Boosting Farm Waterways

Community members, farmers and landholders came together recently to learn about how they can increase biodiversity on their land and waterways.

Summer is here and temperatures have already soared, reminding us all that climate change adaption and effective land use is more important than ever.  Increasing vegetation cover and biodiversity through simple measures such as stock exclusion fencing and the revegetation of streams, drains, and waterways on our farms is one way we can assist in combatting the pressures that rising temperatures and changes in our environment have on our precious ecosystems.

Streams and waterways that are scattered across the catchment all contribute to a larger picture. Many of our farms and properties across the catchment are home to small creek systems, drains and waterways.  These waterways can provide refuge for wildlife and aquatic fauna and are extremely important when considering the health of our river systems and ultimately the Bindjareb Djilba (Peel-Harvey estuary). Improving the health of these smaller water systems can have a really positive and lasting effect over all on river and estuary health.  Small amendments over time will help us reach our goal to reduce nutrient loading and improve estuary health. 

Participants at our recent ‘Boosting Biodiversity on Farms’ workshop held in Pinjarra were lucky enough to hear from expert presenters to talk waterway restoration and what they can do to not only boost biodiversity for wildlife and ecosystem function, but to also better manage their farms and animals bringing about long term benefits for their farms. Brendan Oversby of Oversby Consulting and Ben Croxford from Nuts about Natives shared their knowledge on revegetation and site preparation that is specific to areas adjacent to creeks and streams and how to select the right species to ensure success when planting in such areas.

Birds on farms was also on the agenda with Birdlife Australia volunteer, Robyn Devenish presenting on the importance of habitat for birds on farms and how they can be indicators of ecosystem health.  Even just small amounts of revegetation across multiple areas all adds to the bigger picture of improved habitat and food sources for all our wildlife.

The workshop provided a great opportunity for the community and landholders to come together to learn about funding opportunities available to assist with fencing, weed control, site preparation and revegetation. As well as network and meet other farmers, property owners where able to talk and share experiences about the challenges and successes they are having on their land.

Stay tuned for more valuable workshops in 2024.

To find out more about funding available for fencing and revegetation please visit our website here: https://peel-harvey.org.au/grants/funding-opportunity-fencing-and-revegetation-of-foreshore-areas/

To learn more about the benefits of fencing and revegetating waterways, check out this factsheet: https://www.wa.gov.au/system/files/2023-09/healthy-estuaries-wa-fact-sheet-fencing.pdf

This project is a part of Healthy Estuaries WA – a State Government Royalties for Regions program that aims to improve the health of our South West estuaries.