With the upcoming Federal election, NRM WA has developed a plan to request support for much-needed investment in the unique WA environment. This request package is being shared with our elected members as well as the other contenders in the lead up to the election.
NRM WA is a peak leadership body, made up of the seven regional NRM organisations who work with a range of remarkable people across WA to deliver good outcomes for the environment.
What do we need?
South West Biodiversity Hotspot, World Heritage and Ramsar
$450 million over 5 years
Western Australia contains the southwest biodiversity hotspot as well as the UNESCO World Heritage Areas of Shark Bay, Ningaloo Coast and Purnululu National Park (Bungle Bungles) and a number of Wetlands of International Importance (Ramsar listed wetlands). Combined, these contain some of the most biodiverse land-based environments on Earth containing thousands of different plant and animal species that support tourism, jobs and agricultural productivity in rural and regional WA. Although just as important as the Great Barrier Reef, they receive a fraction of funding.
Critical issues addressed would include:
- Increased number of rangers
- Implementing healthy river and waterways initiatives
- Implementing biodiversity initiatives
Drought resilience
$620 million over 5 years
Just as the Murray-Darling basin scheme was critical to the sustainable development in eastern Australia, so drought resilience is critical to sustainable development in Western Australia.
Improving soil health and increasing drought resilience will result in improved productivity and profitability of rural communities and greater wellbeing of regional WA.
Critical issues addressed would include:
- Developing healthier soils
- Mitigating climate change
- Increasing water availability