The Esperance Mallee sub-region is located in the eastern section of the South Coast NRM Region and includes the towns of Scaddan, Salmon Gums and Norseman. Rainfall is low with approximately 400-300 mm per annum. A significant feature of the sub-region is the 16-million hectare Great Western Woodland which runs along the far eastern section of the Wheatbelt and into the goldfields, and across the western side of the Nullarbor Plain. The area is considered the world's largest and most intact temperate (or semi-arid) woodland, and comprises a wonderful mosaic of woodlands, heaths, shrublands, sandplains, granite outcrops and natural salt lakes. Most of the Esperance Mallee sub-region has been cleared for agricultural use with very little of the pre-European vegetation remaining. The vegetation communities consist of mostly Eucalypt Mallee with some Eucalypt woodlands and Melaleuca communities occurring on clay soils. In sandstone areas proteaceous and myrtaceous scrub-heaths grow and in salt affected areas samphire swamps dominate. The area contains many rare flora and fauna species including the Malleefowl, Eremophila lactea, Salt Myoporum (Myoporum turbinatum) and Carnaby’s Black Cockatoo. The sub-region also contains a large network of salt lakes including Lake Tay and the Peak Charles System. The vegetation communities of the gypsum dunes associated with some of the salt lakes are recognised as a threatened ecological community for the sub-region. Industry in the Esperance Mallee sub-region is primarily agricultural. Extensive cereal cropping is common with the main crops consisting of wheat and barley being grown in rotation with canola, lupins, field peas and subterranean or medic pasture. Livestock industries are also important and include beef cattle, wool production and fat lambs. Threats to the sub-region include feral animal predation, habitat loss and soil health issues. South Coast NRM has funded projects in the Esperance Mallee sub-region including NRM engagement of Indigenous people of the area and farm forestry.