You are here

Media Releases

2023 | 2022 2021 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 2016 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | 2012 | 2011 | 2010 | 2009 | 2008 2007 | 2006 | 2005

 


2023

Building Community Resilience in a Changing Climate - 21 March 2023
Wheatbelt Natural Resource Management (WNRM) is excited to announce it will be the lead organisation for the Central Wheatbelt region to assist communities plan and prepare for a drying climate by activating funds through the Helping Regional Communities Prepare for Drought Initiative – Community Impact Program.

More Homes Wanted for Wheatbelt Flora and Fauna - 23 January 2023
With over 10,000 hectares of habitat for vulnerable malleefowl and over 5,000 hectares of bushland containing the critically endangered Eucalypt Woodlands of the WA Wheatbelt protected so far, we’re on the look out for even more safe havens to protect the Wheatbelt’s threatened species and ecological communities. 

Some green shoots of hope from disaster  - 23 January 2023
As we approach the first anniversary of the catastrophic bushfires that raged through the central and eastern farming communities last February, Wheatbelt Natural Resource Management (NRM) is proud to be able to offer some practical recovery assistance.

 


2021 

Wheatbelt Dung Beetle Project Gains Momentum - 18 October 2021
Wheatbelt NRM’s Dung Beetle Highway project is gaining momentum. Four Wheatbelt mixed farms have signed up as participants in the two year project which is aimed at building a connected network of livestock corridors that these willing workers can follow across the region.

Wheatbelt farmers take part in conservation effort after finding rare malleefowl mounds on-farm - 20 May 2021
For most, seeing a malleefowl would be a case of sheer luck. Even the most keen twitchers spend years without catching a glimpse of the elusive ground-dwelling birds.

Red Card program is targeting foxes - 23 February 2021
WITH COVID-19 preventing the Sporting Shooters' Association of Australia WA (SSAAWA) Community Red Card Fox Shoots from going ahead in late March and April last year, the State's farmers and recreational shooters are making up for lost time.

 

2020

$3m to help boost Carnaby's Black Cockatoo numbers -  22 July 2020
The Morrison Government is investing $3 million through its Environment Restoration Fund to help in the recovery of the iconic Carnaby’s black cockatoo.

High Profile Recruit for CEO role - 24 June 2020
Wheatbelt NRM is pleased to announce the appointment of a new CEO to lead the organisation into the next phase of development.

Additional funding underpins NRM WA collaborative effort - 3 June 2020
Chair of NRM WA, Dr Rob Keogh has thanked the WA State Government for an increase in Natural Resource Management and Landcare funding in Western Australia, with a $500,000 added to the State NRM Grant budget, and a once off $1 million grant to support core business of NRM Regions and the Western Australian Landcare Network.  

Funds for resource management projects - 19 May 2020
Grass Roots community groups are able to apply for their share in $8.5 million provided by the State government's Natural Resource Management funding program.

Conservation and land management jobs can stimulate economy as Covid-19 restrictions are eased - 12 May 2020
Thousands of local jobs could be generated through a $4 billion combined federal and state economic stimulus package in the conservation and land management sector, according to a coalition of conservation, farming and land management organisations.

New soil testing options are on the way - 23 March 2020
New innovations for soil testing and overall health are on their way, with the Soil Co-operative Research Centre (Soil CRC) working on potentially game-changing ideas.

Farmers told to prepare for rising temps - 19 March 2020
The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) has started work on a new strategy targeting climate change with the aim being to reduce emissions and make industry more resilient.

Compost boosts soils for Bencubbin farmer - 18 March 2020
Adding compost into a fertiliser program allows for a more balanced approach, according to Bencubbin grower Rob Grylls.

Wheatbelt Black Cockies searching for nesting sites - 24 February 2020
WA has three species of black cockatoo and two of these are iconic residents of the Wheatbelt.

Seeding grant to help progress region - 19 February 2020
Seed collection by Indigenous rangers will continue to take place throughout the Wheatbelt, with Wheatbelt Natural Resource Management (Wheatbelt NRM) announced as one of eight successful applicants of the Regional Economic Development (RED) Grants program.

Wheatbelt Conference Brings Together International and Local Expertise to Solve Soil Health Issues - 6 February 2020
The Talkin’ Soil Health conference coming to York in March will provide attendees with the opportunity to hear from internationally renowned soil health expert Joel Williams. 

 

2019


Red Card Success - $20,000 for Regional Men’s Health
- 26 June 2019
The partnership between the Sporting Shooters Association of Australia (WA) and the Red Card for Rabbits and Foxes program has again provided benefits to the Regional Men’s Health Initiative (RMHI).

New options for farmers challenged by summer feed gaps - 6 March 2019
For much of the 20th Century the WA Wheatbelt farming community was indeed riding on the Sheep’s back but when market drivers made livestock less profitable and demand for grain soared, many farmers sold up their flocks.  Now meat and wool is making a comeback.

  

2018

Rangers Revegetating the River - 10 September 2018
The town pool in Northam was a hive of activity over the last couple of weeks as the Noongar Budjar Rangers assisted the Shire of Northam to plant the river banks with native species.

Top Chef Searches for Bush Tucker - 13 June 2018
One of Perth’s top chefs has travelled to Northam to help reinforce the demand for bush tucker.

Website helps discover Wheatbelt flora and fauna - 9 May 2018
People living in the Wheatbelt now have a website they can use to help identify their local flora and fauna.

New Strain of Calicivirus Released in the Wheatbelt - 2 May 2018
Rabbit populations in the Wheatbelt and across the south-west of WA could be reduced by around 40% in the coming weeks, as the calicivirus (Korean variant – RHDV1 K5) is released throughout the region to overcome growing rabbit numbers.

Work begins to clean two key regional lakes - 29 March 2018
Work has finally begun on the rehabilitation of two iconic lakes in the Wheatbelt and Great Southern regions of Western Australia.

Soil health key to Wheatbelt sustainability - 15 March 2018
Focusing on increasing soil fungi and microbes can help drastically improve the uptake of key nutrients including phosphate and nitrogen.

Quairading hosts bat stalk - 13 March 2018
More than 50 people have taken part in a night-time bat stalk through the Quairading Reserve.

Acidic soils targeted by champion farmer - 23 February 2018
Pioneering a system to turn around unproductive, acidic soils has won a Burracoppin farmer the title of the 2018 Wheatbelt Soil Champion.

 

2017

Wheatbelt farmers’ worthwhile investment - 7 December 2017
The Australian Government has generated a 50 per cent return on investment from landowners in the Wheatbelt when it comes to funding land care projects.

Search for Soil Champions - 22 November 2017
The search is on to find the State’s newest Soil Health Champions.

Call to manage Wheatbelt’s natural resources - 27 October 2017
Nearly one hundred people have met in Northam for a think tank to help shape the future management of natural resources in the Wheatbelt.

Soils for Life extends WA footprint - 19 October 2017
National group Soils for Life wants to expand its WA footprint after meeting with farmers in Goomalling.

York Bioblitz uncovers hundreds of species - 16 October 2017
More than 70 volunteers, ecologists and scientists have identified nearly 400 native species at a weekend Bioblitz near York.

Goomalling inspires Wheatbelt women - 22 September 2017
Women living in the Wheatbelt continue to remain an untapped resource in agriculture and small rural towns.

Blitz to uncover York plants and wildlife - 6 September 2017
The hunt will soon be on to find as many native wildlife and plant species during a rapid 24-hour Bioblitz near York in October.

Seedlings offered for the Wheatbelt - 27 August 2017
People living in the Wheatbelt are being encouraged to help improve the biodiversity of their backyards.

Environmental pitch for Wheatbelt funding - 16 August 2017
People living in the Wheatbelt are now being asked to help develop a plan and unlock millions of dollars for their local environment.

Summer rainfall triggers nitrogen windfall - 10 August 2017
This year’s wet summer has provided a nitrogen windfall for many broad acre farmers in the Wheatbelt.

Feral cull boosts Men’s Health - 7 July 2017
A community feral animal cull has given the Regional Men’s Health Initiative a direct boost of nearly $13,000.

Deep ripping with a twist - 28 June 2017
Yield gains of up to 45 per cent in broadacre crops have been the key driver behind a trial using very deep ripping for Southern Brook farmer Ty Fulwood.

Scientist prove foxes diet on sheep and possums - 23 June 2017
Hundreds of fox carcasses collected from the Wheatbelt have been put under the microscope to find out exactly what the predator eats.

Software boosts Wheatbelt environment  - 12 June 2017
A grant of $150,000 is set to upgrade ageing software for the region’s peak natural resource management group.

Support grows for farmers and forage shrubs - 18 May 2017
Wheatbelt farmer Bruce Storer has been a strong supporter of diversifying into sandalwood trees and native forage shrubs for more than two decades.

Cemetery given facelift - 17 May 2017
The Northam Cemetery has been given a facelift, with help from the region’s Noongar Boodja rangers.

Wheatbelt support for a sustainable life - 3 May 2017
The proponent of a planned $160 million solar farm near Cunderdin is encouraging people living in the Wheatbelt to explore all types of renewable energy.

Wundowie playground - 6 April 2017
The town of Wundowie's main playground has been officially re-opened, after the local Noongar Boodja rangers spread hundreds of tonnes of white river sand, making it safe.

Goomalling hosts bat stalk - 20 March 2017
More than 50 people have taken part in a night-time bat stalk through the Goomalling Golf Course.

Volunteers target feral animals for environment and men's health - 17 March 2017
Red Card for Rabbits and Foxes brings together community members to help stop feral animals damaging the environment, and this year Regional Men's Health will benefit from the program too.

Summer rain ideal for summer crop trial - 10 March 2017
Wheatbelt farmer Stephen Smith couldn’t have chosen a better year to trial a summer cropping program on his Cunderdin farm.

Plaque to remember King's Chair - 27 February 2017
More than 50 people have met at the unveiling of a plaque to remember one of Brookton's most important indigenous sites.

Lime trial favours deep ripping - 23 February 2017
Bruce Rock farmer Stephen Dolton has had improved yields in his canola crop where lime has been incorporated using a deep ripper.

Bringing bush back from brink - 23 January 2017
Jemma Donegan is one of a group of passionate, hard-working landholders trying to rebuild and preserve bushland in the Wheatbelt.

 

2016

Wheatbelt's future shaped by climate change - 5 December 2016
A drop in crop yields and the extinction of the Western Mouse by 2070 are just two of the predicted impacts of climate change in the Wheatbelt.

Celebration for Pumphrey's Bridge - 18 November 2016
More than 150 people gathered at Pumphrey’s Bridge to celebrate the launch of a book and plaque recognising the significance of the site to the local community.

Sustainable farming funds released for Wheatbelt - 27 October 2016
Using locally sourced lime to fight soil acidity in the Wheatbelt was one of seven projects to share in $85,500 in new funding for sustainable agriculture.

Nature enthusiasts discover hidden species - 15 October 2016
A small army of volunteer nature enthusiasts discovered evidence of the rare Western mouse in a recent Bioblitz near Lake Grace.

Free carbon offsets guide - 28 September 2016
Landowners and carbon companies wanting to grow trees for the carbon market now have a tool to help guide them on where best to plant.

Ferals and fencing targeted in Wheatbelt funding - 8 September 2016
Quairading’s Ben and Emma Wilson are one of 49 farming families to benefit from the latest round of funding for the region’s environment.

Funding roll out for Wheatbelt environment - 8 September 2016
Nearly 50 Wheatbelt landholders will share in $550,000 to help protect native bush land and control feral animals including cats, foxes and rabbits.

Carbon magazine showcases NRM collaboration - 1 September 2016
Results from a four-year long, WA-wide carbon awareness project are showcased in a new publication released today.

Wheatbelt showcased by young photographers - 24 August 2016
A single tractor working at sunset on a farm in Wongan Hills has taken out this year’s Youth Environment Photo Competition.

Mystery behind soil types prompts grants - 1 August 2016
The changing soil types on Robert Dempster’s Goomalling farm make fertiliser and chemical application, deep ripping and mould board ploughing nothing short of an ongoing challenge.

Farmers encouraged to store more water - 4 August 2016
Farmers in the Wheatbelt are being encouraged to store more water on their farms.

Forage shrubs take off in Wheatbelt - 7 July 2016
Farmers wanting to plant forage shrubs and take advantage of the wet growing season may have missed their chance.

Wheatbelt bat stalk attracts - 9 May 2016
Microbats consume more than 1000 mosquitos a night, eat more insects than a bird and are the world’s only flying mammal.

Going batty in Merredin - 27 April 2016
Did you know that not all bats live in caves? Or that some don’t even sleep upside down?

New wildlife housing for Wyalkatchem - 6 April 2016
Wyalkatchem Men’s Shed and the local school have teamed up in a bid to help native wildlife.

Boosting leadership - 24 March 2016
A background in the oil and gas industry, sustainability and a strong desire to connect communities in the Wheatbelt has won Karla Hooper a $10,000 Youth Board Scholarship.

Life lessons for Muresk students - 30 March 2016
Wheatbelt NRM staff will swap tree planters, soil testing kits and feral animal traps for the opportunity to step into lecture theatres at the Muresk Institute.

BioBlitz returns to Wheatbelt in 2016 - 21 March 2016
Ever wanted to discover a new species or unearth a rare plant?

Building homes for endangered Wheatbelt critters - 2 March 2016
Sheds across the Wheatbelt are rumbling to the sounds of woodwork and sweat as specialised nest boxes are being prepared for threatened species to shelter in.

Feral cats targeted to help save rock wallaby - 17 February 2016
Twice daily Andy Lockey makes the trip around one of the WA Wheatbelt’s oldest tourist destinations, Granite Way.

Landholders asked to check twice on Wheatbelt Woodlands - 17 February 2016
Wheatbelt landholders should think twice before clearing vegetation on their property, despite having State government approval.

 

2015

Wheatbelt Woodlands reach critically endangered point - 16 December 2015 
Landholders needed to step up their efforts to protect native bushland following the listing of WA’s Wheatbelt woodlands as critically endangered under the Federal EPBC Act.

Time for fine lime - 10 December 2015
Farmers in the eastern Wheatbelt are hoping trials investigating the application of ultra-fine lime on their acidic soils will provide them with a bigger bang for their buck.

National Landcare sustainable agriculture grants for the Wheatbelt - 12 November 2015
The Australian Government welcomes today’s Wheatbelt Natural Resource Management’s announcement that 22 local groups and landholders will share in $185,300 in grants under the National Landcare Programme.

Boost for Wheatbelt natural resources - 18 November 2015
Farmers, land care groups and local councils were being encouraged to apply for part of a $9 million package to help care for the environment.

Grants help keep Wheatbelt farmers sustainable - 13 November 2015
One of the Wheatbelt’s newest farming groups has secured funding to try and improve the way soil acidity is tackled throughout the Wheatbelt.

National Landcare grants start to flow out across Wheatbelt - 29 October 2015
The Australian Government welcomes today’s Wheatbelt Natural Resource Management’s announcement of their third round Bushcare Grants to 32 more landholders who will share in $278,462 in grants under the National Landcare Programme.

Boodjin Rock story lives - 17 September 2015
The history and significance of one Wheatbelt granite rock will forever be preserved thanks to the publication of a book.

Bioblitz reveals endangered species - 15 September 2015
Woylies, skinks and bush wallabies were just a few of the hundreds of native animals, invertebrates and flora identified in the State’s latest Bioblitz.

Brown manuring of lupins in Bolgart - 9 August 2015
Brown and green manuring of leguminous crops is a great way to control weeds, increase soil cover, improve soil fertility, conserve soil moisture and increase soil fertility. Adding legume mulch can also increase the levels of carbon within the soil.

Search for native fodder crops in Koorda - 31 July 2015
A group of scientists working in the Wheatbelt have turned back the clock in the search for a low input, summer food source for sheep. 

Forage shrubs lifeline for sheep - 6 July 2015
Last week’s rainfall couldn’t have come soon enough for Kellerberrin farmer Murray Clements.

National Landcare Programme rolled out in Wheatbelt - 17 June 2015
The first projects under the Australian Government’s National Landcare Programme have begun in the Wheatbelt.

Farmers urged to beat carbon deadline - 5 June 2015
Landholders are being warned they need to register any trees they’ve planted in the past seven years, if they want to take part in trading the sequestered carbon from them in the future.

Green Army targets the Avon River - 2 June 2015
The Green Army is for the first time marching into the Wheatbelt to help fight invasive weeds along the Avon River.

Confidence within Wheatbelt Landcare groups - 15 May 2015
A survey of Landcare and farming groups in the Wheatbelt has revealed at least three quarters of members thought they were making a difference to the environment.

Wheatbelt survey finds drought biggest concern - 24 April 2015
The lack of rainfall and salinity appear to be the biggest environmental concerns for people living in the Wheatbelt.

Koorda farmer keen to protect native salt land - 23 April 2015
Koorda landholders Matthew and Lynne Cooke have spent part of their summer fencing fragile vegetation growing on part of the Cowcowing lake system.

WA Governor visits Burlong Pool - 2 April 2015
The WA Governor has spent time at Burlong park walking along the Avon River as part of her first official visit to the Wheatbelt.

Bushcare grants get community support - 2 April 2015
The latest round of funding to help landholders look after their native bush land has been launched on a property near the Wheatbelt town of York.

Healthy rivers need healthy farming soils - 12 March 2015
Farmers are being encouraged to take a closer look at their farming practices as new analysis revealed their continued impact on the Avon and Swan Rivers.

Traps to target Wheatbelt ferals - 4 March 2015
Traps to target Wheatbelt ferals Landholders in the Wheatbelt are being encouraged to step up the campaign against feral animals by using cage traps on their properties.

Chicken manure to boost Wheatbelt crops - 4 February 2015
Poultry farmers have spent years trying to find a market for their chicken manure, and a solution may now be in sight with help from the forestry and broad acre cropping industries.

Profitable grazing options reduce livestock methane emissions - January 2015
Methane is a natural by-product in ruminants due to the fermentation of feed during digestion. It is an energy loss to the system that can be reduced with the type of feed supplied to the animals. This is both good for the farming system, the animal and the environment.

 

2014

Enthusiasm grows for sandalwood at Bencubbin - 15 December 2014
Young, enthusiastic farmers are like gold in the Wheatbelt, providing innovative ideas to make farming life more sustainable.

New website shines light on sustainable farming trials - 11 December 2014
Hundreds of farmers from nearly all of WA’s agricultural regions have become part of a new website promoting sustainable farming research work undertaken on their farms.

Bush herbs the best medicine - November 2014
Sandalwood, soap bush, eucalyptus and wattle are just some of the native species collected by a former Brookton lady, making a name for her self specialising in bush medicine.

WA NRM Groups join forces to manage Carbon Farming - 2 September 2014 
The take home message from a recent Carbon Farming Awareness Workshop was “to manage for carbon is to manage for ecological health and production”.

Map for environmental health released for Wheatbelt - 15 August 2014
The full impact of land clearing was yet to be felt, according to a new plan that maps out the environmental situation in the WA Wheatbelt.

Cadoux farmers’ pioneer city compost trials - August 2014
The need to continually think outside the square when it comes to farming has motivated a trial using green waste from the city on broadacre crops.

Funds to help save Malleefowl in the Wheatbelt - 23 July 2014
The fight to save one of the Wheatbelt's most iconic native species has been given a boost.

Wheatbelt landowners given grants reassurance - June 2014
Wheatbelt landholders are being reassured the management of their property won't be comprised if they accepted government funding for landcare projects.

New face for Northam ambulance building - 13 May 2014
A building once used to save people's lives will now be used to help focus on saving the environment.

Leigh Whisson - Regional Landcare Facilitator - 2 April 2014
Leigh Whisson has worn many hats over the past two decades, many of them focusing on the health of native wildlife and fauna in the WA Wheatbelt. 

Website to promote Aboriginal land management - 13 March 2014
An interactive website show casing the land management practices Aboriginal people have carried out in the Wheatbelt will be officially launched in Northam on Thursday, March 20 2014. 

Wildflower Group encourages others to apply for Wheatbelt Grant - 26 February 2014
The Kulin Wildflower Group and Herbarium is encouraging other groups in the Wheatbelt to apply for a grant to help them in their daily operations.

Cameras to reveal mysteries of Wheatbelt bush land
For years Cunderdin farmer Alan Carter has wondered what was hiding in the patches of original bush land on his farm.

Wheatbelt farmers put their research on paper (Soil Health Guide)
The valuable lessons of 24 Wheatbelt farming families working to improve the sustainability of their farms have now been put on paper.

 

2013

Summer crops help build carbon stocks in Wheatbelt
Growing pastures during the summer months could be one of the keys in helping increase soil organic carbon on farms.

Dale River Inspires Beverley Locals
One of Beverley’s former iconic sites is slowly being restored to its former glory, but it’s not the local bank or town hall.

Alternative Farming Inputs Gaining Momentum
The growing number of farmers wanting to step outside the square when it comes to traditional farming inputs has triggered interest from the country’s peak grains research and development body.

Market finally here for Wheatbelt Timber
Farmers in the Wheatbelt could finally be making a return on their investment from planting trees.

Pingelly workshop to find soil life
Farmer acknowledgement of the importance of soil life appeared to be gaining traction in the Wheatbelt.

Accolades for Wheatbelt NRM Officer - 25 October 2013
Greg Warburton has lost count of the number of trees he’s planted and weeds he’s killed in order to protect native vegetation.

Tree planting success during the dry
A simple but clever way to plant trees during the frustratingly dry winters has helped in the survival of thousands of seedlings in the Wheatbelt. 

Tree planting won’t save Wheatbelt fauna alone - 9 October 2013
Planting trees alone won’t be enough to bring back the native fauna in the Wheatbelt.

Helping Hand for NRM in Wongan Hills - 26 September 2013
Victorian-born Andrew Shanks first visited WA in the mid-1990’s, and after travelling through country areas, fell in love with the place and decided to make the move permanent.

New saltbush lines set for release in 2014
Sheep farmers could soon have access to newer, tastier saltbush varieties, to help improve returns on their less productive, saline land.

Bird hide reveals Avon River wildlife
Bird watching enthusiasts and bush walkers now have better access to one of the most beautiful vistas along the Avon River.

Funding Helps to Regenerate Wheatbelt Soils - 20 June 2013
More funding has been released to help Wheatbelt farmers manage trouble spots on their properties including areas prone to wind erosion and water logging.

Helping hand to build Wheatbelt groups - 16 May 2013
Two wildflower groups, a river conservation society and a native sandalwood enterprise have been given a hand to help with the daily running of their operations.  

Wheatbelt towns win bid to catch stormwater - 1 May 2013
Seven towns in the Wheatbelt will share in $2 million to help capture precious storm water run off. 

War on weeds needed for Avon River - 11 April 2013
Residents along the Avon River are being asked to join in a war on weeds choking their local waterways. 

Soil Health a constant for Gavin
South Dowerin farmer Gavin Hagboom has spent the best part of his farming career searching for ways to improve his soil health. 

Wheatbelt farmers told of global soil crisis
About 200 farmers, scientists and industry representatives have met in York to learn how to tackle declining soil health in the Wheatbelt. 

Oil mallee harvest needed in Wheatbelt - 28 February 2013
Farmers wanting to earn a return on one of the Wheatbelt’s most popular re-vegetation options are being told not to give up hope.

Grants to improve farm sustainability in the Wheatbelt - 21 February 2013
Grants to improve farm sustainability in the Wheatbelt Community landcare groups are being encouraged to access funding to help protect the Wheatbelt’s natural resources, including farmland. 

Wheatbelt rain good start for summer cropping
While most Wheatbelt farmers were cursing the wet weather during harvest, Newdegate farmer Nick Kelly was making the most of it.

Soils champion General Jeffery to open Wheatbelt summit - 13 February 2013
The former Australian Governor General and the country’s first Advocate for Soil Health will open the Talkin’ Soil Health conference in York later this month.

 

2012

State Funding Launch to Support Mortlock River Community Group - 21 December 2012
The newly formed Friends of Mortlock and Mortlock South Group was presented today with two cheques with a combined value of $50,000 from the State Government. 

Avon River weeds under attack
A campaign to eradicate weeds that are severely impacting on the bio-diversity of the Avon River has stepped up a notch.  

Gen's journey takes another turn 
The scenery on Gen Whisson’s journey to work each day is a vastly different one to that of two years ago.

Woolah-Wah fight against salinity
Aboriginal Elder Denis Hayward is proud of the work his family is doing on their Coobabla Farm at Bakers Hill, about an hour east of Perth.

Wheatbelt wallabies given protection - 3 October 2012
An iconic Wheatbelt wallaby has been given extra protection after the State government announced $350,000 to target its predators. 

Goomalling trial to tackle non-wetting soils - 2 October 2012
The slow creep of non-wetting soils across Damien Leeson’s Wheatbelt farm has prompted a major trial into how to address the problem.

Bioblitz unveils hidden Wheatbelt diversity - 26 September 2012 
Scientists are now investigating if a new species of scorpion has been discovered after a community-based survey held in the central Wheatbelt. 

Get the Dirt on Carbon - 13 September 2012 
Wheatbelt farmers now have an opportunity to learn how the Carbon Farming Initiative will impact on them. 

Wheatbelt bushland protected forever
A patch of bush near the central Wheatbelt town of Cunderdin is the latest area of land in WA being protected under a conservation covenant. 

Wheatbelt Champions announced at Dowerin - 29 August 2012
Eight innovative farmers have been selected as Wheatbelt Champions in a push to highlight the importance of soil health in the region. 

Facey Group searching for key to soil health - 4 July 2012 
The hot, dusty summer of 2010 followed one of the driest winters on record for WA’s broadacre farming community.

Wheatbelt farmers’ part of carbon study - 29 June 2012 
Does the way we farm affect the amount of organic carbon that can be stored in our soils?

Wheatbelt wins from latest community grants - 13 June 2012
Wheatbelt wildlife enthusiasts will now have access to motion trigger cameras to help them spy on native fauna in their own backyards. 

Wheatbelt NRM to help towns recycle water - 7 June 2012
More towns in the Wheatbelt will harvest storm water run off after a $2 million funding boost from the State government.

Red Card strikes in Kellerberrin - 9 May 2012
A team of landholders from north Kellerberrin has claimed victory in a local feral pest hunt.

Boost for Wheatbelt bush land - 9 May 2012
Cam and Meg Gethin now more than ever value the few patches of bush land left on their Hines Hill farm. 

WA science teachers focus on Avonvale - 14 March 2012
A project designed to teach children in Northam about their natural surrounds has caught the attention of WA’s science teachers. 

Lessons from life on the Land
To listen to Jim Sullivan’s story is a history lesson in Australian agriculture and environmental change.

Half a million dollars to protect Wheatbelt bushland - 8 March 2012 
More than half a million dollars will now be spent on protecting native bush in the Wheatbelt.

Land carers given tech boost 
Some of the Wheatbelt’s environmental managers have now been armed with the latest computer technology to help them in the field. 

Spider found in the Wheatbelt makes top 10 list - 16 January 2012
A new species of spider found in the Wheatbelt has been named by National Geographic’s editor as one of the ten weirdest life-forms of 2011.

 

2011

Wheatbelt farmer given boost to improve soil health
Meckering farmer Colin Pearse has been given a significant boost in the fight against salinity on his farm.

Battle to save rare Wheatbelt lizard - 8 December 2011
Work is underway to help preserve one of the few known families of western spiny-tailed skinks living in the WA Wheatbelt.

Wheatbelt NRM helps boost soil health
Quairading farmers Bill and Rich Walker believe claying their light, sandy soils on their mixed cropping farm has been well worth the investment. 

Wheatbelt students take bush lessons - 4 October 2011
More than 60 students from three Wheatbelt schools have spent a day learning about their natural environment.

No Till Farming - 17 September 2011
Like most other Wheatbelt farmers, Cunderdin’s Chris Syme has embraced no-tillage cropping. 

Award for Talbot Brook “River Rats” - 31 August 2011
Volunteers working hard to rejuvenate a local waterway west of York, have been recognised for their efforts in the WA Landcare Awards. 

New species of Wheatbelt spider - 17 August 2011
The chance discovery of an unusual looking spider in the backyard of a Grass Valley home has lead to the identification of a new species of arachnid. 

Community tree planting to rehabilitate river’s edge - 16 August 2011
Staff normally more at home behind a computer have left the confines of their offices to help rehabilitate a stretch of the Avon River between York and Beverley.

Search now on for new Wheatbelt CEO - 26 July 2011
The search is now on for a new chief executive officer to head up the Wheatbelt’s leading natural resource management group.

Derdebin Rock Rescue
A group of dedicated volunteers from around Wyalkatchem have helped restore a water hole on a granite outcrop, which provides one of the most beautiful views of the Wheatbelt.

Treemendous Trees grow in Wheatbelt classrooms
Students across the Wheatbelt are being given the chance to learn more about their own backyard.

Sandalwood
The temptation to continue cropping an unprofitable part of his Bencubbin farm was one of the motivating factors behind Lynton Beagley’s decision to plant Sandalwood. 

River dredging helps boost wildlife - 15 June 2011
Scientists monitoring the health of the Avon River have unexpectedly found a number of native fish species.

There’s a lot happening in our backyard! - 20 May 2011
Over the past year landholders have helped protect and revegetate more than 4 million hectares of land in Western Australia. 

Researchers discover foxes’ eating habits - 31 March 2011
New research has shown sheep make up the biggest part of a foxes’ diet, but they also have a liking for mulberries and figs.

Bonus for Wheatbelt communities
Nearly $100,000 will be spent over the next couple of weeks improving rivers, creeks, bush land, communities and schools in the WA Wheatbelt. 

Wheatbelt women identify salt as key environmental concern - 17 February 2011
A survey of women living in the WA Wheatbelt has revealed some of their greatest concerns when it comes to the environment. 

 

2010

Wheatbelt NRM takes out top award - 17 November 2010
Natural resource management group Wheatbelt NRM has taken out top honours at this year's WA Regional Achievement and Community Awards. 

Funding available to help strengthen Wheatbelt environment - 11 November 2010 
A group of Wheatbelt farmers who received funding to film a DVD on the benefits of tree cropping are encouraging others to apply for a similar grant.

Hidden cameras reveal secret Wheatbelt wildlife 
An echidna wanders in front of a hidden camera and stops to drink from a puddle. The scene is nothing dramatic, but what happens next provides the first such footage taken in the WA Wheatbelt. 

$36 million spent on natural resources in Wheatbelt
People living in the Wheatbelt can now find out how $36 million has been spent on natural resource management in their backyards. 

Wheatbelt women discover how families survive drought - 19 October 2010
Five women from the WA Wheatbelt have returned home after spending a week investigating how Victorian families survived drought. 

Building resilient agricultural landscapes 
The majority of WA Wheatbelt farmers lost equity last year. With this season shaping up to be another tough one, current farming practices are coming under the spotlight.

Trayning workshop focuses on building better soils 
About 60 farmers turned out to a workshop in Trayning looking for answers on how to improve soil fertility. 

Secret life of native animals to be revealed at Dowerin
The secret life of some of the Wheatbelt's rarest and interesting native animals will be on display at this year's Dowerin Field Days. 

Wheatbelt the new classroom 
A drive to help educate school children about the environment and indigenous culture in the Wheatbelt has come to fruition.

Protection for endangered Wheatbelt flora - 9 June 2010
A Wheatbelt farming couple has made a discovery of at least 10 rare and endangered plants on their property south west of Dowerin.

Farming women to benefit from grant - 19 May 2010
A new program is hoping to encourage better recognition of rural women and the influence they have on farms.

Wheatbelt the winner from new State NRM funding - 14 May 2010 
The Wheatbelt was just one of the winners after the State government announced it would allocate $4.9 million of new money for natural resource management.  

WNRM grant helps sow seeds in Narembeen
A project designed to educate school children in Narembeen about the local native flora now has a more permanent place in the curriculum.

Warning for Wheatbelt farmers over carbon trading - 1 April 2010
A leading Australian agroforestry expert is warning of the risks the large scale planting of trees to offset carbon emissions could bring in the WA Wheatbelt.

Survey turns up undescribed species in Wheatbelt reserve - 17 March 2010 
A survey of small fauna near the Wheatbelt town of York has led to the discovery of several undescribed species of insects and spiders. 

Bolgart farmer helping to tackle wind and water erosion  - 18 February 2010 
Broadacre farmer Trevor Syme is one of 12 Wheatbelt landholders helping to tackle wind and water erosion by improving the soil on his Bolgart farm. 

 

2009

Wheatbelt NRM unveils new look in Northam
More than 60 people were in Northam on Thursday to hear about the new-look natural resource management group Wheatbelt NRM. 

Landcare Australia recognises Wheatbelt NRM - 4 November 2009 
Natural resource management group Wheatbelt NRM has taken out a gong at the 2009 WA Landcare Australia awards.

Water savings help sustain sports grounds - 29 October 2009
A project aimed at saving drinking water in the WA Wheatbelt could also help sustain the local sports field, the lifeblood of many country towns.

Wheatbelt NRM recognised for indigenous work - 16 October 2009 
Natural resource management group Wheatbelt NRM has been recognised for its work with local Aboriginals and the environment.

Yealering farm under salinity spotlight - 15 October 2009
A farm in the WA Wheatbelt is being monitored on an hourly basis as part of a new project to contain salinity using trees.

Water savings a bonus for Cunderdin Ag College
A project to help save precious drinking water has come to fruition at one of WA’s leading agricultural colleges.

Greater protection for Wheatbelt bushland - 3 September 2009
Native bushland in the WA Wheatbelt will be better protected thanks to a $660,000 project funded by the Commonwealth Government. 

Mukinbudin 50’s Men’s Shed goes green - 19 August 2009
A program designed to enrich the lives of older men has undertaken a tree planting program with a difference. 

Wheatbelt NRM new force in land management - 13 August 2009 
People living in the WA Wheatbelt are being asked to help shape the future of natural resource management in their backyard.

Trees to cut water logging on Goomalling farm
The problem of water logging on their Goomalling farm has prompted the Morris family to once again jump in with the tree planter.

WA Wheatbelt now home to a million more trees - 30 July 2009
A wet July has helped Wheatbelt landholders plant one million trees thanks to incentive programs run by the Avon Catchment Council. 

Burlong Pool Planting Day - 16 July 2009
Enthusiastic community members got their hands dirty this week at Burlong Pool for a tree planting day coordinated by the Avon Catchment Council (ACC).

ACC staff practice what they preach - 10 July 2009 
Staff from the Avon Catchment Council this week got their hands dirty and helped with the planting of thousands of trees in the Beverley district. 

Meckering school kids healthy, wealthy and wise
Children at the Meckering Primary School now have a better understanding of where the food they eat comes from. 

WA wheatbelt rich in wetlands - 19 June 2009
A project aimed at identifying wetlands in the WA wheatbelt has revealed more than 20,000 scattered throughout the Avon River basin.

Learn how to manage your local creek - 29 May 2009 
Landholders and interested community members will have the chance to learn how to better look after their local creeks and waterways through a series of workshops.

Research one step closer to acid water solution - 21 May 2009
Research has shown composted organic mixes of straw and sheep manure could hold the key for the safe disposal of acidic water from deep drains.

Rare spiders found in the Avon Valley - 1 May 2009
Scientists say they’ve found new populations of threatened trapdoor spiders in the Avon River Basin. 

ACC backs farmers to achieve the sustainability edge - 23 April 2009 
Agriculture is an integral part of the Avon River Basin so providing ways to maintain and improve natural resources without impacting on the profitability of farm enterprises is a priority of the Avon Catchment Council (ACC).

More funding crucial for NRM groups - 16 April 2009 
The Avon Catchment Council says a report into the importance of natural resource management groups reinforces the need for ongoing funding.

Farmers to plant more trees in the Avon River Basin - 3 April 2009
Nearly half a million more trees will be planted in the Avon River Basin thanks to an incentive program from the Avon Catchment Council.

Restoring Avon River Pools - 30 March 2009
The Avon is now a highly disturbed river system due to clearing in the catchment for agriculture, the establishment of towns adjacent to the river and the River Training Scheme.

Avon residents encouraged to have their say on the Swan Canning river system - 17 March 2009
The Avon Catchment Council (ACC) is encouraging residents of the Avon River to comment on the recently released Swan Canning Water Quality Improvement Plan.

Millions of dollars targeted for Avon River basin - 5 March 2009
More than $3.9 million of new funds will be spent on improving the environment and livelihoods of people living within the Avon River basin. 

Foxes removed from landscape 
WA farmers have begun a massive assault on foxes, which cause an estimated $200 million nation-wide in damage each year. 

Improve your soil management with ACC - 19 February 2009 
Providing farmers with ways to maintain and improve the natural resources which underpin agricultural production is a priority of the Avon Catchment Council (ACC).  

Boost for Regional NRM delivery - 18 February 2009
The Avon Catchment Council (ACC) is pleased to announce that the Avon River Basin has been allocated $3,926,000 as Regional Base Level Funding for Natural Resource Management (NRM) under the Australian Government’s Caring for our Country program. 

Countdown begins for “Red Card for the Red Fox” - 13 February 2009 
Community support is growing for next month’s “Red Card for the Red Fox” baiting program. 

Jules and Pep Alvaro, Merredin 
When Merredin farming family Pep and Jules Alvaro were first approached to put their 53 hectare bush block under a covenant they were reluctant. 

Flying Doctors to benefit from feral animal baiting program - 15 January 2009  
The Royal Flying Doctor Service will again benefit from a program aimed at controlling feral animals. 

Farmers given incentive to start tree cropping - 9 January 2009
Wheatbelt farmers Kath and John Cousins want to leave a legacy for their children that isn’t a landscape of salt. 

 

2008

Pests and weeds put on notice in the Avon River Basin - 11 December 2008 
Rare and vulnerable native plants and animals will be given a better chance of survival thanks to a new Avon Catchment Council grants program.

Avon Basin soils under the microscope - 21 November 2008
The results from a comprehensive study into the health of soil on farming land in the Avon River Basin have finally been released.

Deadline looms for free saltbush and tree seedlings - 13 November 2008
Time is running out for farmers in the Avon River Basin to apply for free saltbush and tree seedlings.

“Dale Ecoscape” targeted for preservation - 29 October 2008 
One of the most important biodiversity ‘hotspots’ in the WA Wheatbelt is being targeted in an effort to conserve it. 

New faces on board of Avon Catchment Council - 24 October 2008
A landholder from Tammin and a Professor from Curtin University have been appointed to the board of the Avon Catchment Council. 

Loss of water table data now plugged - 8 October 2008
Farmers now have a website they can store the valuable information they collect on water table levels, salinity and acidity.

 

2007

Rare Creatures Draw a Crowd at Dowerin - 20 September 2007
The Avon Catchment Council and Avon Natural Diversity Alliance combined forces to create an interactive and informative display at Dowerin Field Days, providing information and entertainment to all who entered.

Reducing the Risk, Making the Most of Water in the Avon 
The Avon Catchment Council (ACC) is providing support and information to farmers and landholders in the WA Wheatbelt to enable them to better understand water management, rainfall trends and climate change issues that impact on agriculture.

Narembeen community closer to deep drainage solution - 12 September 2007 
The Narembeen community are another step closer to resolving issues associated with disposal and management of deep drainage water after more information was provided by the Avon Catchment Council at a recent Stakeholder Reference Group (SRG) meeting in Bruce Rock. 

Making the most of water in the Avon 
Limited water resources are a problem faced by many farmers in the WA wheatbelt, especially as the demands for water for stock, spraying and domestic use increase.

Preserving the bush for future generations - 23 August 2007 
A new approach to the preservation of native bush was launched near the eastern Wheatbelt community of Westonia today. 

Exciting new website showcases volunteer efforts - 18 July 2007
An innovative website has just been launched featuring inspiring stories of thousands of volunteers across Australia working to manage land sustainably and conserve the environment.

Yilgarn focus for drain management planning - 18 July 2007
As the community-based natural resource management organisation for the Avon River Basin, the Avon Catchment Council (ACC) is helping provide direction to the regional community and governments on dryland salinity management options through deep drainage.

Avon War on Bridal Creeper - 14 June 2007
Bridal Creeper, regarded as one of the 20 worst weeds in Australia, is the target of an Avon Catchment Council (ACC) project that commenced recently working with Avon River Basin communities to map Bridal Creeper infestations and then together deciding the best method to control the weed locally and regionally.

Funding for Salinity Management in the Avon River Basin - 5 June 2007
A new round of the Avon Regional Salinity Tender opened this week, providing farmes and landholders with the opportunity to tender for funds to implement management practices to address dryland salinity.

Priority Landscapes to be Protected in the Wheatbelt - 20 March 2007
The Avon Catchment Council (ACC) today announced twelve landscapes (Ecoscapes) in the WA wheatbelt identified as priority areas to conserve the biodiversity of the Avon River Basin.

Monitor soil quality to yield a better future
A new and interactive web based tool for assessing a range of chemical, physical and biological soil quality parameters was unveiled at the WA Soil Health Forum.

Healthy Country – Healthy People - 2 March 2007
Today is the celebration of a unique partnership between the Aboriginal community and the Avon Catchment Council, reflecting the common goal of seeing our land returned to its former beauty.

Envirofund provides opportunities for the Avon - 12 February 2007
Do you have a great idea for a natural resource management project? Could you use up to $50,000 for environmental works in your area?

 

2006

New Avon Catchment Council Board Members Take Office - 7 November 2006
Six Community Board Members have been elected to the Board of the Avon Catchment Council.

New Voice for Soil Health - 23 October 2006
Vital new soil research information will now be more easily available to agricultural communities of the Wheatbelt and south coast, thanks to the employment of a Soil Health Extension Officer.

Turner Gully Rivercare Workshop - 17 July 2006
Landholders and interested community members in the Dale River catchment and surrounding shires are invited to participate in a free Rivercare workshop on Friday 25 August 2006. 

Avon Region Salinity Tender: Up to $500,000 for On-Ground Salinity Management - 7 July 2006
The Avon Region Salinity Tender provides an opportunity for landholders and community groups to submit a bid for funds to implement on-ground salinity management.

Soil health options to provide long term soil fertility - 26 June 2006
As the land assets of the Avon Catchment are generally managed by agricultural land uses, an improved knowledge of soil condition and the development of management strategies to improve soil condition through appropriate agricultural management is an important focus of the Avon Catchment Council Soil Health Project.

Your Soils Your Future - 26 June 2006
Development of a state-wide soil quality project to assess and define the range of soil quality characteristics associated with ‘good’ and ‘poor‘ production areas.

Avon Catchment Council Unique Opportunity: Call for Nominations - Community Board Members - 7 June 2006
The Avon Catchment Council (ACC) is calling for nominations for Community Board Members.

Avon Catchment Council Projects Address Issues Leading to Avon River Degradation - 26 May 2006
The Avon Catchment Council aims to improve water quality in the Avon River and the condition of vegetation beside the river and its tributaries.

Protecting Our Waterways - Environmental Art Competition - 24 May 2006
All students in the Avon Region are invited to enter the Ribbons of Blue Environmental Art Competition.

Saltwatch Promo
Community and school groups are invited to participate in a Ribbons of Blue/Waterwatch WA’s Saltwatch event for 2006.

National rivercare workshop held in the Avon
NRM officers involved in rivercare across the State recently had the opportunity to hear the latest research from Land and Water Australia’s National Riparian Lands Program. 

Ribbons of Blue is Back in the Avon - 7 April 2006 
Ribbons of Blue is back in the Avon for 2006. 

Cape Tulip and Feral Cats in Avon’s Top 10 Environmental Pests - 4 April 2006 
The Top 10 environmental pests in the Avon region, including Cape Tulip, Feral Cats, and European Rabbits, have been determined, as a result of nominations from the Avon community.

Salinity management options, farmer subsidies included in $1.6m Wheatbelt salinity initiative - 7 March 2006
The Avon Catchment Council today announced details of a comprehensive $1.6 million initiative to help counter dryland salinity throughout the Wheatbelt region. 

Avon Projects Commence as Funds Reach the Ground in the Avon River Basin - 8 February 2006
The first Avon Catchment Council Investment Plan Projects are hitting the ground in the Avon Region.

Have your say, Identify the Top Environmental Pests in the Region
The Avon Catchment Council’s Priority Environmental Pests project has just released a Pest Nomination Form enabling community members, landholders and those living in the community to nominate the plant and animal pests that are impacting on priority environmental assets.

Do You Know Your Soil Acidity?
The Avon Catchment Council’s Soil Acidity Project is an opportunity for farmers to assess the effectiveness of applying lime to their soil to counteract the damaging effects of soil acidity.

 

2005

New Projects in a New Era for the Avon Catchment Council - 19 December 2005
The Avon Catchment Council (ACC) has awarded 14 contracts to delivery organisations through a comprehensive Expression of Interest and Tendering process.

Noongar Cross Cultural Awareness Training - 7 December 2005
Avon Catchment Council Indigenous NRM Facilitators Rod Garlett and Michelle Winmar, recently conducted a Noongar Cross Cultural Awareness Workshop. 

Investment Ensured to Move Avon NRM Plans into Action - 25 November 2005
The Avon Natural Resource Management (NRM) Strategy developed to manage land, water and biodiversity resources for the Avon River Basin has received Australian and State Government approval.

NRM award - 6 October 2005
Agriculture Minister Kim Chance today congratulated Cathy Lyons for winning the Department of Agriculture's Landcare Professional Award for 2005.

Successful TSN Funds for WA Malleefowl - 29 September 2005
Two WA malleefowl applications have been funded under the round 8 TSN Community Grants Program.

New Faces of the Avon Catchment Council - 28 September 2005
The Avon Catchment Council (ACC) Strategy and Investment Plan outlines a new era of natural resource management for the Avon Region. This includes the addition of new staff members to assist in project delivery.

Avon Catchment Council working towards greater Aboriginal involvement in NRM - 21 September 2005
Wheatbelt Aboriginal communities in the Avon River Basin will have greater opportunities for input and involvement in NRM.

Major tree planting program a boost for Avon Region - 6 September 2005 
Nearly 2000 hectares of trees are proposed to be planted in the Avon Region by the end of 2008 under a joint WA Government/Commonwealth program to combat salinity. 

Visit to ACC by Parliamentary Secretary - 8 August 2005 
Tony McRae MLA, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Agriculture and Forestry; the Midwest and Wheatbelt, visited the Avon Catchment Council office in Northam on 27 July 2005. 

Australian Government Funding Opportunities for NRM - 15 July 2005 
The Australian Government is offering up to $50 000 in Community Water Grants to provide support for community activities that promote wise water use. 

Malleefowl Network Support for Community Groups - 11 July 2005 
The Avon Catchment Council recently employed a state Malleefowl Network Facilitator to support the WA Malleefowl Network and encourage the delivery of malleefowl conservation initiatives.