South Coast Natural Resource Management logo with green, blue, and gold geometric shapes above the company name.

Projects

Winery Dam Restoration

Aerial view of a small, rectangular pond near green grass and a forested area.
Six people stand on dry, reddish ground under a clear blue sky in an open, rural landscape.
Vineyard with green grapevines, wooden posts, and trees in the background under a partly cloudy sky.

About the Project

Project 1 of the Western Australian Wine Sustainability Advancement Program (WAWSAP) is an 18-month initiative focused on improving water security and biodiversity through dam and riparian rehabilitation. This project is part of a nine-partner consortium initiative led by Wines of Western.

Nature Conservation Margaret River Region and South Coast NRM are each working with three wineries to improve water security, increase biodiversity and strengthen climate resilience. The project will help demonstrate the connection between dam rehabilitation and water security, delivering benefits for both participating businesses and the ecological health of the areas surrounding the dams.

This project is supported by the Australian Government through funding from the Climate-Smart Agriculture Program under the Natural Heritage Trust. The Project is also supported by the WA Government through the Wine Industry Partnership.

South Coast NRM are working with Alkoomi Wines, Frankland Estate and Shepherd’s Hut Wines to improve water catchment for their properties, while enhancing biodiversity around their dams.

This will be achieved through:

  • Weed control
  • Livestock exclusion fencing around dams
  • Native seedling revegetation to increase biodiversity, providing windbreaks and reduce dam evaporation
  • Creating or enhancing wetland environments to increase biodiversity and help improve water quality
  • Working with Traditional Owners to incorporate cultural knowledge into rehabilitation works where appropriate

Over the next 18 months, South Coast NRM will work with participating property owners to guide rehabilitation works through biodiversity stewardship plans, ecological surveys and site-specific revegetation plans. The project will also work closely with Great Southern Wine Producers Association to create opportunities for wider community and industry field days, supporting shared learning across the region.

Help us

Get involved with

This project is looking for volunteers to assist with biodiversity surveys including bird surveys, weed assessments and vegetation assessments. If you would like to be involved, please contact Renae (renaev@southcoastnrm.com.au).

Please contact Renae (renaev@southcoastnrm.com.au) or Suzannah (suzannahm@southcoastnrm.com.au) for any questions regarding this project.

  • Wines of Western Australia
  • Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD)
  • Wine Australia
  • Margaret River Wine Association
  • Great Southern Wine Producers Association
  • Nature Conservation Margaret River Region
  • South West NRM
  • Grower Group Alliance
  • Shepherd’s Hut Winery
  • Alkoomi Wines
  • Frankland Estate