Police have swarmed on Heirisson Island to oversee the dismantling of an Aboriginal protest camp.

Dozens of officers, including the mounted and canine sections, arrived in force this afternoon to oversee the removal of the camp by City of Perth council rangers.

Firefighters also attended to put out small fires that had been lit around the site but a vocal protest saw the main fire remain untouched.

Tents and camping equipment were removed but protesters were allowed to remain. Police left the site at about 4pm.

Protesters did not attempt to stop the operation and no arrests were made.

Greens senator Scott Ludlam joined protesters on the island but did not speak to media.

Mounted police arrive at Heirisson Island. Picture:Mogens Johansen/The West Australian

Margaret Culbong said the site belonged to the Noongar people and they had every right to be there.

The operation brought traffic on St Georges Terrace to a standstill as traffic management workers and police reduced the number of southbound lanes on the Causeway to one.

Perth City Council had earlier set a deadline of noon today for the group to pack up and leave.

The "refugee camp" was established to protest against the planned closure of up to 150 remote communities.

Protesters have vowed to remain on the island despite the council order.

In a statement released this morning, the council said camping was not permitted under local law.

"It is up to protesters to manage the removal of camping equipment, vehicles and fires from the island by midday," the statement said.

"If the camp is not removed by midday, the city will act to remove camping equipment under local laws.

"Contingency planning has been undertaken to manage a range of scenarios.

"Today's outcome is entirely in the hands of the campers".