DBCA project manager Sam Cain is proud of the way the boardwalk has been delivered with minimal impact on the wetlands, having been on board since the beginning of the project through to its recent completion. 

“Getting the feedback from the park users – it really cements what we do,” Mr Cain said.

“A project like this is not only protecting the environment, but enhancing it by enabling people to come down, have a look and enjoy it. It gives them a greater opportunity to protect the environment, which is very rewarding."

With the only previous infrastructure in place being an old concrete path at the edge of the lake, the DBCA design team was starting from scratch. With guidance from the Traditional Owners, the priority was minimal disturbance to the wetlands. All footings were installed by hand, with no major machinery coming into the area. The only excavations were at the pathway entrances at either end of the boardwalk. The boardwalk was designed to weave around existing trees, and other than some invasive species, no vegetation was cleared. 

The competitive tender, awarded to Element Construction, created about 40 jobs during construction, and all project components were manufactured locally. The result is a 380m long boardwalk, wide enough to be accessible to people using wheelchairs or with prams, and a viewing area that can accommodate a school group of around 20. 

“There was nothing here before,” Mr Cain said. “So, we've started right from ground level and worked our way up with it. From marching through here in waders in the swamp, trying to envisage what we could build, with our internal architect team, to working with the Traditional Owners, and the great quality products provided by our contractors.

“I am very proud of what we've built.”

As the lake is a registered site under the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1972, surveys were undertaken beforehand, precautions were put in place to minimise disturbance, and heritage monitors from the Whadjuk Aboriginal Corporation were employed to make sure all the cultural heritage plan recommendations were observed. 

“It's not recorded as an artifact site but there is a significant sort of hunting ground,” Mr Ugle said.

“So, local hunters that come down here and get all of the food through. This is alive. This is how our people would come and come back through and hunt for turtles and ducks...food was plentiful and to be able to see where it is now, it's still alive.

“It’s part of our role, as Traditional Custodians; we've got to share knowledge and share places of meaning because if we don't pass on knowledge to our young ones, we're not doing our job.

“Sharing knowledge and culture is a big part of why I do this. And my father did it as well, he was instrumental in teaching me.”

Lake Goollelal is the southernmost of a string of wetlands and swamps in Yellagonga Regional Park. The new boardwalk connects to an existing 4.5km path circuit around Lake Goollelal, which is popular with bird watchers, dog walkers and local people who enjoy a chance to observe the wildlife.

As part of the project, a series of 16 laser cut stencils illustrate the most commonly seen bird species at the lake such as the Australasian grebe (Tachybaptus novaehollandiae), black swan (Cygnus atratus) and great egret (Ardea alba). 

Other local species include frogs, ducks, turtles, snakes and even a small quenda population. If you are quiet, and listen carefully, you might just hear them! 

“It's a proud moment for myself, and for my family,” Mr Ugle said.

“It's a special place to me, because my father recently passed and when we walked through together on the site assessment, and he voiced his opinions and concerns to Sam and the guys, they really came through and listened to all our concerns.

“And, you know, as Traditional Owners and Custodians, we say thank you. I'm extremely thankful to Sam and DBCA, to be able to engage with us to protect and conserve Country and share it will the community.

“That's what it's all about.”