- Pilbara land managers to receive $7.9 million investment via Pilbara Environmental Offsets Fund
- Projects involving the Budadee and Nyamal Aboriginal Corporation to benefit
- Fund set to quadruple its funding this year to benefit the region's unique environment following Vogel-McFerran Review recommendation
The State Government is continuing to support the Pilbara with $7.9 million to be invested via the Pilbara Environmental Offsets Fund (PEOF) in protecting native fauna, managing fire and invasive species, and preserving significant cultural areas.
Opened in 2012, the PEOF collects money from individual offset payments required by project proponents as a condition of State and Commonwealth environmental approvals, and allows the State Government to use the money to partner with regional land managers in delivering conservation outcomes throughout the region.
As part of the latest round of funding, PEOF will support the following projects:
- the Budadee bilby habitat management project, which will receive $4.2 million and involve Budadee Aboriginal Corporation (BAC) rangers supported by Terra Rosa Consulting protecting the iconic greater bilby;
- Stage three of the Tharra weed management project, which is managed by the BAC and will receive a $2.2 million investment to eradicate weeds in the Woodstock Abydos protected area and surrounding land; and
- the Purungunya-Meentheena northern quoll project, which will benefit from $1.5 million and involve the Nyamal Aboriginal Corporation delivering feral cat and fire management over 3,000 square kilometres.
PEOF works closely with Traditional Owners to support biodiversity and cultural heritage conservation in the Pilbara.
The fund is set to quadruple its funding this year to benefit the region's unique environment after the move was recommended by the Vogel-McFerran Review and accepted by the State Government.
To find out more, head to: https://www.wa.gov.au/service/environment/business-and-community-assistance/program-pilbara-environmental-offsets-fund .
As stated by Environment Minister Reece Whitby:
"These projects are a fantastic example of how environmental conservation and cultural heritage can go hand in hand.
"By investing in and learning from the expertise of Traditional Owners, we're achieving meaningful outcomes for the Pilbara, as well as creating long-term benefits for communities, landscapes, and native species.
"We are proud to work with the Nyamal and Budadee Aboriginal Corporations, whose knowledge will be critical in protecting the Pilbara's natural and cultural values."
As stated by Pilbara MLA Kevin Michel:
"I'm proud to be part of a Government that is looking after the Pilbara's heritage and environment.
"This funding will further that support by investing in Traditional Owner-led projects that will conserve the Pilbara's environment."
