Western Power is collaborating with local community groups in Lancelin and Geraldton to support local osprey populations with the installation of two new nesting platforms.
Executive Manager of People Jo Christie said supporting the new nesting platforms was part of Western Power’s commitment and drive to protect and conserve the natural environment in which it operates and where our crews work and live.
“To support this project, we’re donating timber poles to the Lancelin District Community Association and the BirdLife Australia to create safe and stable foundations for ospreys to build their nests,” Ms Christie said.
“These efforts come after recent monitoring revealed that the first nesting platform installed in Lancelin in 2019 on behalf of Western Power has been successfully used with the recent rearing of healthy chicks in a nest atop the platform.”
“Providing nesting platforms is increasingly important for supporting local osprey populations and these add to those already established across southwest WA including in Bicton and South Perth.
“These new nesting platforms complement other conservation initiatives we have done including installing 25 nesting boxes on infrastructure in the Perth and Peel regions, retaining 10 potential black cockatoo breeding trees within a proposed bushfire clearing area, and donating material to the Black Cockatoo Conservation Centre in 2023.
“We regularly undertake fauna surveys during the scoping phase of projects to identify the best environmental outcomes and support WA’s unique biodiversity while we undertake our work,” Ms Christie said.
“Conserving and protecting native fauna is of the upmost importance as we work to deliver a safe and resilient network.”