Boost to conservation in region

The South West Catchments Council has received a Federal funding boost to continue landcare and environmental conservation works in the region.

Following a one-year commercial tender process, SWCC has been selected to deliver the Regional Land Partnerships program in the region under the broader National Landcare Program.

The RLP program, a joint initiative of the Department of Environment and Energy and the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources, marks a significant change from the former grant-based funding model to a competitive, commercial contract arrangement delivering on a fee-for-service basis.

SWCC has been contracted to carry out a five-year western ringtail possum conservation program, creating safe havens for the threatened species in the area, and the project will also benefit the numbat, chudditch, woylie and malleefowl.

The organisation has also been contracted to deliver restoration of the Vasse-Wonnerup wetlands, and employ a regional agriculture landcare facilitator

The move has also seen the group consolidate its team of 13 staff to the Bunbury office, and has closed its Dunsborough, Bridgetown and Narrogin offices.

Chief executive Steve Ewings thanked the South West Landcare community for its ongoing support through the commercial tender process.

“We will work hard to adapt and deliver quality services, while being open to emerging business opportunities,” he said.