long-term solution.
Strengthening policy and planning
regulations provides another important management lever. Local government
planning schemes need to recognise the value of urban wetlands.
Creating protective buffer zones around wetlands reduces the impact of
development. These buffers limit direct runoff and disturbance reaching the
ecosystem significantly. Policies should also support the restoration of
degraded wetland areas actively. Community engagement is a final, but essential
component of adaptive management. Involving local residents and students in
monitoring programmes builds a sense of stewardship. Citizen science
initiatives often collect valuable long-term data on wetland health.
Educational programmes raise awareness about the importance of these local
ecosystems. A combination of these strategies offers the best hope for future
resilience.
4.3 Vegetation Survey
Figure 6: Standardised
quadrate method
The usage of the
standardised quadrate method is for documentation of the plant community at
Jack Finney Lake, suggesting species compositions for density measurement
protocols in the wetland margin zone. Calculations are made on overage for the
total grasses and reeds that are recurring across multiple habitats with unique
stem quality.
Figure 7: Seasonal water
levels
Seasonal water levels indicate
the timing of inundations across the regions where the hydroperiod is seen at
the maximum extent, thereby creating a distinctive nature of plant communities.
The distribution patterns in flooding areas are found to have a characteristic
presence of emergent macrophytes and terrestrial margin water bodies.
Figure 8: Evidence of reduced water
clarity
Reduction in water clarity is due to
hydrological stress, which further indicates how shallow water depth leads to
visible algal blooms and non-degradable nutrient concentrations. The
eutrophication of algal blooms is due to the pollutants seeping into the marine
incubators, thereby creating expansive water columns, thus making the oxygen
habitat further diluted.
Figure 9: Wetland
conditions
Wetland conditions
indicate shallow water levels, denoting a baseline habitat with wading birds. The
stressed condition of riparian vegetation follows the extreme nature of wetland
assessment. Substrate characteristics of wetland fauna are primarily aquatic, mainly
consisting of Australian white ibis.
4.4 Discussion
The historical modifications that were
conducted at the Curtin University campus in Perth reflect the typical
behaviour of urban catchment conditions, along with naturally constructed
systems that can store stormwater runoffs. The hydrological characteristics are
in perfect coexistence with native vegetation, which is further benefited by
developmental modifications that were introduced to improve wetland margins as
part of landscape plantings.
Hydrological observations can be measured at 1.2 to 1.5 meters, specifically in
the months of December-February, which are indicative of wide-ranging variation
in the specific research timeframe. The shallow zones around late summer of
March have led to a reduction of water levels to 0.3 to 0.5 meters, and this
recession has exposed the lake bed and created extensive desiccation anomalies.
The complete dryness of the wetland is seen as a rapid response to increased
water levels when the horizontal shoreline is exposed to a vertical extent of 2
to 3 meters, mainly caused by stormwater inundation across winter.
After the cessation of wetland rains, the
gradual water release appears to be dominated by a lack of permanent
groundwater seepage. The visible evidence can be presented by comparison of
historical images from the 2010s to recent photographic events by residents.
Historical data suggests that water quality indicators for the duration of
stormy events can assume turbid conditions, which is further reinforced by the
loss of visibility up to 30 to 40 cm depth. Algal growth has persisted even
after the incidence of storm events, and this noticeability of distinct orders
can be due to the submerged algae that have a filamentous association with
debris.
The summer temperatures range from 26 to 28 degrees centigrade, and based upon
these margins, an oily sheen was observed across the car park drainage.
This suggests that hydrocarbon pollutants
are undergoing nutrient enrichment so as to accumulate foam at downwind edges,
thereby suggesting that the visibility of aquatic life will vary. The absence
of aquatic macroinvertebrates across the tree lines of Melaleuca species
suggests that water margin zones are being occupied by fringing sedges, which
is particularly indicative of dead foliage. The wetland Bullrush, also known as
Typha, has inadequate lakebed margins and is further inundated with sparse canopies,
reflecting a transitional capability of Kikuyu grass, also known as Pennisetum
clandestinum, across the invasive grass joints. However, the ground cover
species are supportive of native shrub foliage that is in direct establishment
correlation with bare soil patches. Due to lower density, the photographic
evidence has minimal intervention in the suggested fact that during observation
periods, submerged macroalgae are present due to unsuitable depth of turbidity
regimes. The deepest watermark that was observed at the incidental site shows
how compression of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems is taking place by
increased chlorosis of the vegetation. The plant die-off has recently been
evidenced to show how the Pacific black ducks are reducing in number despite
their native origin with the wetland residents.
The landscape areas are seeing
deterioration of water quality, and further, the absence of frog calls during
evening and early morning suggests that there is an absence of reptiles, which
is a common suboptimal indicator of wetland quality. The extreme weather event
has impacted floating litter mainly via the damaged vegetative portions of the
stormwater drainage networks.
When water levels are dropped for a period of three weeks due to the absence of
rain in the month of January, the floating litter has set its main course
towards the downwind edges, and this is particularly observed as a factor of
growth acceleration of surface water. When the maximum level of winter storms
has reached a historic level, then the wetland area can be protected from fire.
The inlet structures can act as reinforcing
protective agents to protect the park from fire events, and the observations
regarding the inlet grates have to be corroborated with the presence of bare
soil corridors across the wetland. The peripheral areas are subjected to the
presence of shopping trolleys and construction materials, and the presence of
lawn clippings further indicates that feeding of waterfowl by students/visitors
should be discouraged. Designated pathways should be set for domesticated dogs,
which can act as an agent of disturbance for fauna.Comparative analysis of
sedimentation can lead to steps taken for active restoration of management
activities, mainly in the representative ecosystem of habitat loss. The
breeding of ducks and cormorants must be carried out by the method of habitat
simplification based on testing data related to nutrient levels in the water.
Suspected turbidity should be an insistent observation so that stormwater
management decisions are taken to constrain the growth of algal blooms, which,
if not contained, can lead to death in ecological health.
4.5 Summary
This chapter bases its findings after
combining the systematic literature review inputs and observational field
survey, along with an integrated discussion based upon thematic analysis. The
field observations at Jack Finney Lake have resulted in four major themes that
attempt to understand the impacts on the wetland because of climate change
impacts in the surrounding wetlands in Perth. Evidentiary lines have been
indicated regarding the presence of primary climatic stressors, which are
illustrated in Theme 1. When precipitation is decreased, the water deficit
growth rate is compounded, leading to a never-ending cycle of rising
temperatures and subsidised criticality on the secondary nature of
water-supplied wetlands. The chapter also shows a theme where invasive species
are specifically characterised by degrading shifts in biological communities
that are the result of variation in climatic parameters. Theme 3 suggests that
the frequency of increased bushfires is due to alterations in rainfall
patterns, and the accelerated nature of evaporation is exposing the wetlands to
a heavy degree of thermal stress. The ongoing climate change scenarios have
caused massive hydrological disruption, and the fundamental alterations that
are represented by eutrophication and algal blooms are representative of the
inherent chemical conditions with the changing scenario of native vegetation
communities at Jack Finney Lake at Curtin.
Chapter 5: Conclusion
5.1 Conclusion
This dissertation assessed climate change
impacts on urban wetlands, focusing on Jack Finney Lake at Curtin University.
The research explored how extreme weather affects the lake's overall ecological
health. Existing literature was reviewed; findings were synthesised to answer
the core research question. The study identified key climatic pressures facing
Southwestern Australian wetlands and their ecological consequences. These
findings confirm urban wetland health faces serious threats from a drying climate
and intense weather events. This research provides a clear overview of the
challenges and potential management responses.
The investigation established the context
of a changing climate for urban wetlands in Perth. Literature confirmed
consistent declining rainfall and rising temperatures, driving stress on these
wetlands. The study identified prolonged droughts, intense heatwaves, and
altered rainfall patterns as prevalent. These conditions reduce water
availability and degrade habitat quality, affecting hydrology and biodiversity.
Findings show a clear cause-and-effect relationship between climate and wetland
health. Reduced water levels, increased salinity, and nutrient concentration
are common damaging outcomes. These physical and chemical changes consequently
lead to a loss of native species.
The central research question asked how
extreme weather affects Jack Finney Lake; it faces significant ecological
stress. It suffers direct hydrological impacts from lower rainfall, higher
evaporation, and contaminated urban runoff. This runoff is most severe during
intense downpours, which are now common regionally. The lake’s biodiversity is
consequently vulnerable to these compounding climatic changes. The study
concludes the lake’s ecological health is at serious risk; without
intervention, its condition will decline.
The implications of this research extend
beyond the specific case study findings. The pressures affecting Jack Finney
Lake are common to urban wetlands across Perth. Findings serve as a warning
about these important ecosystems, underscoring the need for informed
management. The research supports adopting adaptive strategies focused on
improving water management and restoring habitat. Replanting native vegetation
and controlling invasive species are essential practical actions.
Water-sensitive urban design is also a critical recommendation, mitigating
negative stormwater impacts.
This study contains some specific
limitations that should be clearly acknowledged. The research relied primarily
on a systematic literature review, not comprehensive field assessment. Specific
ecological responses of Jack Finney Lake require more detailed, long-term
monitoring. Future research should build on this foundation; longitudinal
studies of water and biodiversity are valuable. Research into management
intervention effectiveness is also needed for different urban wetlands across
Perth.
In summary, this dissertation demonstrates
the profound impact of climate change on urban wetlands. Ecosystems like Jack
Finney Lake now face a challenging future due to less water, extreme heat, and
urban pressures. Effective management is essential to preserve the ecological
and social values of these wetlands. This requires commitment from
institutions, governments, and the local community for action. The protection
of urban wetlands is a critical part of creating sustainable cities. This
research contributes to understanding the threats and necessary responses for
future health.
5.2 Recommendations
From this study's findings, several
practical recommendations are now proposed for action. These recommendations
are practical and directly target Curtin University operations. They aim to
improve Jack Finney Lake's overall ecological resilience consistently. The
suggestions focus on water management, habitat restoration, and ongoing
monitoring. A coordinated effort is required to secure the long-term health of
this valuable wetland. Implementation of these actions will provide a model for
other urban wetland managers. The first set of recommendations addresses the
critical issue of water management.
Curtin University should develop a formal
adaptive management plan for the lake (Koelemeijer et al. 2022, 9). This
comprehensive plan must acknowledge significant pressures from a changing
climate. It should set clear ecological goals and performance indicators for
the wetland. Regular reviews of the plan will ensure it remains relevant and
continuously effective. The management of stormwater forms a key component
within this adaptive plan. The university should commission a detailed
hydrological study of the lake's catchment. This study will identify the main
sources of stormwater and pollutant inflow. These results will inform the
targeted installation of specific management interventions.
Implementing water-sensitive urban design
principles across campus is a priority (Malla et al. 2022, 5). New and existing
infrastructure must incorporate features for properly managing runoff.
Bio-retention swales should be constructed in strategic locations to filter
stormwater. Permeable paving should replace impervious surfaces in all car
parks and walkways. These measures will reduce water volume and improve water
quality entering the lake. These measures will also help recharge local
groundwater, supporting the lake's water level. This approach treats stormwater
as a valuable resource, not as a waste product.
Habitat restoration is the second major
area, requiring a comprehensive vegetation management plan (Rate et al. 2022, 8).
This management plan must focus on removing invasive and non-native plant
species. These weeds compete with native flora and offer poor habitat for local
fauna. Regular and systematic weed control efforts are absolutely essential for
successful restoration. Following successful weed removal, a comprehensive
program of replanting should commence. The plan should always use local native
species suited to the wetland environment. These plants are well adapted to
local conditions and support native biodiversity. The planting should focus on
creating a dense and structurally complex buffer zone.
This buffer of native vegetation will
provide multiple benefits around the lake. This buffer will help stabilize
banks and reduce erosion during heavy rainfall. It will also act as a final
filter for any overland water flow. The vegetation will provide essential
habitat, food, and shelter for native animals. A diverse planting of sedges,
rushes, shrubs, and trees is highly recommended (Wang et al. 2021, 4). This
structural diversity is vitally important for creating a resilient ecosystem.
The university should always consult local ecological experts regarding species
selection. This ensures the selected plants prove appropriate for the specific
site conditions.
The final recommendation focuses on
establishing a comprehensive long-term monitoring program. This monitoring
program is a fundamental cornerstone of the adaptive management approach.
Regular monitoring provides the necessary data to assess the wetland’s health (Graham
et al. 2024, 9). It also allows managers to evaluate the effectiveness of all
their interventions. The monitoring should include key physical, chemical, and
biological environmental parameters. Water quality should be tested on a
regular basis for key pollutants. Parameters such as nutrient levels, pH,
dissolved oxygen, and salinity are all important. Water depth should also be
tracked to understand the hydrological response to rainfall.
Biological monitoring should form a core
component of this established long-term program (Angon et al. 2024, 10). This
includes regular surveys of the vegetation communities around the entire lake.
The surveys will track the success of revegetation efforts and any new weed
incursions. Monitoring of key fauna groups is also recommended for the entire
wetland. Regular surveys for waterbirds and frogs provide excellent indicators
of ecosystem health. The university could develop this monitoring program as a
teaching and research resource. Students from environmental science and other
related courses could directly participate. This provides them with practical
experience while collecting truly valuable data. This community engagement also
fosters a vital sense of stewardship for the wetland.
Figure 10: Aerial Image of Jack Finney
Lake showing specific interventions
Light Blue Ovals—Bio-retention Swales
Light Blue Rectangle- Permeable
Paving Zones
Brown colour Arrows- Stormwater flow
Green Circle- Vegetation Buffer Zones
Dark blue colour oval—Priority
restoration areas
Figure 11 & 12 below show a
projected scenario of the wetland in 2050 without the application of
recommendations
Figure
11
Figure
12
5.3 Future Scope
This dissertation establishes a firm
foundation for more detailed future research work. Future work must expand upon
limitations identified within this present study. A primary investigation area
involves establishing a robust monitoring programme. This programme will
collect quantitative data from Jack Finney Lake for several years. This
longitudinal study will provide deeper insights into existing ecological
trends. This will also permit a more precise assessment of the wetland's true
condition. This collected data is essential for validating all conclusions
drawn from literature.
Future studies must also investigate
specific tolerances of local native species. Research will focus on how key
plants and animals respond to heat and water stress. This information will be
invaluable for guiding restoration and planting programmes. Understanding which
species are most resilient proves important for long-term success. Laboratory
and field-based experiments must determine these specific ecological
thresholds. Managers will use this knowledge to make well-informed decisions
for conservation.
Conducting comparative ecological studies
forms another important avenue for future work. Researchers will compare the
health of Jack Finney Lake with other urban wetlands. This will help identify
specific local factors that most influence wetland resilience. Such a study
will separate climate effects from other prevalent urban pressures. This will
provide a more complete picture of challenges confronting these ecosystems. The
results will apply to wetland management throughout the entire Perth region.
Finally, future research needs to explore
the social dimensions of urban wetlands. Studies will investigate community
perceptions and values related to these ecosystems. Understanding how people
connect with these spaces proves vital for public engagement. Research will
also assess educational value of wetlands such as Jack Finney Lake. These
natural laboratories offer excellent opportunities for practical, hands-on
learning experiences. The findings will support the integration of this wetland
into university teaching.
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