state nrm program progress report 2011/12 - nrm wa - the

State NRM Program Progress Report 2011–12

Supporting natural resource management in Western Australia

State NRM Program Progress Report 2011/12Supporting natural resource management in Western Australia

Dieback is one of the greatest threats to the natural heritage of Western Australia, with over 40 per cent of the state’s native plant species at risk. Seventeen State NRM Program projects currently address the dieback threat. Activities include mapping of infestations, treatment of affected vegetation, management of disease vectors, provision of hygiene kits and wash-down facilities, development of management plans and community awareness-raising.

Cover: Phosphite being injected into the trunks of dieback-affected banksias at Bush Forever Site 77 in Keysbrook (PROJECT CODE 10064). PHOTO COURTESY OF KEYSBROOK ENVIRONMENTAL GROUP

1. Foliar spraying of understorey species for the treatment of dieback in Bungendore Park, Bedfordale (PROJECT CODE 10005). PHOTO COURTESY OF BUNGENDORE PARK MANAGEMENT GROUP

2. Hygiene facilities were upgraded to protect more than 630 000 ha within the Fitzgerald River, Cape Arid and Lesueur National Parks from the threat of dieback. (PROJECT CODE 09030). PHOTO COURTESY OF RENEE HARTLEY, DEPARTMENT OF

ENVIRONMENT AND CONSERVATION

3. Phosphite injected into the trunks of jarrah trees at risk of contracting dieback in the Ellen Brockman region. (PROJECT CODE 11029). PHOTO COURTESY OF COURTESY CHITTERING LANDCARE CENTRE

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ForewordThe State NRM Program actively supports community participation in natural resource management across Western Australia, achieving impressive results at a local, regional and state level.

In 2011–12, the program provided $3.5 million worth of grants, supporting 45 new community-based projects and extending 10 ongoing community projects and nine strategic priority projects. The program continued to support $29.8 million worth of existing projects, 41 of which were completed during the year.

Significant milestones towards the protection and preservation of the state’s natural resources have been achieved through these important activities.

Key achievements include the development of a new technique to contain and eradicate dieback; an action plan for the control of grader grass in the Kimberley; and improved protection of the critically endangered woylie population at the Karakamia Wildlife Sanctuary, north-east of Perth.

The commitment of community groups and organisations, universities, local governments and state government agencies is ensuring Western Australia’s unique natural resources are enhanced and protected in the future.

Terry Redman MLA

Minister for Agriculture and Food

Lead Minister for Natural Resource Management

STATE NRM PROGRAM Progress Report 2011/12 |

GlossaryCONRACE Council of Natural Resource Agency Chief Executives

DAFWA Department of Agriculture and Food, Western Australia

DEC Department of Environment and Conservation

DoW Department of Water

ha hectares

km kilometres

LCDC Land Conservation District Committee

NAP National Action Plan for Salinity and Water Quality

NRM natural resource management

RBG recognised biosecurity group

RRAMP Road Reserve Asset Management Plan

WA Western Australia

WALGA Western Australian Local Government Association

WQIP Water Quality Improvement Plan

| STATE NRM PROGRAM Progress Report 2011/12

This report may contain images of deceased persons

ContentsForeword ______________________________________________________________________3

Glossary _______________________________________________________________________4

Snapshot of 2011–12 _____________________________________________________________6

Introduction ____________________________________________________________________7

State NRM Program spending 2011–12 _______________________________________________8

2011–12 Community grants _______________________________________________________10

Achievements of community projects finalised in 2011–12 ____________________________14

Achievements of strategic projects finalised in 2011–12 ______________________________18

Support for Regional NRM Groups _________________________________________________22

State NRM Office _______________________________________________________________24

Statewide coordination of Aboriginal engagement in NRM_____________________________26

Projects ______________________________________________________________________28

Community projects approved in 2011–12 ($1.26 million) _______________________ 29

Community projects finalised in 2011–12 ($2.36 million) _______________________ 31

Strategic priority projects finalised in 2011–12 ($8 million) _____________________ 32

Continuing projects 2011–12 ($19.4 million) _________________________________ 33

Withdrawn projects 2011–12 _______________________________________________ 38

Source and application of funds 1 July 2011–30 June 2012 ______________________ 39


$2.3 million committed to extend 19 existing projects addressing strategic investment priorities … pp. 8 and 33 to 34.

$1.26 million committed to 45 new community-based projects.

Proponents pledged a further $1.63 million towards delivery of project activities, more than doubling government investment.

82% of funds will be spent on on-ground activities, including 7000 ha of weed control … p. 10

$10.42 million worth of community and strategic priority projects finalised. Proponents committed a further

$4.29 million towards delivery of project activities and engaged more than 1900 volunteers … pp. 14 and 18

$1.5 million provided to the state’s six regional NRM groups 59 % of funds used for capacity-building initiatives, including

assisting 57 community groups to access financial and technical support for effective NRM delivery.

33% of funds allocated to planning to help identify and develop strategic cross-regional projects that support the State NRM Plan … p. 22.

81 community grant applications 80 expressions of interest for strategic priority projects 29 applications

to extend existing projects assessed 11existing projects audited to check compliance with funding agreements … p. 24

1framework for Aboriginal engagement in NRM created and tested in 3 regions … p. 27

101 projects worth $19.4 million funded in previous years continued to be active throughout 2011–12 … p. 33-37

Snapshot of 2011–12


IntroductionThe State Natural Resource Management (NRM) Program was launched by the Western Australian Government in 2008–09 to help manage biodiversity, sustainable agriculture, biosecurity, water quality and land-use planning in WA.

The program was designed to encourage community participation in NRM and to leverage investment and in-kind support.

Six investment priorities direct the program’s spending. These priorities were established by the Western Australian NRM Ministerial Council in 2009.

State NRM Program investment priorities:

• managelandresourcessustainably

• maintainandenhancetheconditionandbeneficialusesofprioritywaterassets

• protectandenhancethemarineandcoastalenvironment

• recoverandconservebiodiversity

• enhanceskills,capacityandengagement

• improveknowledgeandevaluateoutcomes

• improveplanningprocessestoachieveNRMoutcomes.

The main focus of spending is on two grants initiatives—community grants and strategic priority project grants.

In 2011–12 the Western Australian Government committed $1.26 million to 45 new community-based projects. A further $2.3 million was committed to extend 19 previously funded projects that address strategic investment priorities.

More than 100 projects funded in previous years (valued at $19.4 million including the 19 projects extended) continued to be active throughout 2011–12. Thirty community projects and 11 strategic priority projects funded in previous years came to completion during the year.

This report lists all projects active during 2011–12 on pages 29-37. Detailed information on where funding was allocated/spent according to regional location, purpose of funding and focus of investment is provided for new community projects funded in 2011–12 and for community and strategic priority projects that reached completion in 2011–12.

The program also provides funding for assisting operations of the state’s six regional NRM groups and the State NRM Office (responsible for managing the program). Details on spending on these activities are also provided in this report.


Eucalyptus macrocarpa. PHOTO COURTESY OF DARLENE MALLETT

A total of $5.7 million was committed through the State NRM Program in 2011–12 for spending on community grants, top-ups of existing priority projects, regional NRM group support and program management through the State NRM Office.

Funding initiatives

Community grantsCommunity grants provide funding for on-ground activity that will assist in the conservation, restoration, rehabilitation or enhancement of a local natural asset. This can include land, water, marine and biodiversity assets. Catchment and community groups, industry groups, not-for-profit organisations, local government authorities and educational institutions are eligible for these grants.

In 20011–12, up to $3 million was made available for community grants of between $10 000 and $50 000. As this was the second of two community grants rounds offered in the 2011 calendar year there were lower than usual subscription rates and just $1.3 million was committed to new projects. A further $715 000 was committed to extend 10 previously funded projects that addressed strategic investment priorities.

Strategic priority grantsStrategic priority project grants are for larger scale projects that address a particular set of priorities for managing natural resources. This funding is made available to a broad range of government and non-government organisations. Projects can run for multiple years and funding is disbursed through organisations with the capacity to run larger, multi-year projects. In 2011–12, $1.6 million was used to extend nine projects previously funded through the program.

2011-12 Community grants $1.3m (22%)

Community grants extended in 2011 $0.71m (12%)

Strategic priority grants extended in 2011 $1.6m (27%)

Support for regional NRM groups $1.5m (26%)

State NRM office $0.67m (12%)

TOTAL $5.7 MILLION

State NRM Program spending 2011–12

Note: Figures have been rounded.


Support for regional NRM groupsSix regional groups are located throughout WA. Each group received $250 000 in 2011–12 to support the important role they play in improving the effectiveness of NRM delivery and on-ground action in WA.

State NRM OfficeThe program is administered by the State NRM Office in WA. Apart from managing the funding processes, the Office provides support and independent advice to NRM Ministers through the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry. The Office is also responsible for supporting State NRM planning and development, establishing and maintaining partnerships with key stakeholders, and managing specialist State NRM projects and initiatives, including the statewide coordination of Aboriginal engagement in NRM.


Katanning Land Conservation District Committee received a community project grant of $84 600 to fight bridal creeper in the upper Blackwood (project code 09065). As part of the project they raised community awareness of the effects of bridal creeper on native biodiversity and trained local professionals and volunteers in management of infestations. PHOTO COURTESY OF KATANNING LAND CONSERVATION DISTRICT COMMITTEE


2011–12 Community grants

In 2011–12, $1.26 million was committed

to 45 community-based projects. Proponents

pledged a further $1.63 million towards

the delivery of project activities.

This equates to a combined investment of over

$2.89 million, more than double the

government’s initial investment.

Northern Agricultural 1% (1 project)

Perth 41% (17 projects)

Rangelands 7% (4 projects)

South Coast 28% (12 projects)

South West 22% (10 projects)

Wheatbelt 1% (1 project)

On-ground activities 82%

Capacity building 10%

Resource assessment 5 %

Planning 3%

Where did the money go?

Most of this money (82%) will be spent implementing on-ground actions including:

• installationof50kmoffencingtoprotectremnant vegetation

• establishmentof200000nativeplantsinrevegetation works

• removalofweedsfrom7000haofnativebushland and rivers

• managementandtreatmentofdiebackonalmost 300 ha

• layingofatleast10kgofrabbitbaits,4000wild dog baits and 1550 fox baits

• trappingandcullingofatleast70feralpigs.

How will the money be spent?

Who applied?Eighty-one grant applications were received from groups throughout the State. Of these, 48 were assessed as being value for money in effectively delivering on-ground outcomes for the benefit of the natural environment. These projects were offered funding and 45 proponents chose to accept.

Project proponents are one Aboriginal organisation; two Landcare groups; three biosecurity groups, LCDCs and schools; four large not-for-profit organisations; five ‘Friends of’ groups; six small community groups; eight local government authorities and 10 catchment groups.


Capacity building is a large component of three projects that will undertake activities such as:

• installinginterpretativesignstoreducetheincidence of illegal firewood collection (PROJECT CODE 11058)

• engagingtheAboriginalcommunitythroughtraining and employment (PROJECT CODE 11063)

• involvingAboriginalrangersinon-groundmonitoring and planning work (PROJECT CODE 11065).

Two projects have a strong focus on resource assessment and plan to:

• mapvegetationcommunitiesandgeneratespecies lists, and map vegetation condition and areas of disturbance at Pelican Point A-Class Reserve (PROJECT CODE 11031)

• maptheextentofdiebackinMondurupReserve near Mt Barker (PROJECT CODE 11042).

Planning forms a small part of 11 projects but a significant part of just one (PROJECT CODE 11042). This project will develop a hygiene plan for the management of dieback in Mondurup Reserve.

Walpole–Nornalup National Parks Association received a community grant of $165 000 to help protect the nationally significant Owingup wetland system (PROJECT CODE 09045).

PHOTO COURTESY OF KARLENE BAIN, DEPARTMENT OF

ENVIRONMENT AND CONSERVATION


Biodiversity will be protected through:

• establishmentofvegetationcorridorslinkingareas of existing bushland

• protectionandrestorationofremnantvegetation within and around wetlands, lakes, waterways and bush reserves (11 wetlands and lakes, 13 waterways and 35 bushland areas will be protected)

• restorationofcoastalenvironments

• managementofdieback,invasiveweedspeciesand feral animals

• awareness-raisingandcommunityeducationonthe values and management of natural assets.

Capacity buildingTwenty-five projects (63%) incorporated enhancing skills, capacity and engagement; and improving knowledge and evaluating outcomes into their activities, with $166 616 allocated to addressing this priority. In addition to the capacity-building activities mentioned previously, these projects plan to hold 14 community engagement/education events and produce more than 70 educational products, including radio advertisements, newspaper articles, pamphlets and newsletters.

Managing land resourcesNine projects will contribute towards managing land resources sustainably, with $138 847 allocated to addressing this priority. Activities include fencing and revegetation of areas affected by salinity and waterlogging, and feral animal and weed control to mitigate land degradation.

Biodiversity conservationMore than 90 per cent of projects identified their activities as contributing towards the recovery and conservation of biodiversity. A correspondingly high proportion (62%) of funds are allocated to this priority with a $779 435 overall spend.

Fifteen threatened species will benefit directly from these projects. Species include the Carnaby’s black-cockatoo, malleefowl, western pygmy perch, red-tailed phascogale, burrowing bettong, Shark Bay mouse, banded hare-wallaby, greater stick-nest rat, and round-leaf honeysuckle, Cossack spider orchid and western giant-leaved moss.

Recover and conserve biodiversity $779 435 (62%)

Enhance skills, capacity and engagement; improve knowledge and evaluate outcomes $166 616 (13%)

Manage land resources sustainably $138 847 (11%)

Maintain and enhance the condition and beneficial uses of priority water assets $97 824 (8%)

Protect and enhance the marine and coastal environment $57 432 (5%)

Improve planning processes to achieve NRM outcomes $22 089 (2%)

Spending according to investment priority

Note: Individual projects often contribute to multiple priorities. Percentage figures have been rounded.


Maintaining and enhancing water assetsEight projects will maintain and enhance the condition and beneficial uses of priority water assets, with $97 824 allocated to addressing this priority. Activities include erosion control and bank stabilisation works, earthworks to improve stream flow, revegetation, weed control, feral pig control and fencing to prevent stock access.

Coastal and marine environmentsFive projects attributed a small proportion of their activities towards protecting and enhancing the marine and coastal environment. These projects involve protecting and enhancing tributaries of marine environments. One project is 100 per cent dedicated to protecting the coastal environment. This is the Mullaloo Dune Revegetation Project (PROJECT CODE 11022). Activities of this project include weeding, revegetation and replacing damaged fencing around a fragile area.

PlanningSix projects attributed a small proportion of their activities towards improving planning processes to achieve NRM outcomes. Activities include flora, weed and dieback surveys and mapping for input into management plans and for the generation of bush management plans.

Shire of Mt Marshall in partnership the Malleefowl Preservation Group received a community project grant of $15 000 to help preserve the local malleefowl population. A national survey site was developed for ongoing monitoring of the malleefowl population and an awareness program was delivered to the local community and schools to expand their knowledge of the malleefowl (PROJECT CODE 09041). PHOTO COURTESY OF MALLEEFOWL PRESERVATION GROUP


Achievements of community projects finalised in 2011–12

Project proponents were one Aboriginal organisation; one ‘Friends of’ group; two LCDCs; two large not-for-profit organisations (4 projects); two regional NRM groups (6 projects); three small community groups; five catchment groups; and eight local government authorities.

How was the money spent?

Thirty community projects worth a total of $2.36 million reached completion. Proponents of these

projects contributed a further $1.7 million towards the delivery of project activities and engaged

over 1600 volunteers.


Note: Percentage figures have been rounded.

Northern Agricultural 15% (3 project)

Perth 8% (4 projects)

Rangelands 3% (4 projects)

South Coast 25% (5 projects)

South West 28% (9 projects)

Wheatbelt 10% (3 project)

Statewide 12% (2 projects)



Planning 12%


The majority (67%) of funds was spent implementing on-ground actions including:

• installationof160kmoffencingtoprotectremnant vegetation

• plantingof140hainrevegetationworks

• removalofweedsfromover2300haofnativebushland, wetlands and rivers

• managementofdiebackon49000ha

• ameliorationofalmost300hatomanageacidsulphate soils, water erosion, wind erosion and waterlogging

• layingof19500foxbaits

• trappingandcullingof167feralpigs

• removaloffiveferalfishspeciesfromasectionof the Serpentine River.

Note: Percentage figures have been rounded.


Capacity building was a large component of four projects that undertook activities including:

• engagementof600communitystakeholdersfrom 20 key groups to encourage behaviour change and prevent further infestations of dieback in areas of Mt Lindesay and the Walpole Wilderness area (PROJECT CODE 09052)

• engagementof160communitystakeholdersand10 key agencies in dieback awareness training in the eastern south coast area (PROJECT CODE 09054)

• developmentofadiebackbest-practicemanagement model for the plantation forestry industry to ensure the protection of 3600 ha of high-quality dieback-free vegetation on private property (PROJECT CODE 09054)

• trainingof67landholdersinfoxcontroltechniques in the Busselton, Capel and Dardanup shires (PROJECT CODE 09048)

• raisingofpublicawarenessandknowledgeabout the impact of foxes and rabbits on biodiversity and agricultural production, through newspaper articles, radio interviews and a dedicated website (PROJECT CODE 09068)

Twelve other projects also contained elements of capacity building and (combined) they held 46 educational events (field days and workshops) and produced 35 educational products (pamphlets, posters, interpretive signs and toolkits).

Thirty-six management plans were developed through nine of the community projects finalised in 2011–12. These included plans for the management of reserves, weeds, dieback, freshwater fish and

surface water. Planning was a major component of three projects that produced the following plans:

• actionplanoutliningthemostpracticalandeffective means of controlling grader grass in the central and north Kimberley region (PROJECT

CODE 09084)

• urbanwatermanagementplansfortheshiresofYork, Northam and Toodyay (PROJECT CODE 09083)

• guidelinesforusebylocalgovernmentauthorities in the development of Road Reserve Asset Management Plans (RRAMP) and RRAMPs for the shires of Cuballing, Pingelly, Wickepin and Esperance (PROJECT CODE 09066).

Resource assessment was a small component of 13 projects but a large component of just one (PROJECT

CODE 09044). This project assessed the biodiversity, weed and dieback prevalence of 15 bushland areas totalling 420 ha throughout the Shire of Collie.

Serpentine River Group received a community grant of $18 700 to protect and restore freshwater ecosystem health in the Serpentine River (PROJECT CODE 09082). The river is home to Westralunio carteri, the only native freshwater mussel in south-west WA. PHOTO COURTESY OF MICHAEL KLUNZINGER, MURDOCH UNIVERSITY,

WESTERN AUSTRALIA


Biodiversity conservationOver 90 per cent of projects identified their activities as contributing towards the recovery and conservation of biodiversity. A correspondingly high proportion (60%) of funds were allocated to this priority with a $1.4 million overall spend.

Twenty-six threatened species benefited directly from these projects (12 animal and 14 plant). Species include the Australasian bittern, Balston’s pygmy perch, Karakamia woylie and tammar wallaby, and the tall donkey orchid, beautiful mignonette orchid and various acacia species.

Nine waterways and two wetlands were protected and restored through management of dieback, weeds, feral fish, acidification, nutrient enrichment and stormwater run-off and through fencing and revegetation works, condition assessment and monitoring, and community education.

More than 20 national parks, reserves, sanctuaries and ecological corridors had works that contributed to the protection and restoration of remnant vegetation on public and private lands throughout the Northern Agricultural region and in the shires of Katanning, Dumbleyung, Wagin, Woodanilling, West Arthur, Cuballing, Pingelly, Wickepin and Esperance.

Capacity buildingSixteen projects (53%) incorporated enhancing skills, capacity and engagement; improving knowledge and evaluating outcomes into their activities, with $321 040 allocated to addressing this priority.

PlanningNine projects attributed a proportion of their activities towards improving planning processes to achieve NRM outcomes, with $243 928 allocated to addressing this priority. One project was dedicated to addressing this priority—water management planning for Avon Arc towns (PROJECT CODE 09083).

Maintaining and enhancing water assetsSix projects maintained and enhanced the condition and beneficial uses of priority water assets, with $220 322 allocated to addressing this priority. Activities included fencing and revegetation of riparian zones, weed control, and eradication of feral fish species.

Managing land resourcesEight projects contributed towards managing land resources sustainably, with $149 504 allocated to addressing this priority. Activities included construction of surface-water management structures (grade banks); fencing and revegetation of areas impacted by erosion, acid sulphate soils, salinity and waterlogging; and controlling feral pigs, rabbits and weeds to mitigate land degradation.

Coastal and marine environmentsOne project (09045) attributed a small proportion of its activities towards protecting and enhancing the marine and coastal environment. This project improved the condition of the Owingup Wetland System on the south coast.


Recover and conserve biodiversity $1 417 930 (60%)

Enhance skills, capacity and engagement; improve knowledge and evaluate outcomes $321 040 (14%)


Maintain and enhance the condition and beneficial uses of priority water assets $220 322 (9%)

Manage land resources sustainably $149 504 (6%)

Protect and enhance the marine and coastal environment $7868 (<1%)

Note: Individual projects often contribute to multiple priorities.


Case study

Weed control at Lake Gladstone (PROJECT CODE 09087)

Lake Gladstone is the largest permanent wetland in the Kimberley and home to a large number of waterbird species, both migratory and resident.

The lake is crown tenure, on land designated as a travelling stock route. A stock-proof fence was erected around the lake in 2005. However, the history of disturbance has made the area vulnerable to invasion by weeds.

Members of the Tirralintji Aboriginal community used ‘bush regeneration’ weed-control techniques—where individual plants are located for cut-and-paint or basal bark chemical application—to remove weeds from 123 ha of the lake area.

Bush regeneration methods ensure that desirable native species are left in-situ around the target plant, promoting a quicker response from the suite of native species. The approach is labour intensive, but extremely desirable considering the speed with which native species are able to recolonise.

Investment: $9000Project duration: July 2010 – December 2011

Lake Gladstone from the air looking between Mornington Wildlife Sanctuary and Mt House Station. PHOTO COURTESY OF W LAWLER, AUSTRALIAN WILDLIFE CONSERVANCY


Eleven strategic priority projects worth a total of $8 million reached completion.

Proponents of these projects contributed a further $2.6 million towards the delivery of project

activities and engaged over 300 Volunteers.

Project proponents were the Department of Fisheries (1 project), Department of Environment and Conservation (2 projects), Department of Agriculture and Food (4 projects) and Department of Water (4 projects).

How was the money spent?

Achievements of strategic projects finalised in 2011–12


Statewide 72%

South West 28%



Planning 15%


About half (53%) of funds were spent implementing on-ground actions including:

• upgradesto120kmofthestatebarrierfenceto‘wild dog’ standard (PROJECT CODE 09012)

• installationof60kmoffencing,28haofrevegetation and 80 ha of weed control along mid-west, south west and south coast rivers (PROJECT CODE 09017)

• managementofdiebackon637000hathroughout the south-west including the Fitzgerald River, Cape Arid and Lesueur National parks. Ten hygiene facilities were upgraded including the installation of vehicle wash-down facilities, mobile wash-down trailers, boot-cleaning equipment, track closures, and signage (PROJECT CODE 09030)

• translocationofninepotoroostoaferalpredator-proof enclosure at Normans Beach in Waychinicup National Park and 30 captive-bred tortoises to Moore River Nature Reserve. Establishment of a captive colony of eight western ground parrots (PROJECT CODE 09001)

• layingofcatbaitsover1200sqkmofFitzgeraldRiver National Park to protect western ground parrot populations (PROJECT CODE 09001)


• cullingof500feralpigsbyLakeMuir,Nannup, Wandering–Hotham, Quindanning and Dongolocking Declared Species Groups (PROJECT CODE 09012)

• surveillanceofmorethan500000haacrossthesouth coast and culling of 107 starlings (feral bird species) and removal of 8308 feral camels from the Rudall River National Park in the Pilbara (PROJECT CODE 09027)

• majorupgradesof10prioritydairyeffluentsystems in the Geographe catchment and retrofitting of two major urban stormwater drains in the Busselton light industrial area to improve water quality (PROJECT CODE 09036)

Capacity building was a large component of two projects (PROJECT CODE 09030 AND PROJECT CODE 09033).

In project 09030 the Department of Environment and Conservation used a range of risk reduction and community engagement strategies to reduce the threat of dieback infestation in the Fitzgerald River, Cape Arid and Lesueur National parks. Activities included:

• updatingthediebackatlasdatasetwithhigh-confidence data for the Fitzgerald River, Cape Arid and Lesueur National parks. This data is invaluable for understanding the threat posed by dieback and targeting future monitoring and management activities

• engaging21high-riskstakeholderorganisations,including local government authorities, government departments, bushfire brigades, utilities, contractor companies and landholders within the National parks’ catchments

DAFWA received a strategic priority project grant of $500 000 to reduce phosphorus inputs into coastal waterways (PROJECT CODE 09033). Over 100 (109) whole-farm nutrient maps were developed for grazing properties as part of the project. PHOTO COURTESY OF JOHN GRANT, DAFWA

• deliveringthreediebackeducationalprograms that provided training and stakeholder-specific management tools

• developinganonlinedecision-makingtoolthat combines the dieback atlas dataset with management information.

In project 09033, the Department of Agriculture and Food WA (DAFWA) worked with catchment groups and the fertiliser, irrigation and grazing industries to reduce phosphorus inputs into coastal waterways. Activities included:

• establishmentofsoilteststandardsagreedwith industry

• developmentofadecision-makingtoolfor advisers and farmers called the ‘soil productivity and nutrient assistant’ (SPANA) for use in assessing appropriate application rates for fertiliser

• engagementof109farmersinfarmnutrientmapping, resulting in whole farm nutrient maps

• deliveryof10workshops,twofieldwalksandtwo presentations to raise awareness of best-practice fertiliser application.

Other projects also contained elements of capacity building. Combined, they held 18 educational events (workshops, trials and presentations) and produced 13 capacity-building products, including pamphlets, websites, habitat maps for planning and a governance package for recognised biosecurity groups.

Stormwater system upgrade in the Busselton industrial area. PHOTO COURTESY OF DEPARTMENT OF WATER


Three management plans were developed by three strategic projects finalised in 2011–12. These were:

• amodelandsupportingframeworkforrecognised biosecurity groups (RBGs). This framework was used to successfully establish five RBGs in the rangelands (PROJECT CODE 09007)

• adairyshedeffluentcodeofpractice,whichwas complemented by accreditation of contractors and consultants in designing and installing effluent systems (PROJECT CODE 09036)

• guidelinesforthepreparationofinlanddrainage proposals, developed through a collaboration between DoW, DEC and DAFWA (PROJECT CODE 09037).

Resource assessment was a component of seven projects that carried out activities such as:

• surveysofnesting,roostingandfeedingsitesofCarnaby’s black cockatoo throughout the Swan Coastal Plain and Avon NRM region (PROJECT CODE 09001)

• surveyofthedistribution,abundanceandgenetic diversity of native fish in freshwater bodies from Geraldton to Busselton (PROJECT CODE 09039)

• water-qualitymonitoring,includingmeasurements of total nitrogen in the Vasse–Wonnerup catchment (PROJECT CODE 09036).

Case study

Improving water quality in a national coastal hotspot (PROJECT CODE 09036) The Department of Water in partnership with the Geographe Catchment Council, City of Busselton, South West Catchments Council and Western Dairy successfully reduced nutrients entering waterways and stormwater systems in the Vasse–Wonnerup and Geographe Bay catchments.

Key achievements of the project include major upgrades to 10 dairy effluent systems; development of an industry code of practice for dairy effluent management; and upgrades to two major stormwater systems in the Busselton industrial area. Seminars and workshops aimed at improving fertiliser use by home gardeners supported these initiatives.

Investment: $1 253 000Project duration: January 2010 – December 2011


Recover and conserve biodiversity $1 978 364 (25%)

Maintain and enhance the condition and beneficial uses of priority water assets $1 773 200 (22%)

Enhance skills, capacity and engagement; improve knowledge and evaluate outcomes $1 707 255 (21%)

Manage land resources sustainably $1 355 545 (17%)


Protect and enhance the marine and coastal environment $256 455 (3%)

Capacity buildingNine projects (82%) incorporated enhancing skills, capacity and engagement; and improving knowledge and evaluating outcomes into their activities, with $1.7 million allocated to addressing this priority.

Managing land resourcesFour projects (36%) contributed towards managing land resources sustainably, with $1.4 million allocated to addressing this priority. Activities included implementing water-quality improvement plans and the fertiliser action plan (PROJECT CODE 09033) and controlling invasive species (feral pigs, starlings, camels and blackberry) that cause landscape degradation (PROJECT CODES 09007, 09012 AND 09027).

PlanningSeven projects attributed a proportion of their activities towards improving planning processes to achieve NRM outcomes, with $989 182 allocated to addressing this priority. This priority was the main focus of just one project—implementing drainage governance and best management approaches to waterways and wetlands in the wheatbelt (PROJECT CODE 09037).

Coastal and marine environmentsTwo projects (PROJECT CODES 09033 AND 09017) attributed a proportion of their activities towards protecting and enhancing the marine and coastal environment. Activities focused on protecting waterways that are tributaries to coastal environments.


Biodiversity conservationSeven projects (64%) identified their activities as contributing towards the recovery and conservation of biodiversity, with $1.98 million allocated to addressing this priority.

Four threatened species benefited directly from these projects. They were the Carnaby’s black-cockatoo, Gilbert’s potoroo, western ground parrot and western swamp tortoise. Numerous native freshwater fish species were also protected throughout the south-west.

Biodiversity and ecosystems within three National Parks were protected through a reduction in the threat of dieback infestation.

Maintaining and enhancing water assetsFive projects (45%) maintained and enhanced the condition and beneficial uses of priority water assets, with $1.8 million allocated to addressing this priority.

Three inlets (Culham, Torbay and Wilson), two estuaries (Peel–Harvey and Wellstead), two rivers (Buayanyup and Hill), one lake (Lake Mealup) and one wetland system (Vasse–Wonnerup) had activities that contributed to the protection and restoration through management of weeds; fencing and revegetation works; upgrades to priority stormwater and dairy effluent systems; and the development of a dairy effluent code of practice.

Support for Regional NRM Groups

TOTAL $1.5 MILLIONWA’s six regional NRM groups improve the effectiveness of NRM delivery and on-ground action. They provide community leadership, mobilise regional effort and ensure priority needs are addressed. They also build on government investment by leveraging private investment and volunteer activities, and ensure collaboration across established networks.

Each regional group received $250 000 in 2011–12 to support the delivery of specific services. These services are:

• Facilitatingcommunications

– linking government and community

– identifying community NRM priorities

– helping community groups to access financial and technical support

– providing advice on implementing the Biosecurity and Agriculture Management Act 2007

• ImprovingNRMinvestment

– assisting in the monitoring, evaluation and promotion of State NRM Program investments

– advising government on local opportunities for NRM investment

– providing local feedback on the implementation and progress of the State NRM Program

– collecting, collating and maintaining data from current and past investments in an easily accessible and useful format

• Enhancingregionalgroupgovernance,managementandeffectiveness

– exploring and implementing collaborative arrangements between regions for improved cost effectiveness

– identifying and developing strategic cross-regional projects which support the State NRM Plan

– contributing to ongoing governance improvements to ensure high operational standards and appropriate and efficient use of public funds.

5

W E S T E R N A U S T R A L I A

1

2

4

6

3

Northern Agricultural Perth

Rangelands

South Coast

South West

Wheatbelt

1

2

3

4

5

6


Key achievements for 2011–12• Eachregionalgroupengagedtheirlocalcommunity

and identified NRM priorities for their respective regions.

• TheSouthWestCatchmentsCouncilassistedmorethan 50 community groups to access funding, technical information, land, approvals or materials.

• WheatbeltNRMformedpartnershipswithDAFWAandDoW to manage water management activities in the region.

• RangelandsNRMprovidedleadershipinraisingawareness of the opportunities and threats of carbon farming and improved grazing management in the rangelands through a series of workshops.

• SouthCoastNRMheldatwo-dayShorebirdEventin Denmark and Albany that included a benthic invertebrate survey of Wilson Inlet, a South Coast regional shorebird survey, and bird-watching tours. Events were held with Green Skills.

• WithintheNorthernAgriculturalCatchmentsCouncil, five subregional groups (catchment and farm improvement groups) were supported with technical and project planning advice and substantial funding to assist in maintaining employment of local NRM officers and administrative and governance functions.

• PerthRegionNRMundertookamajorreviewoftheirgovernance processes.

• RegionalNRMgroupscreatedandrecommendedopportunities for government Ministers to meet community groups involved in delivering NRM projects.

Shorebirds workshop. PHOTO COURTESY OF SOUTH COAST NRM

WA’s six regional NRM groups work with their community to improve the effectiveness of NRM delivery and on-ground action


State NRM Office

TOTAL $670 000 The Western Australian Government committed $670 000 to the Office in 2011–12 to support its role in facilitating improved delivery of NRM in WA.

The Office has the following four key roles:

1. State NRM Program management and delivery

2. Supporting state NRM planning and development

3. Establishing and maintaining partnerships with key stakeholders

4. Managing specialist state NRM projects and initiatives.

The office also acts as an advocate for NRM activity and engage resource managers on key NRM issues.


1. State NRM Program management and delivery

The key task is managing the State NRM Program. The Office also administers about $27 million of Commonwealth ‘Caring for our Country’ funds a year.

Key achievements in managing the NRM program during the year were:

• Assessmentof81communitygrantapplications.

• Assessmentof80expressionsofinterestforstrategic priority projects and 29 applications to extend existing projects. Of these, State Cabinet approved 48 community projects and 20 project extensions. The process to obtain government approval for strategic priority projects is expected to be completed in early 2012–13.

• Negotiationofcontractsfor45communityprojects and 20 project extensions. These contracts defined milestones, deliverables and accountability requirements for each project.

• Monitoringtheperformanceof180projectsfromprevious years through quarterly reports and on-site visits. Forty-one of these projects submitted final reports and funding acquittals during the year. Final projects are evaluated to determine whether they delivered on expected outcomes and to determine lessons learned.

• On-siteauditingof11projectsfundedinprevious financial years to check compliance with funding agreements and delivery of agreed outputs. The Office aims to conduct on-site audits of 20 per cent of projects each year. In addition, all large scale strategic projects will be visited each year to check on their performance.

An independent panel is used to assess all funding applications using the following criteria:

• eligibility,includingmatchingfundingandinformationabouttheorganisationandor sponsor organisation

• provisionofsufficientandclearinformationtoallowassessment

• likelihoodofachievingobjectives

• impactoftheproject

• adequacyofpartnerships

• valueformoney

• publicbenefit

The panel comprised of Garry English (chair), Pat Hart, Jessica Shepherd and Neil Blake, supported by advice from technical and regional panels.

2. Supporting State NRM planning and developmentPlanning and development of NRM policy across portfolios and agencies is mainly achieved through supporting state government NRM coordinating groups. These groups include the WA NRM Ministerial Council, the Council of Natural Resource Agency Chief Executives (CONRACE), and the NRM Senior Officers Group. The Ministerial Council and CONRACE meet as required; the NRM Senior Officers Group meets on a regular basis.

3. Establishing and maintaining partnerships with key stakeholdersThe State NRM Office is recognised as the first point of contact for NRM in WA and as the key source of State NRM Program information. The Office plays a pivotal role in building relationships with community-based groups, industry and volunteer networks, Indigenous groups, and local, state and federal governments and departments. It also acts as an advocate for government programs and policy with these groups.

4. Managing specialist State NRM projects and initiativesThe office is responsible for managing cross-government projects and initiatives as directed by NRM Ministers. These projects and initiatives, such as the NRM and salinity strategy reviews and the Increasing Aboriginal Engagement in NRM projects, are funded separately from the core funding. In this report, these activities have been classed as ‘strategic priority project grants’.

The key task is managing the State NRM Program. The Office also administers about $27 million of Commonwealth ‘Caring for our Country’ funds a year



Statewide coordination of Aboriginal engagement in NRM

This is a specialist project managed directly by State NRM Office. The Council of Natural Resource Agency Chief Executives (CONRACE) sponsors and oversees the project. Activities are managed by a coordinator based in the State NRM Office.

The main focus of activity was the development of a statewide framework for better engaging the Aboriginal community in NRM.

This framework will become a resource tool for a wide range of stakeholders, providing a consistent approach to planning and implementation of capacity-building investments in Aboriginal NRM.

Key principlesExtensive consultation revealed that Aboriginal people were more focused on issues

confronting them immediately such as education, employment, health and juvenile justice than on NRM directly.

This framework engages Aboriginal people in NRM through:

•educationandtrainingfocusedonconnectingwithCountry

•sustainableemploymentandenterprisedevelopment

Focus is on developing awareness, knowledge, skills, motivation, commitment and confidence, and

enhancing genuine community engagement in all aspects of NRM from planning through to on-ground actions.

Issues of health and juvenile justice are supported indirectly through the framework from the flow-on effects of education and employment opportunities.

Traditional owners participate in a workshop to update the Wheatbelt NRM regional plan. PHOTO COURTESY OF SUE CARTER, WHEATBELT NRM


The frameworkThe framework incorporates the Aboriginal community into the NRM governance structure through dedicated Aboriginal NRM groups and formal links between these groups and existing Aboriginal peak bodies, regional NRM groups and statewide NRM structures.

This provides Traditional Owners with the opportunity to have input into decision-making and planning processes and allows for the consideration of Aboriginal traditional ecological knowledge.

The framework was trialled in Geraldton, Perth and Bunbury. Figure 1 shows the basic structure of the framework.

Figure 1 Framework for Aboriginal engagement in NRM

Council of Natural Resource Agency Chief

Executives

WA NRM Ministerial Council

NRM RegionalLeaders Group

Aboriginal NRMTask Group

State AboriginalNRM Coordinator

Department of Indigenous Affairs

Native Title Working Group

Commonwealth NRM agencies

Regional NRM Groups

(6 statewide)

Aboriginal NRM Group (one in each region)

Department of Education,

Employment and Workplace Relations

Regional Development Commission

New/proposed Aboriginal groups

Existing NRM structures

Existing peak Aboriginal bodies

Other government bodies

“Aboriginal engagement in NRM has increased cultural connection to country and traditional responsibilities for caring for country” ...DAVID COLLARD, STATE NRM OFFICE ABORIGINAL FACILITATOR

This framework aims to provide an official governance structure and support network as well as capacity building and employment opportunities to support these communities in the effective management of the land.


ProjectsThe following tables list all projects funded by the State NRM Program in 2011–12.

The projects are grouped in five categories:

• newcommunityprojectsapprovedin2011–12

• communityprojectsfinalisedin2011–12

• strategicpriorityprojectsfinalisedin2011–12

• continuingprojects(fundedinpreviousfinancialyears)

• withdrawnprojects.

Projects are identified with a unique code number. More information on individual projects can be found on the State NRM office website www.nrm.wa.gov.au by using this code number in the search field.

The tables detail project proponents, names and the NRM region in which each project was delivered. The ‘grant budget’ field shows the amount of funding approved for each project. The ‘disbursed’ field shows the amount of money paid to projects as at 30 June 2012, taking into account any returned unspent funds.

http://www.nrm.wa.gov.au


Proponent Project name Region Project code Budget Disbursed

City of Vincent Walters Brook restoration Perth 11020 $45 000 $25 000

Friends of Lightning Swamp Bushland Weed control at Lightning Swamp to prevent the vegetation buffer from becoming a weed highway

Perth 11021 $10 140 $10 140

Mullaloo Beach Community Group Inc Mullaloo Dune Revegetation Project Perth 11022 $10 000 $10 000

Friends of Booragoon and Blue Gum Lakes Biodiversity protection and enhancement of Booragoon Lake Reserve Perth 11023 $22 500 $22 500

Black Cockatoo Preservation Society of Australia Incorporated

Replacing 10 ha (25 acres) of northern jarrah forest for black cockatoo food source and roosting habitats

Perth 11024 $40 000 $25 000

North Swan LCDC Bullsbrook biodiversity corridor stage 5 Perth 11025 $22 840 $22 840

Chittering Valley LCDC Rehabilitation of Aquila and Carty reserves Perth 11026 $42 500 $25 000

Friends of Lake Claremont Limited Extension of revegetation to the north-west section of Lake Claremont to restore indigenous woodlands

Perth 11027 $50 000 $25 000

Good Shepherd Catholic Primary School Watsonia and noxious weed eradication Perth 11028 $14 000 $14 000

Ellen Brockman Integrated Catchment Group Mapping and treatment of dieback in the Ellen Brook subregion Perth 11029 $39 384 $39 348

Friends of Mary Carroll Lake Revegetation of the Five Islands at Mary Carroll Lake, Bush Forever site 124

Perth 11030 $18 100 $18 100

Swan Estuary Reserves Action Group Inc Restoration of the ecological integrity of Pelican Point A Class Reserve stage 2

Perth 11031 $15 713 $15 713

Ellen Brockman Integrated Catchment Group Pearce Base-south – Ellen Brook revegetation stage 1 Perth 11032 $50 000 $0

SERCUL Regeneration and revegetation of the Canning River foreshore Perth 11034 $50 000 $50 000

Wilson Wetlands Action Group Inc Fern Road East revegetation stage 2 Perth 11035 $22 700 $22 700

City of Armadale Post-fire rehabilitation of Lloyd Hughes Park Perth 11036 $17 500 $17 500

Wilson Inlet Catchment Committee Controlling eastern states’ wattle infestations in Denbarker Perth 11038 $50 000 $50 000

Flinders Park Primary School Involving schools to remove biological threats to our biodiversity while enhancing education

South Coast 11039 $12 000 $12 000

Albany Senior High School Enhancing biodiversity and education by removing woody weeds South Coast 11040 $31 100 $31 100

Oyster Harbour Catchment Group Controlling weedy acacia species in the Mt Barker Kendenup Rail reserve South Coast 11041 $32 900 $20 000

Wilson Inlet Catchment Committee Dieback survey and hygiene plan implementation for the Mondurup Reserve

South Coast 11042 $19 400 $19 400

Lake Muir Denbarker Community Feral Pig Eradication Group

Feral pig control: Lake Muir–Byenup Ramsar Wetlands, Walpole wilderness Area and adjoining private property

South Coast 11043 $25 000 $25 000

Denmark Weed Action Group Inc Protection of biodiversity in public reserves in the Shire of Denmark South Coast 11044 $10 000 $10 000

Green Skills Inc Tenterden bushland vegetation and wetland conservation: Gondwana Eco-link

South Coast 11045 $29 120 $29 120

Community projects approved in 2011–12 ($1.26 million)

| STATE NRM PROGRAM Progress Report 2009/10 to 2010/11


Friends of the Porongurup Range Declared and environmental weed control in and around the national heritage-listed Porongurup National Park

South Coast 11046 $50 000 $25 000

North Stirlings Pallinup Natural Resources Inc Linking bush reserves to enhance habitat for malleefowl and other threatened species in Monjebup catchment

South Coast 11047 $43 100 $21 550

Wilson Inlet Catchment Committee Invasive weed control along the Hay River South Coast 11048 $10 000 $10 000

Oyster Harbour Catchment Group Targeting riparian habitat in the King River stage 1 South Coast 11049 $49 640 $25 000

Northern Mallee Declared Species Group (DSG) Wild dog management to protect the Esperance farming region South Coast 11050 $40 000 $25 000

Cape to Cape Catchments Group Protection and rehabilitation action on four high-priority Leeuwin Ridge streams

South West 11051 $50 000 $25 000

Shire of Manjimup Mottram Street Reserve: returning a significant stream and town forest reserve towards their natural state

South West 11052 $39 600 $20 000

Shire of Donnybrook–Balingup Watsonia control along Balingup Brook South West 11053 $10 000 $10 000

Warren Catchments Council Control of isolated populations of highly invasive environmental weeds in the Warren Catchments Council area

South West 11054 $22 000 $22 000

Blackwood Basin Group Addressing salinity in the Dinninup catchment South West 11055 $50 000 $25 000

Wagin–Woodanilling Landcare Zone Inc The vital link: Community corridor revegetation of the Great Southern Highway between Wagin and Woodanilling

South West 11056 $13 050 $13 050

Greening Australia Nell's Block community education South West 11057 $36 190 $23 200

Shire of Bridgetown Greenbushes Wood for wildlife: conserving our bushland reserves South West 11058 $14 850 $14 850

Shire of Busselton Phytophthora dieback assessment and management in Ambergate Reserve South West 11059 $15 000 $15 000

Harvey River Restoration Taskforce (HRRT) Upper and Lower Harvey River demonstration project South West 11060 $25 572 $25 572

Shire of Moora Revegetation of identified key conservation sites in Moora Northern Agricultural 11061 $15 271 $15 271

Lyndon LCDC Controlling animal movements onto Lake McLeod Rangelands 11062 $22 000 $22 000

Australian Wildlife Conservancy Strategic and cooperative control of weeds on Mornington Wildlife Sanctuary

Rangelands 11063 $30 600 $30 600

Ngurawaana Group Aboriginal Corporation Managing biodiversity the Yindjibarndi way Rangelands 11065 $22 500 $0

Australian Wildlife Conservancy Protecting threatened species on Faure Island Shark Bay Rangelands 11066 $12 460 $12 460

Shire of Westonia Vermin and weed control Wheatbelt 11067 $10 513 $10 513

TOTAL $1 262 243 $930 563

Community projects approved in 2011–12 cont.

STATE NRM PROGRAM Progress Report 2009/10 to 2010/11 |

Proponent Project name Region Project code Disbursed

Shire of Mt Marshall Mt Marshall malleefowl awareness Wheatbelt 09041 $15 000

Shire of Collie Biodiversity assessment and planning, and commencing management of Shire of Collie natural reserves

South West 09044 $50 000

Walpole–Nannup National Parks Association Protection of the Owingup wetland system South Coast 09045 $165 000

Moore Catchment Council Recovery and protection of Moore River Catchment’s threatened natural assets Northern Agricultural 09047 $199 800

Shire of Capel Fox control across the Capel, Dardanup and Busselton shires South West 09048 $74 996

Eastern Metropolitan Regional Council Native fish fauna monitoring of the Helena River Perth 09049 $34 459

South Coast NRM Protection by prevention: protecting priority areas from dieback; Walpole wilderness and Mt Lindesay

South Coast 09052 $104 218

South Coast NRM Protection and recovery of high-priority biodiversity assets in South Coast South Coast 09053 $140 000

South Coast NRM Protection by Prevention: protecting priority areas from dieback; Eastern South Coast South Coast 09054 $127 218

South Coast NRM Environmental weed control surrounding the Porongurups South Coast 09055 $49 500

Friends of Bennett Brook Post-fire restoration of Bennett Brook to protect water quality and the endangered southern brown bandicoot

Perth 09057 $72 728

Shire of Murray Fencing, weed and access control in priority Shire of Murray reserves South West 09059 $16 500

Camm River Paleo-Valley Rehabilitation Committee

Camm River Paleo-Valley rehabilitation Wheatbelt 09061 $150 000

Katanning LCDC Fighting bridal creeper in the Upper Blackwood South West 09065 $84 600

WALGA Developing strategic Road Reserve Asset Management plans to maximise biodiversity, land and water conservation outcomes by local government

Statewide 09066 $170 500

Wheatbelt NRM Red Card for Red fox and Rabbit Statewide 09068 $110 000

Australian Wildlife Conservancy Weed eradication on Faure Island wildlife sanctuary in world-heritage listed Shark Bay Rangelands 09071 $19 500

Australian Wildlife Conservancy Securing the future of the Karakamia woylies Perth 09072 $50 000

Bush Heritage Australia Goat control on Charles Darwin Reserve Northern Agricultural 09073 $19 000

Oyster Harbour Catchment Group Management actions to address climate change and degradation of Oyster Harbour catchment

South West 09077 $116 000

Shire of Chapman Valley Moresby Range Plan Implementation phase 1 and engagement Northern Agricultural 09078 $145 000

Cape to Cape Catchments Group Protecting and restoring ecological connectivity within the Cape to Cape catchment South West 09079 $45 000

Leschenault Catchment Council Maintaining the WA blackberry containment line South West 09081 $229 676

Serpentine River Group Protecting and restoring freshwater ecosystem health in the Serpentine River, an adaptive management approach

South West 09082 $18 700

Wheatbelt NRM Water management planning for Avon Arc towns Wheatbelt 09083 $71 200

North Kimberley LCDC Kimberley Grader Grass Action Plan Rangelands 09084 $10 000

Australian Wildlife Conservancy Calotropis control—Annie Creek Rangelands 09085 $24 000

Community projects finalised in 2011–12 ($2.36 million)



Tirralintji Aboriginal Community Weed control at Lake Gladstone Rangelands 09087 $9 000

Shire of Serpentine–Jarrahdale Protection and enhancement of a Priority 4 species and enhancement of wetlands in Bush Forever Site 378, Serpentine

South West 09089 $14 000

Blackadder Woodridge Catchment Group Blackadder subcatchment biosecurity Perth 09091 $25 000

TOTAL $2 360 595

Strategic priority projects finalised in 2011–12 ($8 million)


Department of Environment and Conservation High-priority recovery actions for matters of national environmental significance in WA Statewide 09001 $670 000

Department of Agriculture and Food Recognised Biosecurity Group Implementation Project Statewide 09007 $520 000

Department of Agriculture and Food Control of priority invasive species Statewide 09012 $390 000

Department of Water Strategic tree planting and fencing along creeks and rivers Statewide 09017 $517 000

Department of Agriculture and Food Invasive Species Strategy for WA: starling and camel control Statewide 09027 $600 000

Department of Environment and Conservation Dieback eradication: Fitzgerald River National Park and urgent dieback protection actions

Statewide 09030 $1 610 000

Department of Agriculture and Food Implementing Water Quality Improvement Plans (WQIPs) and Fertiliser Action Plan Statewide 09033 $500 000

Department of Water Implementing WQIPs: Peel–Harvey South West 09034 $1 000 000

Department of Water Implementing WQIPs: Vasse–Wonnerup, Geographe Bay South West 09036 $1 253 000

Department of Water Implementing drainage governance and best management approaches to waterways and wetlands in the wheatbelt

Statewide 09037 $500 000

Department of Fisheries Preserving native fish biodiversity Statewide 09039 $500 000

TOTAL $8 060 000

Community projects finalised in 2011–12 cont.


Continuing projects 2011–12 ($19.4 million)* Projects that address strategic investment priorities extended in 2011


Strategic projects

Department of Fisheries West coast near-shore finfish status and connectivity Statewide *09003 $910 250 $910 250

Department of Environment and Conservation Emergency conservation action for the woylie South West *09004 $750 000 $750 000

Environmental Protection Authority Improving water quality in sensitive waterways through reduction of phosphorus inflows from rural and urban sources and providing a governance framework for drainage

Statewide 09005 $610 177 $610 177

Department of Water Development of WQIPs for Blackwood, Scott, Leschenault and Hill estuaries Statewide 09019 $500 000 $500 000

Department of Water Kimberley Waterways recovery and education Rangelands *09020 $380 513 $355 513

Department of Environment and Conservation Completion of scientific research essential to safeguarding Carnaby’s cockatoos and streamlining approval processes

Statewide 09024 $440 000 $440 000

Department of Planning Local Community Bushland Protection Plans for Perth Statewide *09025 $495 000 $495 000

Department of Fisheries Indicative Development Plan for the Houtman Abrolhos Islands Northern Agricultural 09026 $490 000 $490 000

Department of Planning Protection of priority natural resources in strategic Regional Land Use Plans Statewide *09028 $1 000 000 $1 000 000

Department of Environment and Conservation Emergency recovery actions for highest priority threatened flora Statewide *09029 $940 000 $940 000

Department of Environment and Conservation Threatened Fauna Shark Bay ARC projects: saving WA’s threatened fauna Rangelands *09031 $1 520 000 $1 520 000

Department of Water Implementation of riparian restoration erosion control and nutrient management in priority waterways

Statewide 09032 $1 950 000 $1 950 000

Swan River Trust Implementing WQIPs: Swan–Canning River System Perth 09035 $3 190 000 $3 190 000

Department of Fisheries Protecting inshore and demersal finfish Perth *09038 $337 500 $337 500

Department of Fisheries Quantifying recreational fishing catch and effort Perth *09040 $470 000 $470 000

Community projects

Pilbara Mequite Management Committee Inc. Advancing effective management of invasive weeds in the Pilbara Rangelands *09042 $210 750 $210 750

Shire of Narembeen Control of mammalian pest species to protect and enhance threatened red-tailed phascogale and allow re-establishment of other threatened fauna at Wadderin Sanctuary

Wheatbelt 09046 $114 008 $114 008

Centre for Fish and Fisheries Research, Murdoch University

Conserving with community the endangered freshwater sawfish in the Fitzroy River

Rangelands *09050 $160 000 $160 000

Kimberley Land Council Assessing and managing the impacts of feral pigs on high conservation value waterways in the upper Fitzroy River catchment

Rangelands 09051 $36 128 $19 185

South Coast Natural Resource Management Inc. Controlling priority invasive weed species in the South Coast region South Coast *09056 $369 000 $369 000



Peel–Harvey Catchment Council Mayfield main drain sub-catchment WQIP, including foundational activities South West *09058 $69 869 $69 869

University of Western Australia Effects of nutrient enrichment and toxic lyngbya blooms on benthic invertebrates and migratory shorebird communities of Roebuck Bay Ramsar site

Rangelands 09060 $211 561 $211 561

Birds Australia, WA Carnaby’s black-cockatoo recovery Statewide *09062 $375 000 $330 000

Wheatbelt NRM Riparian improvement of priority Avon River pools: Gwambygine Wheatbelt *09067 $290 549 $290 549

Wheatbelt NRM Establishment of Wheatbelt Regional Biosecurity Group Wheatbelt 09069 $82 500 $82 500

Fitzgerald Biosphere Group Buffering priority areas by controlling the spread of dieback: Western Fitzgerald Biosphere

South Coast 09070 $110 000 $110 000

Kimberley Land Council Mitigation of biosecurity threats along the north-east Kimberley coast Rangelands 09074 $106 000 $106 000

Augusta–Margaret River Tourism Association Lake and Jewel Cave hydrology and recovery South West *09075 $250 000 $200 000

Warren Catchment Council Control of blackberry and bridal creeper in the Warren River catchment South West *09076 $195 000 $195 000

Environs Kimberley Managing fire and biodiversity conservation in the West Kimberley Rangelands 09080 $99 000 $99 000

Australian Wildlife Conservancy Parkinsonia control in the Upper Fitzroy catchment Rangelands 09086 $36 000 $36 000

Yawoorroong Miriuwung Gajerrong Yirrgeb Noog Dawang Aboriginal Corporation

Miriuwung Gajerrong fire management Rangelands 09088 $250 000 $250 000

Shire of West Arthur Coordination of feral pig control to reduce the impacts in Peel–Harvey and Leschenault catchments

South West 09090 $250 000 $250 000

Friends of Queens Park Bushland Hand weeding and mapping environmental weeds in the Queens Park Regional Open Space Reserves

Perth 10001 $30 400 $30 400

Murdoch University Invasive weed eradication within the Beeliar Regional Park, Murdoch University

Perth 10002 $10 000 $10 000

Shire of Mundaring Watsonia roadside control within the Jane Brook Catchment Perth 10003 $17 000 $17 000

Centre for Fish and Fisheries Research, Murdoch University

Halting the infestation of the aggressive freshwater fish, the pearl cichlid in the Swan River catchment

Perth *10004 $45 588 $45 588

Bungendore Park Management Committee Dieback treatment and weed control Bungendore Park and adjacent land Perth 10005 $16 500 $16 500

Town of Kwinana Revegetation and weed control on the limestone heathland of Chalk Hill, Kwinana

Perth 10006 $13 000 $13 000

Friends of Lake Claremont Revegetation of the north-west section of Lake Claremont to restore indigenous woodlands

Perth 10007 $45 000 $45 000

City of Belmont Garvey Park foreshore stabilisation section 4 Perth 10008 $32 786 $32 786

Continuing projects 2011–12 cont.



Wilson Wetlands Action Group Fern Road East revegetation stage 1 Perth 10009 $22 655 $22 655

Swan Estuary Reserves Action Group Restoration of the ecological integrity of Pelican Point A Class Reserve Perth 10010 $32 785 $32 785

South-East Regional Centre for Urban Landcare Regeneration and revegetation on the Canning River foreshore Perth 10011 $50 000 $50 000

Eastern Metropolitan Regional Council Strengthening our Streams: riparian restoration of priority areas of the Swan and Helena rivers

Perth 10012 $47 415 $47 415

Canning River Regional Park Volunteers Nicholson Road billabong flood plain restoration Perth 10013 $23 815 $23 815

South-East Regional Centre for Urban Landcare Nicholson Road bushland restoration and weed management (Bush Forever site 456)

Perth 10014 $43 585 $43 585

West Midlands Group Sustaining our environment and agricultural assets through vermin control in the West Midlands

Northern Agricultural 10017 $43 900 $43 900

West Midlands Group Protecting on-farm remnants Northern Agricultural 10018 $44 552 $44 552

City of Geraldton–Greenough Fowler’s fencing: linking Moresby Range and Chapman River Northern Agricultural 10020 $19 500 $19 500

City of Geraldton–Greenough Chapman River wildlife corridor regeneration stage 1 Northern Agricultural 10021 $48 700 $48 700

Shire of Chapman Valley Upper Chapman River Catchment Action Plan: implementation Northern Agricultural 10022 $50 000 $50 000

Moore Catchment Council Improving habitat and connectivity in the farming landscape for birds in the Moore River catchment


West Koojan Gillingarra LCDC Ensuring the long-term effectiveness of saltland reclamation adjacent to the Moore River, Gillingarra


Shire of Chapman Valley Moresby Range Plan Implementation phase 2 and engagement Northern Agricultural 10025 $50 000 $50 000

Ashburton Aboriginal Corporation Pilbara Aboriginal native seed collection and propagation Rangelands 10027 $50 000 $50 000

Greening Australia (WA) Eighty Mile Beach Ramsar site fencing Rangelands 10028 $50 000 $50 000

Environs Kimberley Roebuck Bay fine-scale habitat modelling to determine key habitat for marine wildlife and prey

Rangelands 10029 $26 950 $26 950

Australian Wildlife Conservancy 2012 bird survey of Faure Island wildlife sanctuary: shorebirds, pied cormorants and future translocations

Rangelands 10030 $25 820 $25 820

Central Desert Native Services on behalf of Mungarlu Ngurrankatja Rirraunkaja Aboriginal Corporation

A comprehensive assessment of the natural and cultural assets of the Carnarvon Ranges

Rangelands 10031 $50 000 $50 000

Central Desert Native Title Services A natural and cultural heritage management strategy for Ngururrpa Country Rangelands 10032 $49 740 $49 740

Ord Land and Water Protecting environmental and agricultural assets of the East Kimberley Rangelands 10033 $50 000 $50 000

Southern Brook Catchments Group Southern Brook revitalisation: protecting and enhancing key tributaries and conservation assets in the Southern Brook locality

Wheatbelt 10034 $48 983 $25 000




Shire of York Protection and conservation of the Avon River in the York Shire Wheatbelt 10035 $5760 $5 760

Shire of Mt Marshall Protection and preservation of Mt Marshall Rock Reserve Wheatbelt 10036 $8900 $8 900

Shire of Quairading Quairading Town Common Reserve water and revegetation Wheatbelt 10037 $15 000 $15 000

Gillamii Centre The treatment of invasive golden wattle populations within the Gillamii service area

South Coast 10038 $27 100 $20 000

Green Skills Senecio glastifolius (holly leaved senecio ) eradication South Coast 10039 $50 000 $50 000

Wilson Inlet Catchment Committee Watsonia control in Narrikup South Coast 10040 $10 000 $10 000

Friends of the Porongurup Ranges Declared and environmental weed control in and around the national heritage-listed Porongurup National Park

South Coast 10041 $50 000 $50 000

Fitzgerald Biosphere Group Increasing land management capacity and protection of rehabilitation and conservation values in the Western Fitzgerald Biosphere

South Coast 10042 $50 000 $50 000

Bushcarers Group Lake Seppings western shore rehabilitation South Coast 10043 $10 520 $10 520

North Stirlings Pallinup Natural Resources Greening tributaries of the Pallinup River and promoting landcare in the North Stirlings Pallinup region

South Coast 10044 $48 900 $48 900

Torbay Catchment Group Drain restoration, revegetation and weed control along a section of Undeyup Creek

South Coast 10045 $22 969 $22 969

Esperance Regional Forum Riparian vegetation protection and livestock exclusion fencing in the Stokes Inlet and Coomalbidgup catchments

South Coast 10046 $36 000 $36 000

King River Weed Control and River Restoration Group

Meet and greet to preserve our reserves South Coast 10047 $22 500 $22 500

Ravensthorpe Agricultural Initiative Network Improving the health, water quality and community awareness of Dunns Swamp at Hopetoun

South Coast 10048 $11 100 $11 100

Albany Heritage Reference Group Aboriginal Corporation

Fish traps South Coast 10049 $50 000 $25 000

Shire of Esperance Walker Street public open space South Coast 10050 $20 000 $20 000

Frenchman Bay Association Construction of bird hide at Lake Vancouver, Goode Beach, Vancouver Peninsula, Albany

South Coast 10051 $14 000 $14 000

Shire of Denmark Biodiversity surveys Mt Hallowell and Wilson Inlet foreshore reserves, Denmark

South Coast 10052 $19 560 $19 560

Shire of Denmark Revegetation of priority sites on the Wilson Inlet foreshore reserves, Denmark

South Coast 10053 $8 010 $8 010

Grahams Land and Sea Aboriginal Corporation Protection and enhancement of a heritage-listed fragile wetland and surrounding remnant bushland

South Coast 10054 $25 500 $25 500




Tambellup Noongar Land Aboriginal Corporation Integrated property management to contain salinity and protect riparian land (Gordon River) on Tammar Farms

South Coast 10055 $45 300 $45 300

Wongutha CAPS Development Trust Protection/enhancement of remnant bushland and addressing soil erosion with windbreaks and perennial pastures, Wongutha CAPS

South Coast 10056 $23 000 $23 000

Katanning LCDC Continuing the fight against bridal creeper South West 10058 $50 000 $14 400

Capel LCDC Arum lily eradication in Capel Tuart forests at Ludlow and Minninup South West 10059 $14 000 $14 000

Shire of Bridgetown-Greenbushes Strategic wash-down bays, equipment and procedures to minimise soil-stored cape broom seed dispersals

South West 10060 $12 200 $12 200

Shire of Serpentine–Jarrahdale Weed control in reserves that contain threatened ecological communities and declared flora in Serpentine

South West 10061 $19 000 $19 000

Coolup LCDC Fox and rabbit control in the coastal Peel–Harvey catchment South West 10062 $11 000 $11 000

Shire of Serpentine–Jarrahdale Instigating biological control methods against mistletoe within the old Rifle Range Reserve, Byford

South West 10063 $50 000 $50 000

Keysbrook Environmental Group Protection of rare flora against phytophthora attack on conservation zone in Keysbrook

South West 10064 $14 100 $14 100

Katanning LCDC Much to do about saving a lake: Ewlyamartup South West 10065 $42 590 $42 590

Katanning LCDC From drain to living stream: Katanning Creek South West 10066 $36 050 $36 050

Geographe Catchment Group Keeping Geographe Bay OK: reducing nutrient from urban areas South West 10067 $45 500 $45 500

Shire of Serpentine-Jarrahdale Healthy habitats South West 10068 $48 900 $48 900

Capel LCDC Fencing to enhance the survival of diverse flora of Minninup Block of the Ludlow tuart forest

South West 10069 $20 000 $20 000

Landcare Serpentine–Jarrahdale Invasive species control and revegetation for protection of threatened ecological communities in Brickwood Reserve, Byford

South West 10070 $17 600 $17 600

Cape to Cape Protecting high value assets in the Quininup catchment by assessing its condition and on-ground actions

South West 10071 $48 760 $25 000

Blackwood Basin Group Plans to action on-ground funding for the Blackwood South West 10072 $50 000 $50 000

Southern Aboriginal Corporation Improving fauna movement and rehabilitating saline lands on Marribank Farms to protect Blackwood River tributaries

South West 10073 $38 000 $38 000

TOTAL $19 409 598 $19 182 212



Proponent Project name Region Project code Budget

Mingenew Irwin Group Decreasing Irwin River sedimentation by using a biological control to reduce Paterson’s curse infestations

Northern Agricultural 10015 $15 175

Mingenew Irwin Group Reducing sedimentation in the Irwin River by rehabilitating Nangetty clays on Irwin River Station


AusCarbon Terra Grata malleefowl survey Northern Agricultural 10019 $10 000

Moore Catchment Council Encourage the uptake of native woody perennials establishment in the eastern Northern Agricultural region


Dujimerrup Twonkup Aboriginal Corporation An Indigenous restoration initiative: fencing and revegetation of riparian and remnant revegetation on Dowrene Farm

South Coast 10057 $27 500

Withdrawn projects 2011 – 12Projects withdrawn by the proponent after receiving funding approval


Source and application of funds 1 July 2011 – 30 June 2012

Source of funds ($)

NAP* carryover 46 697

Single Holding Account carryover 2 433 137

State Consolidated Funds 2009–10 carryover

3 146 858

State Consolidated Funds 2010–11 carryover

3 525 000

State Consolidated Funds 2011–12 5 000 000

Returned NAP project funds carryover 46 582

Returned 2009–10 project funds carryover

50 506

Returned NAP carryover project funds 40 256

Returned 2009–10 project funds 45 862TOTAL 14 334 898

Application of funds ($)

Strategic projects 2009–10 extensions 2 097 499

Community projects 2011–12 811 563

Regional groups funding 1 475 000

State NRM Office funding 673 000

Continuing NAP carryover priority projects

46 697

Continuing Strategic projects 2009–10 241 622

Continuing Community projects 2009–10 251 861

Continuing Community projects 2010–11 1 951 210TOTAL 7 548 452

Funds to be carried forward ($)

Unspent committed Single Holding Account funding

75 000

Unspent committed 2009–10 funding 875 730

Unspent committed 2010–11 funding 520 185

Unspent uncommitted NAP carryover 40 256

Unspent uncommitted 2009–10 funding 45 862

Unspent uncommitted 2010–11 funding 229 413

Unspent uncommitted 2011–12 funding 5 000 000TOTAL 6 786 446

* NAP = National Action Plan for Salinity and Water Quality delivered over a seven-year period between 2002 and 2009.

State NRM Office

3 Baron-Hay Court South Perth

P: 08 9368 3168

F: 08 9474 3196

E: [email protected]

W: www.nrm.wa.gov.au

mailto:snrmo%40agric.wa.gov.au%20?subject=

http://www.nrm.wa.gov.au

state nrm program progress report 2011/12 - nrm wa - the

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