Achievements at a Glance

• The review of Southern Prospects 2004-2009 and the development of the newly released South Prospects 2011-16 – the South Coast Regional Strategy for Natural Resource Management.
• 46 sustainable land practices knowledge and skills events and activities were delivered to 828 farmers and land managers across the Region. Complemented by 174 farmers who have reviewed maps and farm plans, then initiated and implemented on ground works inclusive of soil improvement works, perennial pasture, fodder shrub and native vegetation establishment, and fencing of remnant (including riparian) vegetation.

• Implementation of the South Coast NRM Regional Phytophthora Dieback Management Plan 2010-2017 has continued with priority areas within the western, central and eastern parts of the Region. The development and use of the Dieback Information Database Management System (DIDMS) will greatly contribute to regional and state-wide initiatives.
• Collectively Weeds of National Significance (WoNS) work across the region has controlled more than 342 hectares of Blackberry, Gorse, Lantana, Willows and Bridal creeper with considerable additional work undertaken by weed and community groups. Other environmental weeds were also controlled on more than 193 hectares targeting Sydney Golden Wattle, Arum Lily, Tagasaste, Broom bush and other introduced native and foreign plant species.

• Vertebrate pest management built on projects that have been ongoing for numerous years. A strategic coordinated approach continued to protect regional, state, national and internationally significant biodiversity assets. Key target pest species included rabbits, pigs, wild dogs, and cats.
• South Coast NRM achieved the consideration of the Obligate Seeding Proteaceae and Kwongan of the Esperance Sandplains ecological community for nomination under the EPBC Act.  
• Biodiversity education and onground works of varying natures have been delivered throughout the region by biodiversity officers and the Cultural Connections team in partnership with subregional catchment groups, community groups, schools, stakeholders and partners.

• 54 groups have been engaged in the Region to undertake coastal and marine rehabilitation and restoration activities that help to implement the Regional Coastal Strategy “Southern Shores” in a partnership with the South Coast Management Group.
• The Salty Summer and School Holiday Activities program held across the South Coast between Walpole and Esperance in January 2010 and across school holiday periods. Around 300 volunteers and youth have been involved in coastal and marine engagement, education and awareness raising activities across the region.

• Implementation of existing plans and on-ground works has continued by by community groups, landholders and partners addressing NRM issues in areas such as Wilson Inlet, Torbay, Wellstead, Culham and Stokes inlets, along with the Lake Gore and Lake Warden Ramsar Wetlands in the eastern part of the region.
• A range of projects in partnership with the Aboriginal community to protect and restore sites of cultural significance has been delivered by the Cultural Team through the two programs of Cultural Connections and Restoring Connections. The Aboriginal Work Team continued to assist with the on ground activities across these projects.

• The Community Events Calendar was developed to become a hub for all NRM and environment related events, conferences, volunteer and training opportunities happening on the South Coast.
• Targeted training was delivered through a Pilot Training Project to assist with building capacity in NRM based groups and volunteers in the South Coast region. This pilot project was well supported and delivered 7 targeted training events including Maximising Behaviour Change in NRM and community projects, National Weed Watcher Database Training, Weed ID and control for community, Weed ID and control for schools and Senior First Aid training. The newly developed online training calendar was successfully used to promote these training events and take registrations.