Army - The Soldiers' Newspaper

Spr Theo Amesz, 13 Fd Sqn, pays careful attention to detail during restoration work on Rottnest Island.

LCpl James Spink, 13 Fd Sqn, carefully operates heavy plant on Ex Rotto Restore.
Photos by Cpl Tracy Tilman, WAUR

Engineers restore island

By Cpl Tracy Tilman
MEMBERS of 13 Fd Sqn landed on the shores of Western Australia’s Rottnest Island recently, but not for a vacation on Perth’s premier island resort – they were there to perform a vital role in conservation and restoration.

From May 9-18, 13 Fd Sqn undertook a number of tasks, including work on Lighthouse Swamp, one of the island’s largest swamps and once a freshwater ecosystem.

The swamp was seriously degraded and became saline after mining for marl in the 1970s.

With support from the Rottnest Island Authority, the engineers provided the necessary manpower, skills and resources to allow the sediment infill of the swamp.

Rottnest Island Authority Chief Executive Officer Lesley Smith said the rehabilitation project would involve increasing the height of the swamp floor using clean fill, to return it to its previous level and reinstate the marl.

“Once rehabilitation is complete, flora and fauna species that previously inhabited the swamp are expected to re-establish a natural balance,” she said.

Rottnest Island is a unique place for Western Australian locals and a popular destination for the 500,000 visitors it receives each year.

The semi-arid Mediterranean-style climate, crystal-blue water and bays offering a spectacular venue for water activities and colonial style streetscapes provide the backdrop for an enjoyable holiday experience.

So visitors were a little surprised to see soldiers completing their allocated tasks.

As the threat of war increased, so did the military’s presence and the settlements buildings were requisitioned for military use.
In 1942, at full strength, military personnel on the island numbered 2500.

Following WW2, the Army used the barracks as a training base until 1985, when the former barracks were handed over to the State Government to be placed under the protection of the Rottnest Island Board of Control.

Although the Army has been involved with previous works on the island, this is the first time a project of this nature has been undertaken.

Earlier tasks focused on historical restoration and refurbishment – this time the focus was on conservation restoration.

OC 13 Fd Sqn Maj Eric Fleming said they were glad to be back on the island, having completed various refurbishment tasks at the Bickley Barracks site, a WW2 construction that had deteriorated to become an OH&S concern for the public in late 2000.

“The lighthouse task provides excellent training opportunities for our soldiers, exercising both plant and combat engineer capabilities on tasks that are of long-term benefit to the community,” he said.

“In addition to the conservation benefits for the island, this activity also brings tangible rewards to the squadron.

“This activity allows soldiers the opportunity to build and construct things that are beneficial to the community and will be around for a long time.”