- $6.9 million in State Natural Resource
Management Community Stewardship Grants awarded to 39 projects across WA
- Grants support grassroots efforts to protect and
restore WA's natural environment
- Cook Labor Government supporting community-led
natural resource management and strengthening
wildlife resilience to bird flu
The
Cook Labor Government is supporting 39 community-driven projects across Western
Australia with almost $7 million in funding to protect and restore the State's
diverse and valuable natural assets.
With
preparations for the potential impacts of bird flu front of mind, the latest
round of State Natural Resource Management Program Community Stewardship Grants
includes funding for 18 short-term projects and 21 larger, longer-term
initiatives across metropolitan and regional WA.
The
grants support the important work of community and volunteer groups to care for
local environments, with projects spanning wetland and waterway restoration,
threatened species protection, invasive species control, revegetation, and
sharing cultural knowledge to care for Country.
As
part of the latest funding round, the Shire of Mundaring will receive $150,000
to deliver a co-ordinated, multi-year fox control program across up to five
Shire-managed reserves.
Other
projects being supported include a sand wetting trial at Port Hedland to help
improve flatback turtle nesting, carbon abatement in the Wajarri-Murchison
Region, and coastal restoration projects across Perth.
These
projects will not only protect the environment, they will also strengthen Western
Australia's bird flu response, increasing the resilience of native wildlife
populations so they are better placed to withstand the impacts of the disease.
The
Community Stewardship Grants are part of the Cook Labor Government's ongoing
investment through the State Natural Resource Management Program.
A
full list of successful 2026 Community Stewardship Grant recipients is
available through the State
Natural Resource Management Program website.
Comments
attributed to Agriculture and Food Minister Jackie Jarvis:
"These
grants back the passion, knowledge, and commitment of grassroots groups and
volunteers who are working hard to care for their local environment.
"Over
the past eight years, almost $58 million worth of grants has supported more
than 625 projects that care for the State's valuable natural assets, from the
Kimberley to the Great Southern.
"Eradicating
pests and reducing pressure on our native wildlife is an important part of our response
to bird flu."
Comments
attributed to the Environment Minister Matthew Swinbourn:
"Volunteer
and community groups are vital in conserving and recovering biodiversity across
our State and are playing a key role in preparations for the onset of bird flu.
"It
is fantastic to see such a broad range of community-led projects being
supported right across the State, from the Kimberley to the Great Southern.
"The
Cook Labor Government is proud to support these dedicated local groups and the
important work they do to protect our environment for future generations."
Comments
attributed to Water Minister Daniel Pastorelli:
"Healthy
waterways, wetlands, and groundwater systems are vital to our environment, our
communities, and Western Australia's water security.
"These
grants will support community groups and volunteers to undertake important work
caring for waterways and wetlands across the State.
"In
metropolitan Perth, the South East Regional Centre for Urban Landcare will
receive funding to support community and volunteer efforts at important local
wetlands and waterways including Harrisdale Swamp, North Lake, Gabbiljee
Reserve, Brentwood Living Stream, and Tom Bateman Reserve."
