Causes
Local Nature
Biodiversity is life. It sustains and enriches society but it is threatened. We are situated in a global biodiversity hotspot - southwestern Australia which include local heathlands and woodlands - home to many plant and animal species found nowhere else. However, habitat loss and degradation are taking their toll. Local bushland is part of our natural heritage, provides people with access to nature and contributes to the ecosystem services we all need. Protecting regional conservation reserves and local bushland on public lands contributes to conserving biodiversity and allow people to enjoy nature in their neighbourhood.
What we aim for:
Advocate for the protection and management of regional conservation areas including seeking the addition of land to Neerabup National Park, the reservation and competent management of Tamala Conservation Park and increased resources for on-ground management
Influence planning and development decisions affecting local bushland areas to seek their protection, including bushland on Lot 211 Quinns Rd, Mindarie, which is threatened by proposed tourist development.
Raise community awareness of and engagement in local bushland through bushwalks, interpretive information, citizen science activities (e.g. Climate Watch and bird surveys) and on-ground management initiatives
Encourage the City to extend conservation efforts including ecologically sensitive fire risk management, weed control in local reserves and an urban forests program that promotes local plants for streetscapes and home gardens
Contribute to efforts by state and national conservation groups (e.g. Urban Bushland Council) to seek statutory protection of bushland and an end to habitat clearing.
Ideas for action:
Join in nature walks in local bushland to learn more (we post activity details on our Facebook page)
Walk the Climate Watch trail in Gumblossom Park and record and report what you see (this webpage includes a map, field guide and record sheet so you can be a citizen scientist and help track when birds nest, plant flower, etc.)
Speak up to protect bushland under threat, let us know you are interested and we can provide more information on local issues where you can have an influence
Help with rehabilitation planting and weeding in local bushland (we work with the City, holding community activities you can contribute to).
Coastal and marine environment
The interface between land and sea is ecologically, socially and economically important. The coastal zone is where most Australians live. Perth’s suburbs extend for 120km along the coastline, Proximity to the coast is part of our enviable lifestyle but this comes at an environmental cost including the loss of bushland as suburbia spreads. Climate change is driving sea level rise which could increase coastal erosion which is already a problem at Quinns Rocks. , Debris including plastics is a concern, impacting wildlife and amenity of our beaches. As a coastal community, looking after coastal and marine environments is a priority.
What we aim to do:
Monitor coastal management efforts by the City and contribute to the development or review of management plans for local coastal reserves to promote habitat protection and provide for climate impacts
Encourage community dialogue about climate challenges for the local coastal zone, e.g. through social media, beach walks and community forums
Host local coastal clean ups as part of Clean Up Australia Day and the WA Beach Clean Up project, including collecting marine debris data
Foster community involvement in source reduction initiatives to address local marine debris which can impact wildlife.
Ideas for action:
Join in a coastal clean up - we hold them a few times a year including Clean Up Australia Day in March and during the WA Beach Clean Up period in October
Volunteer to help with collecting and sorting marine debris - we survey a local stretch of beach to monitor plastic and other pollution levels
Come along on a coastwalk with us to learn more.
Sustainable living and climate action
A stable, hospitable climate is the basis for a healthy ecology and quality of life. Unfortunately, carbon emissions from fossil fuel use and habitat clearing are changing the climate in ways that threaten ecosystems and the health and wellbeing of our communities. Locally, we have already seen reduced rainfall, declining groundwater levels and destructive fires. Coastal erosion could worsen. The next ten years have been called the critical decade for limiting climate change, yet efforts at national, state and local level do not reflect the current climate emergency. Local communities can reduce their emissions, build resilience and influence government and business.
What we aim for:
Advocate for the City to respond to the climate emergency by enacting measures to significantly reduce emissions and adapt to change working with local households, schools and businesses
Facilitate community dialogue about climate change and how to be climate ready including personal and collective strategies for resilience (e.g. personal preparedness, local support networks, local emergency planning)
Build skills for sustainability living and empower local change by sharing information and ideas, e.g. through social media and workshops
Support local community initiatives to promote sustainable living such as a local Transition Town group or community garden.
Ideas for action:
Urge local, state and federal governments to get serious about the climate emergency and cut carbon emissions
Participate in a Living Smart course or sustainable living workshop to learn more and identify practical steps you can take to be part of the solution
Help us with local initiatives to promote sustainable practices and limit our environmental footprint while building resilience to climate change (let us know you are interested).