The first non-Aboriginal settlement occurred in 1885, when William and Alfred Skeet were granted a 'Special Occupation' license for adjoining the lake, as well as licences to cut and sell timber. Farming around the lake began in 1893; much of the land was cleared, crops were trialled along with dairy and poultry farming. By 1898, the area around the lake had been set aside for a township with recommendations made for its subdivision. The Jandakot region started producing vegetables, apiary products and dairy produce for the Fremantle markets.