The WALGA Environment Event Series is designed to meet the needs of the Local Government sector, and facilitate the sharing of knowledge and networking with other interested organisations on a range of relevant issues. WALGA also partners with other events of relevance to the sector. Approximately six events are held per year.

Upcoming events can be found here. Below you can find more information on past events and access event presentations:

Regional Field Day on Natural Area Management and Restoration Practices

WALGA hosted a field day in the Greater Bunbury region in October 2021. The field day covered a diverse range of vegetation communities on the Quindalup, Spearwood and Bassendean dune systems.  Sites included coastal shrublands, tuart, banksia and marri woodlands, a restoration site along the Brunswick River, and small but species rich bushland remnants in residential areas. 

Attendees learnt about the characteristic flora of each landform and soil association, the application of effective restoration techniques, and management challenges such as weed invasion, uncontrolled access and bush fire risk management.

Resources from the day can be found here:

Aboriginal Engagement and Reconciliation Forum 'Doyntj Doyntj Come Together'

WALGA hosted the annual Aboriginal Engagement and Reconciliation Forum on 22 September, this year themed ‘Doyntj Doyntj – Come Together’.  A total of 230 attendees from Local and State Government, and partner organisations, attended for a day of learning and celebration of the positive work occurring between Local Governments and their Aboriginal communities.

The program featured Danjoo Koorliny, Reconciliation WA’s recently launched RAP Ready forum and showcases from Local Government on youth engagement, traineeships and employment, cultural safety, truth telling, place names and traditional landcare.

The presentations and videos from the day can be found below:

 

Consultation on Draft Native Vegetation Policy for Western Australia

On 7th September, WALGA hosted a joint webinar with the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation on the recently released Draft Native Vegetation Policy for Western Australia. The webinar included an overview of the draft policy, highlighting sections of most relevance to Local Government, an overview of  WALGA's strategic context, followed by a Q&A session and a short workshop to discuss the policy implication for Local Government. The Draft Native Vegetation Policy is open for public consultation until 25 October 2021. 

Presentations can be found below:  

 

Field Day on Plant Recognition and Restoration in Natural Areas

WALGA hosted a field day in Perth's south eastern suburbs in August 2021.  The training focused on providing the practical, on-ground knowledge need for the conservation of natural areas. 
The field day covered eight different vegetation communities on the Swan Coastal Plain, moving from the Bassendean Dunes through to the Pinjarra Plain and the Foothills.   Sites included a large-scale banksia woodlands restoration project, Banksia woodland Threatened Ecological Communities, and a conservation category wetland. 

At each site, attendees learnt about the key characteristics of each vegetation community, the use of Bush Forever Reference Sites, and the restoration projects underway.  

Resources from the day can be found here:


Field Tour on Bushfire Preparedness

WALGA, in partnership with the City of Cockburn, hosted a Field Tour on Bushfire Preparedness in May 2021.   The tour provided practical, on-ground examples of practices that can be used to minimise bushfire risk.  Sites visited included the Jandakot Fire Station, natural areas within Cockburn, and the new WA Wildlife Centre of Excellence and Native Animal Hospital.   Speakers discussed a range of treatment strategies that can be used to manage vegetation fuel loads and protect both the community and environmental assets.  WA Wildlife discussed how to address native animal welfare during the bushfire response and recovery stage.

The presentations can be found below:

Herbicide Use and Integrated Weed Management

WALGA hosted a workshop on Herbicide Use and Integrated Weed Management in December 2020.   
The workshop determined the level of support within the sector for WALGA to develop best practice guidelines on Integrated Weed Control, and establish a Local Government Working Group to inform  the development of guidance documents and participate in research priorities.  An interactive session collected information on the current practices, concerns and needs of Local Government surrounding weed management.  The initiative is in response to a growing number of Local Governments seeking advice from WALGA on weed control and the use of herbicides.

The presentations can be found below:

Managing Bushfire Risk in a Changing Climate

WALGA hosted a series of three webinars on Managing Bushfire Risk in a Changing Climate in October 2020.  The webinars aimed to strengthen Local Governments' ability to prepare for, mitigate and recover from the impacts of bushfires by focusing on mechanisms to reduce risk.  Webinar 1 Preparedness - Policy and Planning, focused on the governance arrangements, policy and programs at the State level to manage bushfire risk, and provided Local Government case studies on creating a sense of shared responsibility to empower communities to address bushfire risk.  Webinar 2 Mitigation, focused on the regulatory requirements of prescribed burns, Local Government fuel hazard reduction programs, and use of Aboriginal traditional burning practices.  Webinar 3 Recovery, focused on building community and organisational resilience, supporting animal welfare and rescue, and embedding emergency management processes more formally into Local Government operations.

The presentations can be found below:

Field Training on Plant Recognition and Restoration in Natural Areas

WALGA hosted a field training day in Trigg Bushland Reserve in October 2020.  The training focused on providing the practical, on-ground knowledge need for the conservation of natural areas.  Attendees visited a variety of vegetation communities, starting from the coastal heathlands at Trigg Beach, through to the open woodland communities of tuart, banksia and jarrah.  At each site, attendees learnt about the key characteristics of each vegetation community, and the restoration projects underway.  Also discussed were management considerations for Threatened Ecological Communities, and using Bush Forever Reference Sites to identify representative plant communities and inform restoration projects.

Resources from the day can be found here:

Exploring Climate Alliances for Local Government

WALGA hosted a webinar on Exploring Climate Alliances for Local Government in August 2020. Sydney Coastal Councils Group outlined their approach to improving coasts and estuaries through a regional collaboration of nine Local Governments and provided examples of actions the group is taking. The Northern Alliance for Greenhouse Action (NAGA) discussed their formation, governance structure, lessons they have learnt and actions they are taking to support climate action across Victorian Local Governments. The City of Rockingham provided a comparison of the Peron-Naturaliste Partnership and Cockburn Sound Alliance to highlight the benefits of different collaborative models. 

A mentimeter interactive session was held to explore the possibility of forming climate alliances between WA Local Governments to support climate change adaptation and mitigation action.
 
The presentations can be found below:

Improvements to the Native Vegetation Clearing Process for Local Government

WALGA hosted a webinar on Improvements to the Native Vegetation Clearing Process for Local Government in July 2020.  The Department of Water and Environmental Regulation discussed new processes to streamline the clearing permit application and assessment process, and the establishment of a dedicated Local Government assessment team within the Native Vegetation Branch.  WALGA demonstrated how LGmap can be used to support the preparation of native vegetation clearing applications, and provided an update on the activities of the Local Government Roadside Clearing Regulation Working Group.

The presentations can be found below:


Management of Wetlands and Constructed Lakes

WALGA and New WAter Ways partnered to host a series of webinars on the Management of Wetlands and Constructed Lakes in July 2020.  Webinar 1: Designing a Water Quality Monitoring Project, highlighted the importance of designing a monitoring program with a management objective in mind.  Webinar 2: Floating Islands, Drainage Socks and Wildlife Management, provided case studies of water quality improvement projects, the management of introduced carp and koi in wetlands, and emerging diseases in aquatic birds.

The presentations can be found below:


Strengthening Climate Resilience in Local Government

WALGA hosted a webinar on Strengthening Climate Resilience in Local Government in June 2020. Presenters discussed the results of a review of the extent of climate change planning and action in the Western Australian Local Government sector.  A draft guide on a framework to address climate change in Local Government was presented, with steps that Local Governments can take to develop locally relevant responses to climate change.  

A mentimeter interactive session was held to gather feedback on the proposed expert session, training, guidance material and peer-to-peer learning opportunities that WALGA will lead to build Local Government capacity over the next 12 months.   

The presentations can be found below:

Local Government Support for Aboriginal Language and Place Names

WALGA hosted a webinar on Local Government Support for Aboriginal Language and Place Names in May 2020.  Presenters explained how the use of Aboriginal language and place names provides a gateway to sharing ancient cultural knowledge, and gives a sense of belonging and pride for Aboriginal people.  Case studies focused on research approaches and culturally appropriate consultation processes for the Aboriginal naming of geographic features and built assets. 

A mentimeter interactive session showed that many Local Governments are active in supporting Aboriginal language and place naming, particularly through interpretive projects.  Guidance on engagement and consultation requirements were identified as facilitators for future projects.

The presentations can be found below:


Sustainability Reporting Frameworks for Local Government

WALGA hosted a webinar on Sustainability Reporting Frameworks for Local Government in May 2020. The webinar provided information on how sustainability frameworks can be used to embed sustainability across Local Government by providing a strategic approach to the planning, management and evaluation of activities and services. The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), One Planning Living and ISO 14001 Environment Management Systems were discussed, along with examples of tailored Sustainability Reporting Platforms.

A mentimeter interactive session identified a desire for Sustainability Reporting Frameworks that were integrated and allowed benchmarking across the Local Government sector.  

The presentations can be found below:  

Managing Sediment Loss During Urban Development

WALGA and Perth NRM jointly hosted a workshop on Managing Sediment Loss During Urban Development in November 2019 in Perth. The workshop provided information on the role of Local Government in managing sediment loss during building and development, tools and actions to assist manage the environmental and financial impacts, and the importance of joint responsibility and collaboration. A real time participant poll identified critical issues and solutions, and highlighted the continuing need to improve WA's management of this issue.

The presentations can be found below:

 

Field Training on Plant (Native and Weed) Recognition in natural areas

WALGA provided field training on Plant (Native and Weed) Recognition in Natural Areas in September 2019, in the southern Perth metropolitan region. The training focused on the key diagnostic characteristics of three vegetation complexes, ranging from the Swan Coastal Plain (coastal heath and banksia woodlands) through to the Darling Scarp (jarrah forest). Identification of common weed species in the four main weed groups (grasses, broadleaf, bulb and woody weeds) in wetland and dryland environments was covered, as was the distinguishing features of native and weed species with a similar growth form (e.g. grasses).

Resources from the day can be found below:

 

Pest Animal Biosecurity Management

The WALGA Pest Animal Biosecurity Forum was held in August 2019 in Perth. The event focused on the various governance structures that provide the biosecurity framework for WA, the latest research and development in control methods and collaborative approaches to on-ground programs explored through case studies.

The presentations can be found below:

 

Building Positive Partnerships with Aboriginal Communities

The WALGA Community and Environment teams hosted a forum in Perth to assist Local Government to develop strong, ongoing relationships with local Aboriginal communities. The forum recognised and celebrated the successes so far, and continued the focus on sharing cultural heritage and building community capacity. The forum was attended by 170 delegates from across the state.

 

The New Normal: Emergency Management in a Changing Climate

WALGA held a sell-out event about the ‘new normal’ of catastrophic weather risks and the implications this has for Local Governments and others engaged in emergency management and planning. Presentations covered a wide variety of topics including climate science, past disasters and approaches to embedding climate change considerations into emergency management and building community resilience.

The presentations can be found below:

 

Management of Roadside Vegetation

WALGA hosted the Management of Roadside Vegetation events in Margaret River, Northam and in Dardanup. The events focused on ways to improve the management of roadsides to better protect vegetation condition and resilience. Local Government case studies specific to each region demonstrated how the conservation of vegetation can be addressed during road planning and maintenance works.

The presentation can be found below:

 

Measuring the Urban Forest Canopy

The joint WALGA and Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage (DPLH) event held in February 2019. The event provided an overview of the technical aspects of data derived from the Urban Monitor, highlighting aspects that need to be considered when interpreting results of mapping and statistical analysis. Presentations were followed by a workshop session that explored the user experience of Urban Monitor data and derived geospatial applications, providing an opportunity to discuss any changes or additions to the current products. 

The presentations can be found below:  

Weed Management

The WALGA Weed Management Event was held in February 2019, hosted by the City of South Perth.  The event focused on the overarching legislation and strategies that provide a framework for coordinated weed management in WA and Australia, the latest approaches in integrated weed management, and the risk assessment and liability considerations for chemical herbicide use.

The presentations can be found below:  

Prioritisation of Natural Areas for Management

The WALGA Prioritisation of  Natural Areas for Management Workshop was held in December 2018. The workshop focused on effective bushland management practices, exploring opportunities and benefits of collaborating and knowledge sharing across government, community groups and private landholders for more effective natural resource management.

The presentations can be found below:

 

Renewable Technologies

The WALGA Renewable Technologies event was held in November 2018. The focus of the event was larger renewable technology projects, and emerging renewable technologies, and the opportunities these technologies provide for Local Governments to reduce energy bills and carbon emissions, increase amenity and improve service reliability. One recurring theme identified on the day was the need for WA electricity market reform to enable an accelerated energy transition, and to enable larger renewable energy projects in WA.

The presentations can be found below:

 

Embedding Sustainability and Enabling Behaviour Change

At the WALGA Event on Embedding Sustainability and Enabling Behaviour Change in November 2018, presentations focused on mechanisms that can be used to embed sustainability within and across Local Government, as well as information on the underlying psychological principles of behaviour change.

The presentations can be found below:

 

Wetland Management and Restoration

WALGA and Perth NRM jointly hosted an event on Wetland Management and Restoration in September 2018. The event focused on interventions to address wetland water quality issues, such as algal blooms and aquatic weeds, as well as successful wetland restoration techniques that have transformed degraded sites into thriving ecosystems.

The presentations can be found below:

 

Sustainable Transport and Emerging Technologies

WALGA hosted an event on Sustainable Transport and Emerging Technologies in August 2018. The event provided information on integrated transport planning and how to deliver improved pedestrian and cycling environments for local communities. In the afternoon session, insights into electric vehicles, autonomous vehicles and hydrogen fuel cell technology were provided.

The presentations can be found below:  

Tree Health and Resilience

WALGA hosted an event on Tree Health and Resilience in May 2018. Improving tree health and resilience is an essential component of retaining and increasing green space to provide for liveable communities, public health and local biodiversity. The event provided information on the latest research and management practices to ensure that urban forests are resilient to current and emerging threats, including a changing climate, pests and disease.

The presentations can be found below:  

Land Use Planning for Improved Environmental Outcomes

WALGA hosted an event on Land Use Planning for Improved Environmental Outcomes in February 2018. The event provided information on how Local Government can utilise the power of the Western Australian planning system to improve environmental outcomes during the land development process. 

The presentations can be found below:  

Improving the Water Quality of Waterways and Wetlands

The Shire of Collie hosted an event on Improving the Water Quality of Waterways and Wetlands in November 2017. The event provided information on initiatives that aim to improve the water quality of riverine, estuarine and wetland environments at the local and catchment scale.

The presentations can be found below:  

Climate Change Collaborators Events

WALGA formerly hosted Climate Change Collaborators (C3), a stakeholder group for Local Government officers with climate change issues within their responsibilites. As there were many synergies between C3 and the Sustainable Officers Network Group (SONG) membership and meeting topics, the C3 meetings are now discontinued.

Click here to see presentations from past C3 meetings.

 

Citizen Science

WALGA hosted the Citizen Science event in September 2017, with former WA Chief Scientist and keynote speaker Professor Lyn Beazley being among the preseners. The event provided an overview of a range of citizen science programs, and demonstrated how scientists and local communities can work together to ensure ecological research informs policy development and increases environmental awareness.

The presentations can be found below:

 

Aboriginal Culture and Heritage Preservation

At the Aboriginal Culture and Heritage Preservation event in August 2017, WA's Aboriginal Land and Sea Councils, the Department of Lands, Planning and Heritage, the Western Australian Ingidenous Tourism Operators Council, and the Local Governments of Perth, Swan and York presented information to assist Local Goverments engage with Aboriginal groups when planning and undertaking projects within their municipalities.

The presentations can be found below:

 

Feral Animal Management

At the Feral Animal Management event in June 2017, the Department of Parks and Wildlife, Department of Agriculture and Food WA, Murdoch University, WA Apiarists' Society, City of Stirling, WALGA and feral animal contractors presented information on research on current and emerging feral animal control issues and management techniques.

The presentations can be found below:

 

Habitat Creation and Wildlife Corridors

At the Habitat Creation and Wildlife Corridors event in May 2017, the WA Biodiversity Science Institute, UWA, Perth NRM, the Water Corporation and the City of Perth presented on creating green spaces in the urban environment and assisting wildlife move through the landscape.

The presentations can be found below:

 

Bushfire Planning and Biodiversity Management

The Planning and Environment Policy Units hosted a Bushfire Planning and Biodiversity Management event in Perth and in Busselton.

The presentations can be found below: