A Management Plan for Samson Park 

With the increasing pressures of urbanisation and climate change, Focused Vision Consulting (FVC) has been entrusted with the important task of developing the Samson Park Management Plan (2025-2035) for the City of Fremantle. 

Objectives of the Plan 

FVC is developing a management plan that ensures Samson Park remains a biodiversity-rich and accessible space for future generations.  The new management plan will align with contemporary conservation strategies, focusing on:

• Biodiversity protection – safeguarding ecological communities and native species.
• Revegetation and rehabilitation – restoring degraded areas with native vegetation.
• Weed and pest management – controlling invasive species that threaten the park’s ecological balance.
• Drainage management – developing a vegetated swale to manage stormwater discharge within the park.
• Community and cultural integration – incorporating the values and knowledge of Whadjuk Elders and local volunteer conservation groups like Friends of Samson Park.

Samson Park is designated as Bush Forever site 59.  Bush Forever provides protection for regionally significant bushland in the Perth Metropolitan Area.  Samson Park provides important habitat for over 50 species of birds, including the Endangered Carnaby’s Black-Cockatoo and Vulnerable Forest Red-tailed Black-Cockatoo; reptiles, including bobtails and skinks, and native bats.  The park also preserves listed Threatened Ecological Communities, including the Banksia Woodlands of the Swan Coastal Plain and Tuart Woodlands and Forests of the Swan Coastal Plain.

Samson Park faces several threats to maintaining its biodiversity, including:

• Invasive species: Over 136 weed species have been recorded, with some listed as Declared Pest plants and Weeds of National Significance.
• Urban pressures: Increased recreational uses pose challenges for vegetation and habitat preservation.
• Climate change: Rising temperatures and changing rainfall patterns affect the park’s ecological resilience.

To address these challenges, the Samson Park Management Plan will integrate scientific research, local knowledge and community-driven conservation efforts.

A defining feature of the project is its emphasis on community engagement.  Samson Park is more than just a green space—it is a vital social and cultural hub for Fremantle’s residents and hosts the annual Samson Park Tree Festival.  FVC’s plan recognises the invaluable role of community groups, such as the Friends of Samson Park, who have long contributed to the park’s upkeep through volunteer weed control and revegetation initiatives.

The plan not only aims to enhance the park’s natural environment but also seeks to foster stronger connections between residents and their surroundings.  Through public consultation and collaborative workshops, community members have been invited to share their vision for the park’s future.  This inclusive process ensures that the park management reflects the collective values of the local community. 

The Samson Park Management Plan (2025-2035) sets out a clear roadmap with defined management actions to address ecological threats and maintain the park’s recreational and cultural value.  Key elements include:

• Weed and pest control strategies, including regular weed mapping and control programs.
• Revegetation and habitat enhancement, to retain and restore biodiversity for native species.
• Sustainable fire risk reduction.
• Hydrology and drainage improvements for long-term sustainability.
• Adaptive management techniques, allowing the plan to evolve with changing environmental conditions.

With the City of Fremantle’s commitment to implementing this management plan, Samson Park will continue to be a natural urban sanctuary.  By prioritising conservation, community engagement, and climate resilience, the 2025-2035 management plan ensures that the park remains a natural asset into the future. The development of the Samson Park Management Plan is a project that the FVC team is proud to be a part of, and another of our team’s many ‘projects for good’.  We look forward to contributing to the protection and enhancement of this local treasure, via our management plan and other ongoing efforts.