The Natural Diversity Program delivered projects with a focus on invasive species and habitat loss – key threats to biodiversity in the Perth Region. Activities included direct on ground work, assisting planning for natural area management, high profile awareness raising, and training and education.
Canning River and Eastern Tributaries Project (SERCUL and EMRC)
This project was funded to improve habitat, bank stabilisation and nutrient run-off in previously
identified priority foreshore areas of the tributaries of the Swan and Canning Rivers. Activities were strategically focussed on Priority One and Priority Two areas for foreshore restoration as identified in the Swan Canning Tributary Foreshore Assessment Project. Over the year, more than 8 kms of foreshore was revegetated, and at least 4 km of weed control was undertaken. Weed control efforts targeted Blackberry, Bridlecreeper, Watsonia, and Sagittaria. The Project Officers at SERCUL and EMRC linked with key management stakeholders including Local
governments, WA Planning Commission and DEC. They also visited private land owners to provide support in undertaking their restoration activities. As always, assisting community groups in their revegetation planning and activities was a key component and measure of success.
Natural Diversity – North and South Project (SERCUL and Perth Region NRM)
Two key threats to biodiversity in the Perth Region are weeds and Phytophthora cinnamomi
(Phytophthora Dieback). This project aimed at providing support to reducing these threats in priority natural areas, whilst also engaging the community. Nine conservation reserves infested with Phytophthora Dieback were treated with phosphate by Local Government land managers, with involvement of Conservation Volunteers Australia (CVA), Greencorp, Roleybushcare, Alcoa and many volunteers from local community groups. Eight reserves were treated for priority weed control. Community groups and individuals have gained valuable knowledge and skills in addressing threats to biodiversity through the provision of Phytophthora treatment training, information material and presentations, using equipment and through opportunities to participate in weed and Dieback control activities.
Perth Biodiversity Project (WA Local Government Association)
Delivered by the WA Local Government Association, The Perth Biodiversity Project (PBP) has become a highly valued project of support to many local governments in the Perth Region. All Local Governments that are managing bushland and wetlands continued to receive assistance for better biodiversity conservation outcomes from the PBP team in:
• Strategic biodiversity planning
• GIS data updates
• Information bulletins and networking opportunities
• Development of management action plans
The main focus for strategic biodiversity planning during 08/09 was on outer metropolitan Local
Governments (including the Cities of Wanneroo, Swan, Gosnells, Armadale, Cockburn, Rockingham, the Shires of Mundaring, Kalamunda, Chittering and the Town of Kwinana). Some of these Local Governments now have drafts completed or open to public comment. Others have been enabled to have started the process.
PBP is particularly valued for its Natural Area Management Network. PBP delivered Local
Government natural area management officers with; fortnightly bulletins, three well attended forums, and a workshop. Of particular value is the opportunity these meetings provided for networking and better cross border cooperation.
PBP officers have been asked to give several presentations over the course of the year and have
also worked closely with the similar South West Biodiversity Project, forming important cross regional links. PBP has now been funded by WALGA for a three month period. Perth Region NRM is hoping that ongoing funding can be found to continue the next stage as planned for this project.
Stop Dieback -the Biological Bulldozer Project (Dieback Working Group)
Nearly 45% of plant species found in the south west of Australia are susceptible to Phytophthora Dieback and many of the reserves in the Perth Region are at high risk of heavy impact from this disease. ‘The Stop Dieback the Biological Bulldozer’ Project supports the DWG to protect high value bushland sites throughout Perth, working in partnership with the Department of Environment and Conservation and Local Government, community groups, and other relevant organisations.
The DWG has built a reputation for excellence in support over the years and local governments in
particular have relied on its assistance in dealing with Phytophthora Dieback. However, the DWG,
through this project, is now working towards building independence for its stakeholders. The
main focus during the 08/09 financial year, was in working closely with local governments to implement institutional changes to ensure phytophthora dieback and other invasive species (pathogens and weeds) are not introduced or spread into bushland reserves.
A best management practice/accreditation scheme was developed with input from Local Government officers, and is now being piloted by the Shire of Mundaring and City of Armadale.
Throughout the year ongoing support was provided by distributing publications and equipment to a broad range of stakeholders. The DWG’s award winning Dieback Education kit continued to be promoted to educators around the SouthWest. The project also continued to run training & awareness raising activities. Over the year 10 media releases were reported by local newspapers as well as the West Australian and ABC radio.
The project also sent out four seasonal DWG Newsletters to 185 subscribers from across local and state government agencies, industry, researchers and community organisations. One of the highlights of the year for this project was coordinating the annual DIG conference – once again well attended, with some 220 participants. This annual Phytophthora Dieback forum brings together researchers, land managers, industry and community members from across the state and this year generated much interest in Phytophthora Dieback across all media, with stories and interviews enabling the issue to be broadcast to a broad audience.