If you'd like to become a member of your local Sub-Regional NRM Group then this application form will also get you FREE membership in the overarching Rangelands Co-ordinating Group. Completed forms need to be proposed and seconded by current members.

See attachment: Membership Application-RCG Interest in sub-region (2).doc

See attachment: EOI - Indigenous RCG (2).doc

See attachment: EOI-Chair (3).doc

The Little and Great Sandy Deserts of the Northern Rangelands of WA is one of the last strongholds on the Australian mainland for a significant number of threatened fauna species. Great Desert Skinks, bilbies, marsupial moles, ampurtas and mulgara have disappeared from large areas of their former range but have been confirmed in the Sandy deserts. These populations are considered very important to national management and conservation of the species. However, their plight is severely threatened by large-scale habitat change caused by altered fire regimes and introduced ungulates as well as by feral predators such as foxes and cats.

This NRM project aims to improve our knowledge of the status of fauna populations and implement key actions of national species recovery plans. Many populations of these species occur on Indigenous held land, and Aboriginal peoples through the desert region have a strong knowledge of these species and desire for their conservation. The project has an emphasis on reinstating and strengthening Indigenous land management.

The project is funded by the Natural Heritage Trust, administered by the Rangelands NRM Coordinating Group and delivered by the Department of Environment and Conservation. Survey works are in part being undertaken in partnership with the World Wildife Fund Threatened Species Network. The project is also strengthened by the support of the Martu, the Traditional Owners, the Western Deserts Aboriginal Land Corporation and community schools in Karlamilyi National Park.

The project combines scientific methods of radio-tracking with traditional tracking techniques and to survey multiple species. Threatened species populations and their use of habitat with differing fire histories are monitored. Patch burning is implemented to regenerate arid plant communities and restore habitat. Martu are actively involved in managing threats to vulnerable fauna through carrying out patch burning as well as hunting of foxes and cats. The involvement of Aboriginal people, through their traditional knowledge and skill as well as their proximity to the areas, is instrumental to the conservation of these species.

This pilot NRM project seeks to address threatening processes to monsoonal vine thickets of Dampier Peninsula, West Kimberley, and provide training and employment opportunities for remote Indigenous communities. Recognised as Threatened Ecological Communities, the remnant vine thickets patches include many species which are at the southern limits of their range and are more often found in rainforest vegetation associated with wetter parts of northern Australia. The vine thickets are renowned for their high biodiversity value, and provide significant fauna habitat and food resources for Aboriginal people. They are, however, highly vulnerable to disturbance and increasingly threatened by frequent hot wildfires, weed infestations, impacts of off-road driving, cattle and coastal development.

The project focusses on the management of weeds in a number of vine thickets that were identified as priority areas for management in survey work in 2001. It is funded by the Natural Heritage Trust, administered by the Rangelands NRM Coordinating Group, delivered by the Department of Environment and Conservation and supported by Environs Kimberley.

Different weed management strategies are adopted depending on the condition, location and cultural requirements of individual vine thicket patches. Demonstration sites are established at highly visual sites in communities and close to well-used tourist routes, and trial a variety of integrated weed control techniques. Existing Indigenous ranger groups administered by Kimberley Land Council have become involved and the collaboration is strengthened by the support of Traditional Owner groups, Shire of Broome and Kimberley TAFE.

Success of the project will depend on how well it is supported by Traditional Owners and at this early stage the project has been well-received. This inclusive project continues to build on strong ties already existing between Traditional Owners and support organisations, and establishes a workable model for addressing environmental weeds in remote communities.

Community WEED is an innovative capacity-building and action-oriented project encompassing the Pilbara and Kimberley regions of WA. The project receives Natural Heritage Trust funding administered by the Rangelands NRM Coordinating Group, and delivered by the Department of Environment and Conservation in the Pilbara and Environs Kimberley in the Kimberley.

Invasive weeds threaten the unique biodiversity of the Northern Rangelands by displacing native fauna and flora, reducing the robustness of natural ecosystems and altering fuel loads and fire risk. Together with fire and feral animals, weeds are the highest risk to biodiversity in the Pilbara. In the Kimberley large areas remain where weed impact is slight but weed invasion is an increasing threat.

To achieve strategic weed management at a regional scale, Community WEED is an education and extension program to minimise the risk of new incursions and encourage sustainable weed management that is run simultaneously with priority on-ground control programs. It seeks to educate and drive community, industry and government action in the Northern Rangelands.

Existing reference material of current products and tools available to NRM practitioners working in Northern Rangelands ecosystems is being reviewed, and gaps in the functionality and relevance are identified. The project works to redevelop existing material and design new resources that are user-friendly and targeted to working in the Pilbara and Kimberley.

The project also aims to minimise risk of new incursions through promoting good hygiene practices and reducing current populations, particularly in high conservation-value areas. The capacity of community environmental groups to undertake weed management is increased by supporting on-ground control and attracting additional funding. It also supports complementary programs such as Weedbuster Week and the Weed Warrior program, and encourages Shires and local nurseries to promote indigenous native species ideally suited to local conditions and which give a unique sense of place to an area.

Volunteers are needed for a community project to help control invasive weeds threatening native plants and animals in the Pilbara.

The Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) project is targeting weed infestations around towns close to high conservation value areas and other key areas in the Pilbara.

It has received funding from the Natural Heritage Trust administered by the Rangelands Natural Resource Management (NRM) Coordinating Group.

DEC Northern Rangelands NRM Biodiversity Coordinator Alison McGilvray said the project aimed to increase community, industry and government awareness and capacity for sustainable weed management.

"The project is targeting weeds of concern in the Pilbara including parkinsonia, date palms, natal red top, wild passionvine, kapock and ruby dock," Ms McGilvray said.

"These weeds all pose a significant threat to our region's biodiversity by invading natural ecosystems and displacing native plants and animals.

"They can also increase fuel loads and therefore increase the risk of fire, choke natural river systems and invade weed-free areas downstream.

"By involving the community we can increase awareness of the weeds, encourage public responsibility for weed management and hopefully minimise the risk of future weed invasions."

Volunteers will be involved in many aspects of weed management from training in weed identification to weed mapping and physical weed control work.

The community project will support weed projects already occurring in the region, such as DEC's Saving our Species date palm control project and a NRM parkinsonia control project in the Gregory Gorge area adjoining Millstream National Park, being implemented by the Department of Water and Ngurrawaana Aboriginal Corporation.

"As well as focusing on towns close to high conservation value areas, such as Tom Price and Dampier, the project will involve further weed control and mapping along the Fortescue River in the Gregory Gorge area, a popular camping spot in the Pilbara," Ms McGilvray said.

"It will also complement the conservation work of local community groups such as the Nickol Bay Naturalists Club and the Care for Hedland Environmental Association.

"With Weedbuster week coming up in October it's a great time to educate the community about the devastating effect of weeds and to involve them in protecting our region's unique biodiversity."

Community members interested in assisting with the community weed project are encouraged to contact Alison McGilvray at DEC's Karratha office on 9182 2041.

See attachment: Communications Plan.doc

See attachment: Communications EOI.doc

2007/08 WA Landcare Awards – Call for Nominations

The 2007/08 WA Landcare Awards, proudly sponsored by the Department of Agriculture and Food have been officially launched with a call for nominations of the State's landcare legends.

The biennial awards recognise individuals, farmers, community groups, school students and local governments who devote time and energy into looking after our environment.

There are 14 award categories including four State-specific* Landcare Awards, as well as ten National Landcare Awards:

Alcan Landcare Indigenous Award
Alcoa Landcare Community Group Award
Australian Forest Growers WA Treefarmer of the Year Award *
Australian Government Coastcare Award
Australian Government Landcare NRM Region Award
Australian Government NLP Individual Landcarer Award
Department of Agriculture and Food Landcare Professional Award *
Department of Water River Rats Living Streams Award *
Landcare Australia Nature Conservation Award
Leighton Holdings Local Government Landcare Partnerships Award
Murray Darling Basin Commission Rivercare Award
Rural Press Landcare Primary Producer Award
Western Australian Weeds Committee Invasive Plants Award *
Westpac Landcare Education Award.

Entries close 28 September, 2007.

For more information, categories, criteria and entry form please go to www.agric.wa.gov.au/landcare

or contact Colma Keating 9368 3168 colma@landcareaustralia.com.au

Take the opportunity to register your interest in the delivery of projects under the Sustainable Land Management & Sustainable Management of Water Programs.

See attachment: Register of Interest for IP2 (2).doc

The Australian Government today announced an additional $4 million in community funding to protect and conserve Australia’s coastal and marine environments.

The funding, to be provided through a special round of the Australian Government Envirofund, was jointly announced by Minister for Fisheries, Forestry and Conservation, Senator Eric Abetz, and Assistant Minister for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr John Cobb.

Senator Abetz said Round 10 of the Envirofund will provide targeted help to allow communities protect and improve their local coastal and marine environments.

Community groups and individuals can now apply for grants of up to $50,000 to undertake local environment projects to protect our foreshores, beaches, estuaries and marine environments.

Some examples of the types of projects eligible for funding include restoring coastal sand dunes through planting of native grasses and shrubs; monitoring of threatened coastal animal species to aid their recovery; construction of beach walkways to protect native plants and animals; and public awareness campaigns to help reduce marine pollution.

More information and examples of eligible activities are in the Envirofund Round 10 Guide and Application Form. The coastal and marine round of Envirofund opens for applications on Monday 21 May and closes on Friday 20 July.

For copies of the application form visit www.nht.gov.au/envirofund or telephone 1800 065 823.

Practical solutions to the water management issues facing community groups, schools, local governments and indigenous communities around Australia are now available through the latest round of the Australian Government's Community Water Grants.

The Minister for the Environment and Water Resources, Malcolm Turnbull and the Minister for Fisheries and Conservation, Senator Eric Abetz, today launched the third round of the community component of the $2 billion Australian Government Water Fund, the $200 million Community Water Grants programme.

Senator Abetz said funding of up to $50,000 will be provided for water saving, recycling and treatment projects. Applicants and projects that meet special eligibility criteria can also apply for a larger grant of between $100,000 and $250,000.

“In the first two grant rounds communities around Australia have saved over 27,000 mega litres of water. This is about the amount of water 100,000 average households would use in one year," Senator Abetz said.

The Ministers encouraged all Australians to apply for a grant and join with the Australian Government to protect water quality and the nation’s water supplies.

Application forms and guidelines are available from www.australia.gov.au/communitywatergrants or by phoning 1800 780 730.
Applications close on 4th July 2007.

The Ord Catchment Reference Group - Register of Capacity Natural Resource Management in the Ord Catchment. Released 01/10/2006. Click on link below for more details. www.rangelandswa.info/quotes.asp

Register your organisation's interest in delivering the 'Sustainable Management of Coasts & Marine Waters' Program for the Rangelands NRM Region, NO LATER THAN FRIDAY 29 SEPTEMBER 2006. Click on the following link for more information. www.rangelandswa.info/quotes.asp

Details in regards to Roadshow information sessions for Round 2 of Community Water Grants can be found by clicking on the following link:
www.communitywatergrants.gov.au

To see when an information session is to be held in your town click on the link below for details:
www.communitywatergrants.gov.au/grants/round2/info-sessions.html

Applications for Round 2 Grants close 25 August 2006.

The Rangelands NRM Co-Ordinating Group is holding workshops across the Rangelands to discuss NRM investment priorities for the next two years. To find out more go to the News & Events link.

Places throughout Australia where the rich diversity of native plant and animal species is threatened, have been singled out for increased investment by the Australian Government, the Minister for the Environment and Heritage, Senator Ian Campbell, said today.

"These special places face a variety of threats, such as land clearing, development pressure, salinity, weeds and feral animals," Senator Campbell said.

"The biodiversity hotspots programme brings a proactive approach to managing threats in areas that are still relatively intact and maintaining their biodiversity values.

"Managing the threats effectively requires a whole of landscape approach across all types of land ownership, to promote active, ongoing conservation management.

"An exciting feature of this programme is that it draws on the considerable expertise of Australia's non-government conservation organisations to deliver stewardship payments and voluntary property acquisitions for those areas throughout Australia most in need of conservation."

The stewardship payments offer direct financial support to land-holders to help them protect existing natural habitats with high conservation values. Large properties with outstanding biodiversity values are those most likely to be targeted for acquisition.

"Over the past 10 years, the Australian Government has committed historic levels of funding to tackling our environmental challenges," Senator Campbell said.

"This programme hits the spot by investing in preventing biodiversity decline and providing support to those land mangers that have already made a commitment to maintaining the biodiversity values of their properties.

"In view of the highly diverse nature and richness of Australia's plants, animals and ecosystems, the Australian Government has not constrained this program to apply only to the 15 previously identified biodiversity hotspots.

"We will soon be launching a process to engage non-government conservation organisations to help deliver some $21 million of projects across Australia. We will be seeking organisations with a proven track record in property acquisition and management for conservation and delivering market based incentive projects.

"This spending complements the on-ground work being funded under the Australian Government's flagship $3 billion Natural Heritage Trust and the $1.4 billion National Action Plan for Salinity and Water Quality programmes."

"In particular it builds on the success of the Government's Natural Heritage Trust funded National Reserve System Programme that has provided $80 million since 1997 to establish 20 million hectares in 271 new reserves across the country," Senator Campbell said.

An invitation to tender for agents to deliver the programme is expected to be made in July 2006.

$13.7million in natural resource management projects are set to be implemented across the vast Rangelands Region of Western Australia following the launch of the accredited regional NRM strategy and approved investment plan in Carnarvon today.

The strategy was officially launched by the Australian Government Minister for the Environment and Heritage, Senator Ian Campbell, and Western Australian Minister for Agriculture and Food; Forestry; Midwest and Wheatbelt, Kim Chance.

Rangelands NRM Co-ordinating Group (RCG) Chair Bill Mitchell said projects included in the investment plan in the Ord area of the Kimberley were already underway with a further 10 projects to commence throughout the region by the end of this financial year.

“$5.5 million is available this financial year with a further $4.52million in 2006/07 and $3.68 million in 2007/08, ” he said.

“These funds will make a substantial contribution to the sustainability of land, water and coastal and marine systems in the Rangelands. And that’s right throughout the Rangelands – from the Goldfields-Nullarbor in the south through the Gascoyne-Murchison and north into the Pilbara and Kimberley.”

The first year of programs and projects approved for investment by the RCG include $2 million to projects in the Ord Catchment funded under the National Action Plan for Salinity and Water Quality. These projects include:

* Property Scale Management in the Rangelands
* Delivery of Best Management Practices to Ord Catchment Land Managers
* Riparian Condition Assessment
* Mirriuwung Gajerrong Weeds and Waterways Project
* Key Management Actions for Lake Kununurra
* Water Quality Monitoring in the Irrigation Area
* Biomass growth survey
* Ord River Irrigation Area (ORIA) Groundwater Drainage and Discharge
* Innovations in flood furrow irrigation systems in the Ord River Irrigation Area
* Demonstrating Sustainable Farm Management Systems
* Responses of the Lower Ord and Estuary from Catchment Loads and Flows

In addition, the RCG is developing a suite of projects funded under the Natural Heritage Trust II that currently include:

Sustainable Land Management Program
* Ecologically Sustainable Rangelands Management
* Targeted Fire Management in the Kimberley for Better Land Management, Pastoral Enterprise and Biodiversity Outcomes
* Biodiversity - Management of Threatened Species and Communities and Invasive Species for Biodiversity Outcomes

Sustainable Management of Water Program
* Catchment Action and Management in the Fitzroy River Catchment
* Catchment Action and Management in the Fortescue River Catchment
* Restoration and Rehabilitation of the Roderick and Wooramel Catchments
* Managing Cumulative Impacts of Development

Sustainable Management of Coastal and Marine Waters Program
* Addressing Human Use Threats to Priority Coastal and Marine Values
* Addressing Human Use Threats to Cultural and Natural Resources Values
* Sustainable Management of Tourism and Recreation in the Rangelands Coastal and Marine Environment

All these activities coincide with the establishment of the RCG’s key management team led by Rod Williams based in Carnarvon. The management teams’ key roles are to manage the business of, and provide appropriate support levels to the group, provide appropriate support to the community on NRM issues, and coordinate the future development of the Strategy, Investment Plan, and future project development and investment.

The current Investment Plan prepared for the Rangelands region is also to be reviewed and hydro-SMART have been contracted by the RCG to undertake this task.

Gill Holmes has been appointed as the projects coordinator and has organised meetings throughout the Rangelands with key resource user groups throughout May. The purpose of the review is to ensure that the investment targets in Investment Plan 1 remain current while identifying additional natural resource assets that qualify for future investment.

The Western Australian Planning Commission (WAPC) is now calling for grants that assist coastal managers to undertake on-ground coastal management activities and to facilitate community involvement and capacity building.

The objectives of the Coastwest grants are to:
*contribute to the implementation of local and regional coastal plans and strategies;
*assist in the identification, protection and maintenance of environmental values, aesthetic qualities, biodiversity and water quality in the coastal zone;
*foster sustainable recreational and tourist use of the coast by assisting in the maintenance of the recreational amenity and provision of public access to the coast;
*build capacity in WA communities in order to increase their involvement in coastal zone management activities, though joint zone research activities, education and training.

At least $630,000 is available and applicants can apply for up to $60,000 per project. Of this total amount, $250,000 is available for projects in the Perth metropolitan area and the regional centres of Albany, Broome, Bunbury, Busselton, Carnarvon, Derby, Esperance, Exmouth, Geraldton, Karratha, Mandurah, Port Hedland and Wyndham.

The guidelines and application form can be downloaded from http://www.wapc.wa.gov.au.

Some points to note:
*The lead applicant must secure at least 50% of project value which may include both cash and in-kind contributions.
*Projects that clearly show implementation of an adopted local or regional coastal plan and strategy will be given high priority for funding.
*If no coastal plan or strategy exists, applicants must first develop a site plan. Projects in remote locations that include the development of site plans as a component of the project will be given priority.
*Indigenous heritage and consultation is essential and projects that do not address these factors will not be supported.

Other Grants Supported by Coastwest

Coastwest Community Support Grants - ongoing.
Up to $3000 per project is available to community groups for capacity building exercises. These projects aim to encourage groups to become involved in on-ground coastal and marine management activities and to maintain the momentum of groups who have completed a project but are yet to receive another grant. Current Coastwest recipients are ineligible.
Contact the State Coastwest Coordinator (Mr Bill Cuthbert) to discuss. Phone 9264 7834, fax 9264 7838, email Coastwest@wapc.wa.gov.au

Regional Coastal Management Group Support Grants - ongoing.
Up to $8000 per year is available to regional groups to provide financial support for administration and capacity building of community groups.
Contact the State Coastwest Coordinator (Mr Bill Cuthbert) to discuss. Phone 9264 7834, fax 9264 7838, email Coastwest@wapc.wa.gov.au

Successful projects from Round one of the Australian Governments Community Water Grants have been announced with approximately eight in the Rangelands region of WA.
Some of the successful projects are;

- Ngaannyatjarra Council Aboriginal Corporation - Improving water quality and access for the Wiluna Aboriginal Community

- Shire of Dundas - Provision of Floating Cover for Tin Dam and Minimising Evaporation

- Munmural Aboriginal Corporation - Community water conservation and protection of natural waters, Munmural, WA.

- Karratha Senior High School - Karratha Senior High School Indoor Water Efficiency Project

For further information on successful projects in the Rangelands, WA and Australia wide or for information on the applications process for Round two, which is expected to be announced mid year, go to www.communitywatergrants.gov.au

By Tanya Vernes, Kimberley Wetlands Project Officer WWF-Australia

Background
Rivers and wetlands are vital to the water cycle and are essential habitats for a multitude of plant and animal species – from migratory shorebirds to frogs, tortoises and microscopic organisms. The Kimberley is renowned for its major river systems and coastal wetlands, which have high Aboriginal cultural significance, contain many endemic freshwater species amid its dynamic biodiversity, host up to 850,000 migratory shorebirds, and support local industries such as the Barramundi fishery. All of these values are dependent upon the health and integrity of the wetlands.

However, wetlands in the Kimberley are poorly recorded, especially in terms of biodiversity and cultural values, and are subject to increasing pressure from human activities. This puts them at risk as protection needs are not fully understood or adequately implemented.

In order to address this omission, WWF developed a proposal and secured NHT funding for the project “Establishing priorities for wetland conservation and management in the Kimberley”. Running from April 2005 to October 2006, this project will collate knowledge of the values, threats and management priorities of wetlands across the Kimberley, establishing a baseline of essential information to improve management planning and protection of conservation values. Information will be sourced from project reports, GIS map layers and research, as well as the unique and valuable knowledge held by local people.

Progress to date
There are three phases to this project:
Phase 1: Desktop study (August - December 2005, completed)
Phase 2: Field Research (April - September 2006)
Phase 3: Establishing the Framework (September - October 2006)

The WA Department of Conservation and Land Management were consulted to undertake the first phase of collating existing data. This involved researching and obtaining relevant sets of data (such as GIS maps, reports, research) to determine what wetland values, biophysical information and risks/threats are recorded for the Kimberley.

The data will now be analysed to identify data needs/gaps, priority values and threats for field based surveys to be carried out by WWF and WA Department of Environment staff. The on country visits with Traditional Owners, Indigenous Rangers and/or land holders/managers will aim to enhance understanding of wetland values and threats, and practical measures to address them.

The final phase draws together information from desktop, field research and community consultation to establish priorities for wetland management in the Kimberley, including management actions, research and monitoring. This will also provide a basis for asset identification and the establishment of resource condition targets under the Kimberley sub-regional NRM Plan. The resulting report and maps will be provided for community and agency use to help improve management and protection for wetlands in the Kimberley.

Partnerships
One of the key strengths of this project has been the cooperation and involvement of diverse stakeholders with a wide range of views and expertise to offer advice via a project Advisory Group. Members include the National Centre for Tropical Wetland Research (NCTWR), Kimberley Regional Fire Management Project, WA Department of Conservation and Land Management (CALM), WA Department of Environment (DOE), WA Department of Indigenous Affairs (DIA), Kimberley Land Council Land & Sea Unit. WWF has also worked collaboratively with the CALM state data inventory project “Wetlands - collation of data into GIS” and NCTWR “Australia’s tropical rivers - an integrated data assessment and analysis” to add value and avoid duplication.

This Kimberley Wetland Project will consolidated much of the existing knowledge of Kimberley Wetlands, fill some important gaps, and identify areas where further wetland research is required. This will form an improved knowledge based for future Kimberley wetland conservation prioritization

Contact:
For more information, contact Tanya Vernes, Kimberley Wetland Project Officer on 08 8941 7554 or tvernes@wwf.org.au.

Acknowledgements:
This project has received funding from and been supported by the Natural Heritage Trust, the Rangeland Coordination NRM Group and the Western Australian Department of Environment.

The Rangelands NRM Co-ordinating Group is pleased to announce that it has appointed Rod Williams to the position of General Manager. Rod will commence these duties on 6th February and, along with some other members of RCG's management team, will be based in Carnarvon.

Rod has been responsible for the Department of Agriculture's service delivery to the Pastoral Lands Board of Western Australia for many years, and was then appointed to the additional role of District Manager, Carnarvon. He has also chaired the Carnarvon Zone Control Authority since its inception and has played a senior management role in the management of biosecurity in the Southern Rangelands. Rod was recently appointed to the position of Strategic Regional Facilitator [Southern Rangelands) and has held the position of Manager NRM and Pastoral Board Services in the Department of Agriculture since that time. During this period he has worked closely with the RCG on the finalisation of the Investment Plan and planning for the future role and structure of the Group.

Rod has considerable experience with Regional NRM organisations and managed the introduction of integrated catchment management in Western Queensland, and held the position of Executive Officer to the Queensland Murray Darling Committee as part of the Murray Darling Initiative. He was also a member of the Rangelands Regional Assessment Panel in Western Australia which was responsible for the allocation of community funding for Natural Heritage Trust initiatives.

The Rangelands NRM Coordinating Group's Management Committee, its sub-regional groups and members look forward to working with Rod in the future to implement its NRM Strategy and Investment Plan. As other members of the Management Team are confirmed, the Group will notify all concerned and updates, including contact details, will be regularly posted on this web-site.

You can now download ratified Rangelands NRM Co-ordinating Group Management Committee meeting Minutes from this site.
Just click on the 'News and Events' tab on the homepage and then the ‘Minutes’ link from there!
Future Minutes will be posted once they are finalised and ratified.