Protecting Remnant Bush. Strengthening Farms. Supporting Biodiversity.
The Lower Blackwood LCDC, in partnership with Nature Conservation Margaret River, is delivering the Enhancing Farm Biodiversity Project—a three-year initiative funded by the WA Government State NRM Program.
This project supports landholders with grazing properties across the Lower Blackwood and Augusta–Margaret River region to protect and restore remnant bush, and establish native shelterbelts, through practical on-ground works, training, and technical guidance.
It also strengthens the capacity of the Lower Blackwood LCDC and Indigenous Rangers to undertake local seed collection, storage, and restoration support.
Why This Matters
Healthy remnant bush and well-designed shelterbelts play an important role in maintaining productive and resilient farming landscapes.
Remnant vegetation provides critical habitat and movement corridors for native wildlife and pollinators, while helping maintain biodiversity across the region. Native shelterbelts can further strengthen landscape connectivity by linking isolated patches of vegetation and creating additional habitat within cleared agricultural areas.
Beyond biodiversity benefits, shelterbelts and protected bush areas can provide important on-farm outcomes including:
- Reduced wind erosion
- Improved stock shelter and shade
- Reduced heat and wind stress on livestock
- Healthier soils and improved moisture retention
- Protection of pastures and infrastructure
- Greater resilience to drought and climate variability
By protecting and enhancing these areas, landholders play a direct role in safeguarding the biodiversity of the Lower Blackwood and Augusta Margaret River region.
What the Project Offers
Eligible landholders may receive support to improve the condition, extent, and connectivity of remnant vegetation and establish native shelterbelts on grazing properties.
Funding and assistance includes:
- Fencing materials to exclude livestock from remnant bush and shelter belts to protect from grazing pressure
- Pre-planting weed control to prepare sites for restoration
- Revegetation using locally appropriate native species, selected with project partners
- Establishment of native shelterbelts designed to suit local conditions and farming operations
Additional support includes:
- Educational resources
- Workshops and field days
- One-on-one project guidance
Who Can Apply?
This program is open to grazing properties within the Shire of Augusta Margaret River and Lower Blackwood Catchment boundaries.
Projects must protect and enhance remnant bush and on-farm biodiversity.
If you’re unsure about eligibility, please contact us to discuss your project idea.
Ineligible sites:
- Watercourses on grazing properties within the Healthy Estuaries WA Hardy Inlet Catchment
- Sites already supported through the Nature Conservation Margaret River and Wines of WA Dam Demonstration Sites
Participation requirement:
If you’re planning to apply for funding, we strongly encourage you to attend the first three project workshops, running in August, September and October 2026.
These workshops will help you build practical skills in:
- Assessing the condition of remnant bush
- Developing a farm biodiversity plan
- Understanding the steps involved in successful revegetation
Workshops are open to all members of the community, not just farmers.
How to Apply
Submit an Expression of Interest via email to declan.mcgill@lowerblackwood.com.au or cass.jury@natureconservation.org.au and include the following:
- Brief project description
- Address or pin drop of property location
- Maps if available
Applications will be assessed and notified by 31 July 2026
To have a chat, contact:
Declan McGill, Project Officer, Lower Blackwood LCDC, 0499 037 126 declan.mcgill@lowerblackwood.com.au
or
Cass Jury, Program Manager, Nature Conservation Margaret River Region, 0427 070 951, cass.jury@natureconservation.org.au
This project is supported by funding from the Western Australian Government’s State NRM Program.
