Key Points
  • Nearly $250 000 has been provided to 11 Local Governments for biodiversity initiatives.
  • WALGA delivering funding on behalf of the State Natural Resource Management (NRM) Program.
11 Local Governments have received $229 800 to develop Local Biodiversity Strategies, Local Planning Policies and undertake Ecological Assessments of their key reserves and roadsides as part of WALGA’s Local Biodiversity and Native Vegetation Management Project.

WALGA received State NRM Program Community Stewardship Grant funding for the Project, which focuses on increasing the capacity of Local Governments in the Southwest Ecoregion to conserve biodiversity.

The successful Local Governments were the Cities of Albany and Bunbury and the Shires of Augusta-Margaret River, Donnybrook-Balingup, Esperance, Harvey, Manjimup, Northam and Serpentine-Jarrahdale. The Avon Regional Organisation of Councils has received funding to implement Local Biodiversity Strategies with the Shires of Toodyay and Victoria Plains.

“These are such fantastic projects” said WALGA President Karen Chappel.

“They showcase how Local Governments can collaborate, use data to achieve better environmental and community outcomes, effectively engage their community and set policies and strategies to conserve our valuable environment”.   

WALGA has opened a second funding opportunity for Local Governments seeking to undertake Ecological Assessments or develop local planning policies on native vegetation and biodiversity.  More information is available on the WALGA website here

For an interview with WALGA President Karen Chappel please contact: 
Simon Beaumont, WALGA Media and Communications Manager
0448 896 435 or sbeaumont@walga.asn.au