Local Biodiversity Strategy

We are seeking community feedback on the development of our Local Biodiversity Strategy.

The Strategy will identify and prioritise key environmental assets for protection and will include a Local Biodiversity Action Plan.

The Strategy aims to optimise community engagement, advocacy and partnership opportunities and create a culture of stewardship towards the natural environment.

Biodiversity is the diversity of life on earth and is critical to our region as it drives the ecosystems services that support our quality of life.

Protecting local biodiversity in the Shire of Augusta Margaret River is crucial, due to its unique ecological and cultural significance.

The Shire delivers a range of critical services to the community, from infrastructure (roads, parks, waste management), planning and development to community services.

The Strategy helps guide how the Shire works to protect biodiversity, support ecological health, cultural values and climate resilience while delivering these services.

To help manage key threats to biodiversity – both current and emerging – the Strategy outlines an action plan for Shire staff and how we continue to work collaboratively with our community and partners.

The Strategy will:

• Identify and prioritise environmental assets for protection.
• Map natural areas within the Shire including key habitat linkages and corridors.
• Integrate biodiversity considerations into all areas of Shire business and decision-making.
• Work together with our stakeholders and community.
• Include actions to support private landholders in protecting natural areas.
• Recognise the importance of the region as part of the International Southwest Biodiversity Hotspot and Busselton to Augusta National Biodiversity Hotspot.
• Incorporate a Local Biodiversity Action Plan to guide our priorities and decision-making over the next 10 years.

The Strategy is now drafted and we are inviting the community to review it and let us know if we are on the right track.

You can download the draft Local Biodiversity Strategy from the Documents section on the right hand side of this page.

We’ve also addressed a number of frequently asked questions, which we encourage you to read through before completing the survey.

How Can I have My Say?

1. Register to attend the workshop on Tuesday 1 July
2. Complete the survey

Workshop RSVPs will close on 24 June at 4pm. The survey will close on Friday 11 July at 4pm.

For further enquiries, please contact the Shire’s Environment Team - environment@amrshire.wa.gov.au or call 9780 5221.

The development of the Local Biodiversity Strategy is supported by a grant from WALGA.