South Coast NRM Update: Caring for Country, Community and Nature
South Coast NRM continues its commitment to caring for Country through strong partnerships with First Nations peoples, community members, scientists, landholders and industry. During National Reconciliation Week, we reflected on shared histories and reaffirmed our respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as custodians of land and sea Country.
We welcomed Alex Hams as Executive Manager Operations, bringing extensive experience in conservation, large-scale projects and nature markets. We also continue developing the South Coast Natural Capital Approach, an innovative framework linking nature, people and the economy to attract long-term investment in the region’s globally significant biodiversity.
Community, Conservation and Collaboration in Action
- Fitz–Stirling Priority Place
Community events like Froth on the Fitz & Shred for the Stirling’s engaged local families in Carnaby’s Cockatoo conservation, with over 200 native plants distributed. On-ground works included the installation of 32 new Cockatube nesting boxes, maintenance of existing hollows, revegetation, fencing and dieback management to support cockatoo breeding habitat. - Threatened Species Evening & Art Exhibition
A community sundowner celebrating threatened species through art, science and conversation will be held on 13 June 2025 in Albany, showcasing local creativity and conservation efforts. - Right Whale Tracker Training
As part of National Volunteer Week, citizen scientists and Indigenous rangers were trained to monitor Southern Right Whales, contributing vital data through respectful observation and photography. - Western Ringtail Possum Monitoring
Early results from spotlight surveys around Albany recorded 320 possum sightings across two seasons, providing an important baseline to guide future urban conservation actions. - Carbon in Farming Workshops
A new workshop series is supporting farmers to better understand carbon, emissions and soil storage, linking environmental outcomes with productivity and profitability. - Strategic Direction 2025–2030
South Coast NRM has finalised its Strategy on a Page, aligning day-to-day operations with long-term goals for community, climate action and caring for Country. - Hooded Plover Conservation
Seven local Hooded Plovers now carry identifiable leg flags, helping researchers and volunteers track movements and improve protection for this threatened beach-nesting species.
Together with our partners and volunteers, South Coast NRM is working towards thriving, resilient communities where nature is valued, protected and restored—now and into the future.
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