The Wetlands Festival is on again and we have a program packed full of fun activities for the whole family to explore nature and learn about our wonderful Ramsar 482 wetlands!
For the full program including booking links (once released), visit our Wetlands Festival webpage.
Wonders of our Wetlands Festival 2023 | Peel-Harvey Catchment Council
We acknowledge the Noongar people as Traditional Custodians of this land and pay our respects to all Elders past and present
‘Science and Knowledge Underpin Natural Resource Management’
Science, sound research and the sharing of information are key components of NRM in the Peel-Harvey Region. There is a wealth of scientific research and technical study that has occurred across the Region and it is essential that this is used by decision makers and natural resource managers to achieve a ‘Healthy Catchment that Supports Life and Livelihood’. There are also considerable knowledge gaps that need to be filled to support effective and cost-efficient NRM activities. The three goals under Objective 3 reflect the primary purposes of science and knowledge in NRM.
| K4 | IDENTIFY AND CAPITALISE ON MARKET OPPORTUNITIES |
| The Peel-Harvey has competitive advantages that should enable market opportunities to be capitalized on, including its close proximity to an international airport, emerging support facilities, comparatively affordable land as metropolitan areas become more urbanized, and its natural capital including a very productive area of the Wheatbelt. Capitalising on these opportunities will assist in employment and the social issues being experienced as a result of high unemployment. The Peel-Harvey is well placed to capitalize on market opportunities and land managers need support to identify and match production to markets, promoting the Region’s clean, green production by implementing sustainable practices that protect and restore the Region’s natural capital. | |
| K4.1 | Undertake Analysis of competitive markets for sustainable production |
| K4.1.1 | Support grower groups and similar to identify competitive advantages and provide support to match land managers to markets |
| K4.1.2 | Prepare and communicate an analysis of strengths, assets and potential new markets |
| K4.1.3 | Identify and facilitate network opportunities to improve local knowledge and opportunities |
| K4.1.4 | Identify constraints and areas for development and advocate to remove identified barriers |
| K4.2 | Provide community access to, and awareness of new technologies and information |
| K4.2.1 | Share new technologies and information, including local successes and peer to peer learning |
| K4.2.2 | Support next generation farming, including education and career development |
‘Science and Knowledge Underpin Natural Resource Management’
Science, sound research and the sharing of information are key components of NRM in the Peel-Harvey Region. There is a wealth of scientific research and technical study that has occurred across the Region and it is essential that this is used by decision makers and natural resource managers to achieve a ‘Healthy Catchment that Supports Life and Livelihood’. There are also considerable knowledge gaps that need to be filled to support effective and cost-efficient NRM activities. The three goals under Objective 3 reflect the primary purposes of science and knowledge in NRM.
| K3 | LAND MANAGERS TO USE BEST KNOWLEDGE AND TECHNOLOGY |
| Land managers use a wealth of knowledge and experience to inform the way they manage their paddock, patch or park. They may need support to access new information that has become available through research and field trials. Strategies to achieve this goal aim at information sharing between landholders, through field days, extension support, and field-based research trials. | |
| K3.1 | Relevant information/knowledge is provided to land managers |
| K3.1.1 | Develop targeted land management extension programs responding to community needs |
| K3.1.2 | Support and assist land managers to access relevant and contemporary information |
| K3.1.3 | Develop, promote and support implementation of best practice management for NRM |
| K3.2 | Use science to inform land manager programs |
| K3.2.1 | Implement targeted extension programs to support NRM for productive environments |
| K3.2.2 | Support relevant research trials and promote findings to land managers |
| K3.2.3 | Demonstrate economics benefits of productivity improvements, to influence greater uptake |
‘Science and Knowledge Underpin Natural Resource Management’
Science, sound research and the sharing of information are key components of NRM in the Peel-Harvey Region. There is a wealth of scientific research and technical study that has occurred across the Region and it is essential that this is used by decision makers and natural resource managers to achieve a ‘Healthy Catchment that Supports Life and Livelihood’. There are also considerable knowledge gaps that need to be filled to support effective and cost-efficient NRM activities. The three goals under Objective 3 reflect the primary purposes of science and knowledge in NRM.
| K2 | INCREASE THE EFFECTIVENESS OF NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT |
| NRM practices must continue to evolve and adapt to the best available information. To enable this adaptive management and continuous improvement to occur, information must be collected for monitoring and evaluation purposes, science should be used to address knowledge gaps and innovation must be encouraged. The strategies to address this goal cover each of these aspects as well as incorporating the knowledge of Aboriginal people to improve the effectiveness of NRM activities. | |
| K2.1 | Maintain effective information collection, storage and analysis processes |
| K2.1.1 | Establish and maintain an effective information collection and storage process |
| K2.2 | Use scientific methods to develop, inform and improve natural resource management programs |
| K2.2.1 | Assist in the planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of NRM activities |
| K2.2.2 | Help educate and support land holders to improve decision making |
| K2.3 | Incorporate Aboriginal knowledge to improve natural resource management |
| K2.3.1 | Collaboratively document and use Aboriginal knowledge/practice in NRM programs |
| K2.4 | Encourage Innovation in natural resource management programs |
| K2.4.1 | Identify, assess and facilitate sharing of new techniques, particularly for agriculture and restoration |
| K2.4.2 | Communicate and support innovation in NRM and agricultural programs and Practices |
‘Science and Knowledge Underpin Natural Resource Management’
Science, sound research and the sharing of information are key components of NRM in the Peel-Harvey Region. There is a wealth of scientific research and technical study that has occurred across the Region and it is essential that this is used by decision makers and natural resource managers to achieve a ‘Healthy Catchment that Supports Life and Livelihood’. There are also considerable knowledge gaps that need to be filled to support effective and cost-efficient NRM activities. The three goals under Objective 3 reflect the primary purposes of science and knowledge in NRM.
| K1 | INFLUENCE DECISION MAKING FOR BETTER NRM |
| Decision makers in government and the private sector need access to the best available research findings and information to ensure that land is managed wisely. New development and land uses should not create new NRM challenges for the future but provide for new opportunities for good stewards of the environment. A number of landmark strategies and activities will achieve this goal including the preparation of regular State of the Region reports, implementation of the Science Strategy for the Estuary (and pending Strategy for the Catchment) and establishing the first stages of a Peel Waterways Institute. | |
| K1.1 | Science is undertaken to address current and emerging environmental, economic and production issues |
| K1.1.1 | Establish and implement a Science Program for the Peel-Harvey |
| K1.1.2 | Prepare and implement contemporary Science Strategy’s for the Peel-Harvey |
| K1.1.3 | Collaborate with stakeholders to target and enable priority research |
| K1.2 | Communicate State of the Catchment and relevant science to decision makers/community |
| K1.2.1 | Prepare and communicate a State of the Catchment Report Card/s (every 2 years) |
| K1.2.2 | Communicate science and knowledge relevant to health of the catchment |
| K1.3 | Establish a Peel Waterways Institute / Waterways Centre of Excellence |
| K1.3.1 | Establish first stages of a Peel Waterways Institute to support collaborative research |
| K1.3.2 | Advocate for a National Centre for Waterways Excellence in the Peel-Harvey |
‘Science and Knowledge Underpin Natural Resource Management’
Science, sound research and the sharing of information are key components of NRM in the Peel-Harvey Region. There is a wealth of scientific research and technical study that has occurred across the Region and it is essential that this is used by decision makers and natural resource managers to achieve a ‘Healthy Catchment that Supports Life and Livelihood’. There are also considerable knowledge gaps that need to be filled to support effective and cost-efficient NRM activities. The three goals under Objective 3 reflect the primary purposes of science and knowledge in NRM.
| K1 | INFLUENCE DECISION MAKING FOR BETTER NRM |
| Decision makers in government and the private sector need access to the best available research findings and information to ensure that land is managed wisely. New development and land uses should not create new NRM challenges for the future but provide for new opportunities for good stewards of the environment. A number of landmark strategies and activities will achieve this goal including the preparation of regular State of the Region reports, implementation of the Science Strategy for the Estuary (and pending Strategy for the Catchment) and establishing the first stages of a Peel Waterways Institute. | |
| K1.1 | Science is undertaken to address current and emerging environmental, economic and production issues |
| K1.1.1 | Establish and implement a Science Program for the Peel-Harvey |
| K1.1.2 | Prepare and implement contemporary Science Strategy’s for the Peel-Harvey |
| K1.1.3 | Collaborate with stakeholders to target and enable priority research |
| K1.2 | Communicate State of the Catchment and relevant science to decision makers/community |
| K1.2.1 | Prepare and communicate a State of the Catchment Report Card/s (every 2 years) |
| K1.2.2 | Communicate science and knowledge relevant to health of the catchment |
| K1.3 | Establish a Peel Waterways Institute / Waterways Centre of Excellence |
| K1.3.1 | Establish first stages of a Peel Waterways Institute to support collaborative research |
| K1.3.2 | Advocate for a National Centre for Waterways Excellence in the Peel-Harvey |
| K2 | INCREASE THE EFFECTIVENESS OF NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT |
| NRM practices must continue to evolve and adapt to the best available information. To enable this adaptive management and continuous improvement to occur, information must be collected for monitoring and evaluation purposes, science should be used to address knowledge gaps and innovation must be encouraged. The strategies to address this goal cover each of these aspects as well as incorporating the knowledge of Aboriginal people to improve the effectiveness of NRM activities. | |
| K2.1 | Maintain effective information collection, storage and analysis processes |
| K2.1.1 | Establish and maintain an effective information collection and storage process |
| K2.2 | Use scientific methods to develop, inform and improve natural resource management programs |
| K2.2.1 | Assist in the planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of NRM activities |
| K2.2.2 | Help educate and support land holders to improve decision making |
| K2.3 | Incorporate Aboriginal knowledge to improve natural resource management |
| K2.3.1 | Collaboratively document and use Aboriginal knowledge/practice in NRM programs |
| K2.4 | Encourage Innovation in natural resource management programs |
| K2.4.1 | Identify, assess and facilitate sharing of new techniques, particularly for agriculture and restoration |
| K2.4.2 | Communicate and support innovation in NRM and agricultural programs and Practices |
| K3 | LAND MANAGERS TO USE BEST KNOWLEDGE AND TECHNOLOGY |
| Land managers use a wealth of knowledge and experience to inform the way they manage their paddock, patch or park. They may need support to access new information that has become available through research and field trials. Strategies to achieve this goal aim at information sharing between landholders, through field days, extension support, and field-based research trials. | |
| K3.1 | Relevant information/knowledge is provided to land managers |
| K3.1.1 | Develop targeted land management extension programs responding to community needs |
| K3.1.2 | Support and assist land managers to access relevant and contemporary information |
| K3.1.3 | Develop, promote and support implementation of best practice management for NRM |
| K3.2 | Use science to inform land manager programs |
| K3.2.1 | Implement targeted extension programs to support NRM for productive environments |
| K3.2.2 | Support relevant research trials and promote findings to land managers |
| K3.2.3 | Demonstrate economics benefits of productivity improvements, to influence greater uptake |
| K4 | IDENTIFY AND CAPITALISE ON MARKET OPPORTUNITIES |
| The Peel-Harvey has competitive advantages that should enable market opportunities to be capitalized on, including its close proximity to an international airport, emerging support facilities, comparatively affordable land as metropolitan areas become more urbanized, and its natural capital including a very productive area of the Wheatbelt. Capitalising on these opportunities will assist in employment and the social issues being experienced as a result of high unemployment. The Peel-Harvey is well placed to capitalize on market opportunities and land managers need support to identify and match production to markets, promoting the Region’s clean, green production by implementing sustainable practices that protect and restore the Region’s natural capital. | |
| K4.1 | Undertake Analysis of competitive markets for sustainable production |
| K4.1.1 | Support grower groups and similar to identify competitive advantages and provide support to match land managers to markets |
| K4.1.2 | Prepare and communicate an analysis of strengths, assets and potential new markets |
| K4.1.3 | Identify and facilitate network opportunities to improve local knowledge and opportunities |
| K4.1.4 | Identify constraints and areas for development and advocate to remove identified barriers |
| K4.2 | Provide community access to, and awareness of new technologies and information |
| K4.2.1 | Share new technologies and information, including local successes and peer to peer learning |
| K4.2.2 | Support next generation farming, including education and career development |
‘A Healthy Catchment that Supports Life and Livelihood’ is the core aim of natural resource management in the Peel-Harvey Region. All goals directly related to the condition of the Region’s natural resources are included under Objective 2
| B5 | WATER RESOURCES ARE MANAGED AND USED WISELY |
| Water resources are essential to life. They shape our wetlands, waterways and biodiversity and influence the type and location of agricultural production. Water resources include both surface waters and groundwater, and the aquifer systems that link them both. Most of the forested areas of the Forest and Scarp Subsystem are proclaimed water supply catchments (Land Assessment, 2005). Water resources are managed under a regime which recognises both public and private use values as well as environmental water requirements. The strategies to achieve this goal support water allocation planning and other activities to ensure the wise use of resources for protection of ecosystems in the long term. These strategies complement the Department of Water’s role in water allocation planning. |
|
| B5.1 | Support water allocation planning and management for wise use |
| B5.1.1 | Undertake a water audit across the catchment to assist in water management in the long term |
| B5.1.2 | Encourage adequate environment water allocations in and for all priority systems |
| B5.1.3 | Support measuring and assessment of water supply systems, for environment and agriculture |
| B5.1.4 | Support the development of water storage facilities for fire management |
| B5.2 | Support land managers to manage water resources—for multiple benefits |
| B5.2.1 | Support resource and land managers to assess and implement water capture, harvesting and storage facilities |
| B5.2.2 | Support resource users to implement water efficiencies |
| B5.2.3 | Support adaptive management systems to respond to reduced rainfall |
‘A Healthy Catchment that Supports Life and Livelihood’ is the core aim of natural resource management in the Peel-Harvey Region. All goals directly related to the condition of the Region’s natural resources are included under Objective 2
| B4 | BIODIVERSITY IS CONSERVED |
| Biodiversity is the term used to describe the natural diversity of life. This diversity exists at the ecosystem, species and genetic levels. The Region is recognised as a global biodiversity hotspot because of its mega-diverse and unique biodiversity and the level of threat this biodiversity is under. Biodiversity is most effectively and efficiently conserved by protecting natural areas, these being areas of bushland, forest, woodland, waterway, wetland, dune, rock outcrop, foreshore and any other area in a near-nature state. The Region is home to many globally significant natural areas, notable examples being Dryandra Woodland, our Northern Jarrah forest, and the Peel-Yalgorup Ramsar System. The strategies to achieve this goal are focused on protecting priority natural areas, managing and reducing threats to biodiversity assets, and restoring ecological linkages between significant natural areas. Assisting local governments to implement local biodiversity strategies will be one of a number of ways of achieving this goal. | |
| B4.1 | Protect priority terrestrial and aquatic natural areas |
| B4.1.1 | Influence land-use planning to afford protection to priority natural areas |
| B4.1.2 | Undertake assessments of biodiversity status |
| B4.1.3 | Assist land managers to protect priority terrestrial natural areas |
| B4.1.4 | Assist land managers to protect priority aquatic natural areas |
| B4.1.5 | Assist land managers to improve biodiversity through regenerative agricultural practices |
| B4.1.6 | Incorporate knowledge of impacts of changing weather patterns into biodiversity programs |
| B4.2 | Manage and reduce threats |
| B4.2.1 | Identify, monitor and communicate threats and threatening processes |
| B4.2.2 | Implement and support threat reduction activities in priority areas, including managing feral animals, weeds and disease, fire, extreme events and drought |
| B4.2.3 | Implement and support management and response planning for extreme natural events |
| B4.3 | Restore ecological linkages |
| B4.3.1 | Facilitate and/or support collaborative landscape scale restoration for multiple benefits |
| B4.3.2 | Encourage restoration processes being identified and embedded into the land-use planning system |
‘A Healthy Catchment that Supports Life and Livelihood’ is the core aim of natural resource management in the Peel-Harvey Region. All goals directly related to the condition of the Region’s natural resources are included under Objective 2
| B3 | COASTAL AND NEARSHORE AREAS AND PROCESSES ARE RESILIENT AND VALUED |
| Coastal foreshores, beaches and near-shore areas have significant social, ecological and economic values. They support commercial and recreational fisheries, protect coastal residential areas and provide a diversity of habitat for flora and fauna. A key aspect of coastal management in the Region is the network of community groups, local governments and state agencies that manage coastal foreshores and maintain public access to beaches and nearshore waterways. Strategies to achieve this goal are aimed at supporting the groups and organisations who are undertaking coastal area and near-shore management. | |
| B3.1 | Protect foreshores for their ecological and recreational values |
| B3.1.1 | Encourage/support foreshore management that enables natural process and resilience to a changing climate |
| B3.1.2 | Support the community to value and manage coastal areas |
| B3.1.3 | Support recreational uses consistent with environmental protection |
| B3.2 | Protect near-shore habitats for productivity and biodiversity |
| B3.2.1 | Support actions/activities to protect near-shore habitats for ecological, recreational and commercial productivity |
‘A Healthy Catchment that Supports Life and Livelihood’ is the core aim of natural resource management in the Peel-Harvey Region. All goals directly related to the condition of the Region’s natural resources are included under Objective 2
| B2 | SOILS ARE HEALTHY AND PRODUCTIVE |
| Soils and landforms are the fundamental resources which shape wetlands and waterways, biodiversity and land use, especially agriculture. Agricultural production in the Catchment is worth $469.974 million per annum (source 2021 REMPLAN) and relies directly on the health and conservation of soil resources. Soils should be managed as a living resource with consideration to soil acidity, dryland salinity, prevention of erosion and discharge of sediment. Biosecurity is an issue of significant concern to the community and is included under this goal given its impact on soils, productivity and biodiversity. Issues such as water repellence and compaction of soils may also be having an impact on farm productivity levels, although the impact on productivity is not clearly understood. Healthy soils will reduce the loss of topsoil to waterways and the impact of sediment on rivers and the Estuary. Strategies under this goal aim to assist farmers and land managers to better understand their local soils, make informed decisions on soil management practices, and support biosecurity programs. Farmers own and manage over 50% of the Region, making their increased participation in NRM essential. |
|
| B2.1 | Understand soil characteristics and risks |
| B2.1.1 | Support land managers to undertake and understand risk/soil mapping at a local level |
| B2.1.2 | Support and share research and information that improves our collective understanding of soil characteristics and their productive potential |
| B2.1.3 | Support land managers to understand the consequences over use of fertilisers, herbicides and pesticides |
| B2.2 | Support land managers to match land uses and management practices to soil type and land capability |
| B2.2.1 | Support adaptive land management practices in vulnerable areas |
| B2.2.2 | Maintain priority areas for agricultural production (while protecting valuable environmental assets) |
| B2.3 | Support land managers to implement sound soil management practices and use suitable land productively |
| B2.3.1 | Encourage and support farming methods to enhance soil and soil resilience |
| B2.3.2 | Encourage use of soil amendments for multiple benefits |
| B2.3.3 | Support ‘whole of farm’ planning to better meet social, economic and environmental objectives |
| B2.4 | Support biosecurity practices |
| B2.4.1 | Support, preparation and implementation of biosecurity program/s for multiple benefits |
| B2.4.2 | Raise awareness and educate community on local, priority biosecurity issues and provide support for management |
| B2.5 | Influence legislation and policy |
| B2.1.1 | Influence and support decision makers in developing policy and legislation for the protection of priority agricultural land |
| B2.1.2 | Influence and support decision makers in developing policy and legislation for the protection of priority environmental assets |
| B2.1.3 | Advocate for and support streamlining of planning regulation and licensing for sustainable agricultural practices |
‘A Healthy Catchment that Supports Life and Livelihood’ is the core aim of natural resource management in the Peel-Harvey Region. All goals directly related to the condition of the Region’s natural resources are included under Objective 2
| B1 | WETLANDS AND WATERWAYS ARE HEALTHY AND PRODUCTIVE |
| Wetlands and waterways have a special place, with all major townsites and communities living in proximity to a local waterway or wetland. Major waterway assets include the Hotham, Williams, Murray, Serpentine, North and South Dandalup and Harvey rivers. Major wetland assets include the Peel-Harvey Estuarine System and the Peel-Yalgorup Ramsar System. Key threats include poorly planned development, changing hydroperiods, reduced flow, eutrophication, ASS and MBO. Strategies to achieve this goal are designed to support coordinated management of the Estuary and Ramsar System, implement management actions to improve waterway and wetland condition, and protect groundwater quality and flows into wetlands and waterways. | |
| B1.1 | Support the establishment and operations of coordinated governance frameworks for the Peel-Yalgorup Ramsar System |
| B1.1.1 | Work with key stakeholders to establish and operate a coordinated framework for the Peel-Harvey Estuarine System |
| B1.1.2 | Continue to work with key stakeholders to operate a coordinated framework for the Peel-Yalgorup Ramsar System, including but not limited to the Ramsar and subsidiary TAG’s |
| B1.2 | Improve the condition of wetlands and watercourses |
| B1.2.1 | Prepare and implement action plans to restore the natural function of wetlands and watercourses |
| B1.2.2 | Prepare and implement action plans to manage drains for multiple benefits, including water availability to assist with impacts of reduced rainfall and drying climate |
| B1.2.3 | Manage issues such as erosion, sediment, nutrients and monosulphidic black ooze to improve/protect condition of wetlands and watercourses |
| B1.3 | Protect wetlands and watercourses |
| B1.3.1 | Influence land-use planning to afford protection to wetland and watercourse values |
| B1.3.2 | Encourage implementation of management plans and ongoing maintenance in accordance with planning conditions and/or best management practice |
| B1.4 | Protect groundwater quality and quantity as hydrological inputs to wetlands and watercourses |
| B1.4.1 | Ensure environmental water provisions are adequate for maintenance or improvement of ecosystem health |
| B1.4.2 | Ensure groundwater monitoring is sufficient to measure and assess environmental water provision adequacy and to influence regulatory change, where required |
‘A Healthy Catchment that Supports Life and Livelihood’ is the core aim of natural resource management in the Peel-Harvey Region. All goals directly related to the condition of the Region’s natural resources are included under Objective 2
| B1 | WETLANDS AND WATERWAYS ARE HEALTHY AND PRODUCTIVE |
| Wetlands and waterways have a special place, with all major townsites and communities living in proximity to a local waterway or wetland. Major waterway assets include the Hotham, Williams, Murray, Serpentine, North and South Dandalup and Harvey rivers. Major wetland assets include the Peel-Harvey Estuarine System and the Peel-Yalgorup Ramsar System. Key threats include poorly planned development, changing hydroperiods, reduced flow, eutrophication, ASS and MBO. Strategies to achieve this goal are designed to support coordinated management of the Estuary and Ramsar System, implement management actions to improve waterway and wetland condition, and protect groundwater quality and flows into wetlands and waterways. | |
| B1.1 | Support the establishment and operations of coordinated governance frameworks for the Peel-Yalgorup Ramsar System |
| B1.1.1 | Work with key stakeholders to establish and operate a coordinated framework for the Peel-Harvey Estuarine System |
| B1.1.2 | Continue to work with key stakeholders to operate a coordinated framework for the Peel-Yalgorup Ramsar System, including but not limited to the Ramsar and subsidiary TAG’s |
| B1.2 | Improve the condition of wetlands and watercourses |
| B1.2.1 | Prepare and implement action plans to restore the natural function of wetlands and watercourses |
| B1.2.2 | Prepare and implement action plans to manage drains for multiple benefits, including water availability to assist with impacts of reduced rainfall and drying climate |
| B1.2.3 | Manage issues such as erosion, sediment, nutrients and monosulphidic black ooze to improve/protect condition of wetlands and watercourses |
| B1.3 | Protect wetlands and watercourses |
| B1.3.1 | Influence land-use planning to afford protection to wetland and watercourse values |
| B1.3.2 | Encourage implementation of management plans and ongoing maintenance in accordance with planning conditions and/or best management practice |
| B1.4 | Protect groundwater quality and quantity as hydrological inputs to wetlands and watercourses |
| B1.4.1 | Ensure environmental water provisions are adequate for maintenance or improvement of ecosystem health |
| B1.4.2 | Ensure groundwater monitoring is sufficient to measure and assess environmental water provision adequacy and to influence regulatory change, where required |
| B2 | SOILS ARE HEALTHY AND PRODUCTIVE |
| Soils and landforms are the fundamental resources which shape wetlands and waterways, biodiversity and land use, especially agriculture. Agricultural production in the Catchment is worth $469.974 million per annum (source 2021 REMPLAN) and relies directly on the health and conservation of soil resources. Soils should be managed as a living resource with consideration to soil acidity, dryland salinity, prevention of erosion and discharge of sediment. Biosecurity is an issue of significant concern to the community and is included under this goal given its impact on soils, productivity and biodiversity. Issues such as water repellence and compaction of soils may also be having an impact on farm productivity levels, although the impact on productivity is not clearly understood. Healthy soils will reduce the loss of topsoil to waterways and the impact of sediment on rivers and the Estuary. Strategies under this goal aim to assist farmers and land managers to better understand their local soils, make informed decisions on soil management practices, and support biosecurity programs. Farmers own and manage over 50% of the Region, making their increased participation in NRM essential. |
|
| B2.1 | Understand soil characteristics and risks |
| B2.1.1 | Support land managers to undertake and understand risk/soil mapping at a local level |
| B2.1.2 | Support and share research and information that improves our collective understanding of soil characteristics and their productive potential |
| B2.1.3 | Support land managers to understand the consequences over use of fertilisers, herbicides and pesticides |
| B2.2 | Support land managers to match land uses and management practices to soil type and land capability |
| B2.2.1 | Support adaptive land management practices in vulnerable areas |
| B2.2.2 | Maintain priority areas for agricultural production (while protecting valuable environmental assets) |
| B2.3 | Support land managers to implement sound soil management practices and use suitable land productively |
| B2.3.1 | Encourage and support farming methods to enhance soil and soil resilience |
| B2.3.2 | Encourage use of soil amendments for multiple benefits |
| B2.3.3 | Support ‘whole of farm’ planning to better meet social, economic and environmental objectives |
| B2.4 | Support biosecurity practices |
| B2.4.1 | Support, preparation and implementation of biosecurity program/s for multiple benefits |
| B2.4.2 | Raise awareness and educate community on local, priority biosecurity issues and provide support for management |
| B2.5 | Influence legislation and policy |
| B2.1.1 | Influence and support decision makers in developing policy and legislation for the protection of priority agricultural land |
| B2.1.2 | Influence and support decision makers in developing policy and legislation for the protection of priority environmental assets |
| B2.1.3 | Advocate for and support streamlining of planning regulation and licensing for sustainable agricultural practices |
| B3 | COASTAL AND NEARSHORE AREAS AND PROCESSES ARE RESILIENT AND VALUED |
| Coastal foreshores, beaches and near-shore areas have significant social, ecological and economic values. They support commercial and recreational fisheries, protect coastal residential areas and provide a diversity of habitat for flora and fauna. A key aspect of coastal management in the Region is the network of community groups, local governments and state agencies that manage coastal foreshores and maintain public access to beaches and nearshore waterways. Strategies to achieve this goal are aimed at supporting the groups and organisations who are undertaking coastal area and near-shore management. | |
| B3.1 | Protect foreshores for their ecological and recreational values |
| B3.1.1 | Encourage/support foreshore management that enables natural process and resilience to a changing climate |
| B3.1.2 | Support the community to value and manage coastal areas |
| B3.1.3 | Support recreational uses consistent with environmental protection |
| B3.2 | Protect near-shore habitats for productivity and biodiversity |
| B3.2.1 | Support actions/activities to protect near-shore habitats for ecological, recreational and commercial productivity |
| B4 | BIODIVERSITY IS CONSERVED |
| Biodiversity is the term used to describe the natural diversity of life. This diversity exists at the ecosystem, species and genetic levels. The Region is recognised as a global biodiversity hotspot because of its mega-diverse and unique biodiversity and the level of threat this biodiversity is under. Biodiversity is most effectively and efficiently conserved by protecting natural areas, these being areas of bushland, forest, woodland, waterway, wetland, dune, rock outcrop, foreshore and any other area in a near-nature state. The Region is home to many globally significant natural areas, notable examples being Dryandra Woodland, our Northern Jarrah forest, and the Peel-Yalgorup Ramsar System. The strategies to achieve this goal are focused on protecting priority natural areas, managing and reducing threats to biodiversity assets, and restoring ecological linkages between significant natural areas. Assisting local governments to implement local biodiversity strategies will be one of a number of ways of achieving this goal. | |
| B4.1 | Protect priority terrestrial and aquatic natural areas |
| B4.1.1 | Influence land-use planning to afford protection to priority natural areas |
| B4.1.2 | Undertake assessments of biodiversity status |
| B4.1.3 | Assist land managers to protect priority terrestrial natural areas |
| B4.1.4 | Assist land managers to protect priority aquatic natural areas |
| B4.1.5 | Assist land managers to improve biodiversity through regenerative agricultural practices |
| B4.1.6 | Incorporate knowledge of impacts of changing weather patterns into biodiversity programs |
| B4.2 | Manage and reduce threats |
| B4.2.1 | Identify, monitor and communicate threats and threatening processes |
| B4.2.2 | Implement and support threat reduction activities in priority areas, including managing feral animals, weeds and disease, fire, extreme events and drought |
| B4.2.3 | Implement and support management and response planning for extreme natural events |
| B4.3 | Restore ecological linkages |
| B4.3.1 | Facilitate and/or support collaborative landscape scale restoration for multiple benefits |
| B4.3.2 | Encourage restoration processes being identified and embedded into the land-use planning system |
| B5 | WATER RESOURCES ARE MANAGED AND USED WISELY |
| Water resources are essential to life. They shape our wetlands, waterways and biodiversity and influence the type and location of agricultural production. Water resources include both surface waters and groundwater, and the aquifer systems that link them both. Most of the forested areas of the Forest and Scarp Subsystem are proclaimed water supply catchments (Land Assessment, 2005). Water resources are managed under a regime which recognises both public and private use values as well as environmental water requirements. The strategies to achieve this goal support water allocation planning and other activities to ensure the wise use of resources for protection of ecosystems in the long term. These strategies complement the Department of Water’s role in water allocation planning. |
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| B5.1 | Support water allocation planning and management for wise use |
| B5.1.1 | Undertake a water audit across the catchment to assist in water management in the long term |
| B5.1.2 | Encourage adequate environment water allocations in and for all priority systems |
| B5.1.3 | Support measuring and assessment of water supply systems, for environment and agriculture |
| B5.1.4 | Support the development of water storage facilities for fire management |
| B5.2 | Support land managers to manage water resources—for multiple benefits |
| B5.2.1 | Support resource and land managers to assess and implement water capture, harvesting and storage facilities |
| B5.2.2 | Support resource users to implement water efficiencies |
| B5.2.3 | Support adaptive management systems to respond to reduced rainfall |
‘An Engaged and Active Community’
Successful NRM is as much about working with people as it is about natural resources. This includes providing direct and practical support to groups and individuals such as local government, community groups, Aboriginal people and farmers. Objective 1 is based on the experience that people who are engaged and involved in NRM have a benefit and impact far beyond their local patch. These benefits are not only environmental, but also social and economic.
| P1 | EFFECTIVE NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT |
| This goal encompasses the full spectrum of strategies to achieve effective NRM in the Region. This includes operating an effective regional NRM organisation, maintaining and implementing an NRM Strategy, coordinating activities between organisations and across the Catchment, and monitoring and evaluating the condition of natural resources. | |
| P1.1 | Operate an effective regional body |
| P1.1.1 | Establish a responsive business model that builds resilience for a sustainable future |
| P1.1.2 | Develop and implement workforce plan/s to address the objectives of the NRM Strategy |
| P1.1.3 | Ensure on-going skills development of the Board and staff |
| P1.1.4 | Prepare, maintain and review an NRM Strategy for the Peel-Harvey |
| P1.1.5 | Facilitate prioritisation, investment and capacity to implement the NRM Strategy for the Peel-Harvey |
| P1.1.6 | Share knowledge with and between key stakeholders |
| P1.2 | Communicate, educate, raise awareness and encourage participation in NRM |
| P1.2.1 | Develop and implement communication, engagement and participation plans, embracing new technologies and responding to the diversity of community and sectors across the catchment |
| P1.2.2 | Promote, celebrate and encourage participation in NRM |
| P2 | RESOURCE MANAGERS ARE SUPPORTED TO IMPROVE NATURAL ASSETS AND PRODUCTIVITY |
| Direct and practical support is required by land managers to effectively implement sound land management practices. Experience has shown this is most effectively delivered through landcare centres and professional NRM staff, with collaborative support across all sectors. | |
| P2.1 | Establish appropriate support structures across the Region |
| P2.1.1 | Support and extend existing NRM groups, providers, stakeholders and educators |
| P2.1.2 | Support and facilitate establishment of additional community support structures (e.g. grower and community groups) |
| P2.1.3 | Support land managers through targeted skills and training programs |
| P2.1.4 | Support NRM education facilities and school development programs |
| P2.2 | Provide mechanisms for adaptive management |
| P2.2.1 | Assist in the planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of NRM activities |
| P2.2.2 | Help educate and support land holders to improve decision making |
| P2.2.3 | Support sustainable and productive business development |
| P2.2.4 | Facilitate resource sharing across networks |
| P2.2.5 | Promote and educate new technology and processes |
| P3 | CULTURAL HERITAGE VALUES ARE EMBEDDED ACROSS NRM ACTIVITIES |
| Protection of our Aboriginal and European Heritage sites is crucial. Aboriginal people have both a cultural and intellectual connection to places which enhance NRM and enrich our community. Most major rivers and wetlands in the Region are of cultural significance to Aboriginal people, and are often also of social and recreational significance to the wider community. Various strategies to increase communication with, and involvement of, Aboriginal people in NRM are included under this goal. | |
| P3.1 | Foster communication and leadership with and between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal resource managers |
| P3.1.1 | Implement protocols for communicating with Aboriginal groups and communities |
| P3.1.2 | Promote information on traditional ecological values and land management practices |
| P3.1.3 | Support partnerships with Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal communities and groups to plan and actively participate in NRM |
| P3.2 | Develop joint management opportunities for Aboriginal involvement |
| P3.2.1 | Continue to work with Aboriginal people to determine their ongoing aspirations for involvement in NRM |
| P3.2.2 | Explore and facilitate collaborative opportunities for training, employment and procurement across NRM activities |
| P3.3 | Recognise and acknowledge European heritage and social links to natural resources |
| P3.3.1 | Cultivate ties to sense of place |
| P4 | OUR COMMUNITY UNDERSTANDS, VALUES AND RESPECTS THE REGION’S NATURAL RESOURCES |
| The natural environment maintains a sense of place for people and there is a strong desire to strengthen the connection between people and their local environment. Strategies under this goal aim to increase people’s connection with the natural environment, support sustainable recreational use of natural areas and support a skilled landcare and volunteer base. | |
| P4.1 | Increase awareness, knowledge and understanding of natural assets |
| P4.1.1 | Support local, national and international communities to design and implement communication, participation and marketing plans highlighting the Regions natural assets |
| P4.1.2 | Develop, implement and support education and participation programs |
| P4.2 | Engage community in activities that raise the awareness of a connection with natural assets and values |
| P4.2.1 | Promote volunteer opportunities |
| P4.3 | Sustainable recreational use of natural resources |
| P4.3.1 | Promote awareness of nature based recreational opportunities provided by a healthy environment |
| P4.3.3 | Raise appreciation of need to protect the natural environment to enable recreational activities |
| P4.4 | Foster a philanthropic culture in support on the natural environment |
| P4.4.1 | Support mechanisms to attract philanthropic contributions towards NRM |
‘An Engaged and Active Community’
Successful NRM is as much about working with people as it is about natural resources. This includes providing direct and practical support to groups and individuals such as local government, community groups, Aboriginal people and farmers. Objective 1 is based on the experience that people who are engaged and involved in NRM have a benefit and impact far beyond their local patch. These benefits are not only environmental, but also social and economic.
| P4 | OUR COMMUNITY UNDERSTANDS, VALUES AND RESPECTS THE REGION’S NATURAL RESOURCES |
| The natural environment maintains a sense of place for people and there is a strong desire to strengthen the connection between people and their local environment. Strategies under this goal aim to increase people’s connection with the natural environment, support sustainable recreational use of natural areas and support a skilled landcare and volunteer base. | |
| P4.1 | Increase awareness, knowledge and understanding of natural assets |
| P4.1.1 | Support local, national and international communities to design and implement communication, participation and marketing plans highlighting the Regions natural assets |
| P4.1.2 | Develop, implement and support education and participation programs |
| P4.2 | Engage community in activities that raise the awareness of a connection with natural assets and values |
| P4.2.1 | Promote volunteer opportunities |
| P4.3 | Sustainable recreational use of natural resources |
| P4.3.1 | Promote awareness of nature based recreational opportunities provided by a healthy environment |
| P4.3.3 | Raise appreciation of need to protect the natural environment to enable recreational activities |
| P4.4 | Foster a philanthropic culture in support on the natural environment |
| P4.4.1 | Support mechanisms to attract philanthropic contributions towards NRM |
‘An Engaged and Active Community’
Successful NRM is as much about working with people as it is about natural resources. This includes providing direct and practical support to groups and individuals such as local government, community groups, Aboriginal people and farmers. Objective 1 is based on the experience that people who are engaged and involved in NRM have a benefit and impact far beyond their local patch. These benefits are not only environmental, but also social and economic.
| P3 | CULTURAL HERITAGE VALUES ARE EMBEDDED ACROSS NRM ACTIVITIES |
| Protection of our Aboriginal and European Heritage sites is crucial. Aboriginal people have both a cultural and intellectual connection to places which enhance NRM and enrich our community. Most major rivers and wetlands in the Region are of cultural significance to Aboriginal people, and are often also of social and recreational significance to the wider community. Various strategies to increase communication with, and involvement of, Aboriginal people in NRM are included under this goal. | |
| P3.1 | Foster communication and leadership with and between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal resource managers |
| P3.1.1 | Implement protocols for communicating with Aboriginal groups and communities |
| P3.1.2 | Promote information on traditional ecological values and land management practices |
| P3.1.3 | Support partnerships with Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal communities and groups to plan and actively participate in NRM |
| P3.2 | Develop joint management opportunities for Aboriginal involvement |
| P3.2.1 | Continue to work with Aboriginal people to determine their ongoing aspirations for involvement in NRM |
| P3.2.2 | Explore and facilitate collaborative opportunities for training, employment and procurement across NRM activities |
| P3.3 | Recognise and acknowledge European heritage and social links to natural resources |
| P3.3.1 | Cultivate ties to sense of place |
‘An Engaged and Active Community’
Successful NRM is as much about working with people as it is about natural resources. This includes providing direct and practical support to groups and individuals such as local government, community groups, Aboriginal people and farmers. Objective 1 is based on the experience that people who are engaged and involved in NRM have a benefit and impact far beyond their local patch. These benefits are not only environmental, but also social and economic.
| P2 | RESOURCE MANAGERS ARE SUPPORTED TO IMPROVE NATURAL ASSETS AND PRODUCTIVITY |
| Direct and practical support is required by land managers to effectively implement sound land management practices. Experience has shown this is most effectively delivered through landcare centres and professional NRM staff, with collaborative support across all sectors. | |
| P2.1 | Establish appropriate support structures across the Region |
| P2.1.1 | Support and extend existing NRM groups, providers, stakeholders and educators |
| P2.1.2 | Support and facilitate establishment of additional community support structures (e.g. grower and community groups) |
| P2.1.3 | Support land managers through targeted skills and training programs |
| P2.1.4 | Support NRM education facilities and school development programs |
| P2.2 | Provide mechanisms for adaptive management |
| P2.2.1 | Assist in the planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of NRM activities |
| P2.2.2 | Help educate and support land holders to improve decision making |
| P2.2.3 | Support sustainable and productive business development |
| P2.2.4 | Facilitate resource sharing across networks |
| P2.2.5 | Promote and educate new technology and processes |
‘An Engaged and Active Community’
Successful NRM is as much about working with people as it is about natural resources. This includes providing direct and practical support to groups and individuals such as local government, community groups, Aboriginal people and farmers. Objective 1 is based on the experience that people who are engaged and involved in NRM have a benefit and impact far beyond their local patch. These benefits are not only environmental, but also social and economic.
| P1 | EFFECTIVE NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT |
| This goal encompasses the full spectrum of strategies to achieve effective NRM in the Region. This includes operating an effective regional NRM organisation, maintaining and implementing an NRM Strategy, coordinating activities between organisations and across the Catchment, and monitoring and evaluating the condition of natural resources. | |
| P1.1 | Operate an effective regional body |
| P1.1.1 | Establish a responsive business model that builds resilience for a sustainable future |
| P1.1.2 | Develop and implement workforce plan/s to address the objectives of the NRM Strategy |
| P1.1.3 | Ensure on-going skills development of the Board and staff |
| P1.1.4 | Prepare, maintain and review an NRM Strategy for the Peel-Harvey |
| P1.1.5 | Facilitate prioritisation, investment and capacity to implement the NRM Strategy for the Peel-Harvey |
| P1.1.6 | Share knowledge with and between key stakeholders |
| P1.2 | Communicate, educate, raise awareness and encourage participation in NRM |
| P1.2.1 | Develop and implement communication, engagement and participation plans, embracing new technologies and responding to the diversity of community and sectors across the catchment |
| P1.2.2 | Promote, celebrate and encourage participation in NRM |