eDNA technology is providing a breakthrough in detecting the elusive Chuditch, a vulnerable marsupial that is hard to trace due to its nocturnal and solitary habits. Wheatbelt NRM is trialling this innovative tool in the Eucalypt Woodlands of the WA Wheatbelt, helping to pinpoint critical habitats for conservation. This method offers a more efficient way to detect and protect species like the Chuditch, which face threats from introduced predators, habitat loss, and human activity. Join us for free community events in March and April to learn more about how eDNA is shaping the future of wildlife conservation.

With new projects on the horizon, we’re growing our team to continue supporting our land, communities, and future generations. Check out our Careers page for open positions!

Following on from our native grass feature in the January eNews edition, this month we will be showcasing Wallaby Grass as a valuable perennial species in revegetation and pasture systems. The grass is widespread and abundant in the Southwest of WA and can thrive in low rainfall and low fertility conditions.

Have you read a carbon credits article or post on socials recently but weren’t sure what the terminology meant? We’re breaking down some keys words used in the nature industry (credit to Dr Manda Page CEO South West NRM).

Nature Positive = Stop nature loss + Add more nature than we have now.

The concept started grabbing international headlines in 2021 when leaders at the 47^th G7 Conference collectively called for the world to become net zero and nature positive. The next year commitment became more globalised when 188 countries (including Australia) collectively agreed to reverse nature loss by 2050.

Get to know Carla Swift, Wheatbelt NRM’s Business Development Manager who is instrumental in providing leadership and support for our Communications and Aboriginal NRM portfolios as well as overviewing an innovative project navigating new industries in the low carbon and natural capital era.

A team of seven Wheatbelt NRM Noongar Boodjar Rangers recently underwent Bushfire Safety Awareness training, a combination of online theory, classroom theory and practical scenarios with Northam Bush Fire Brigade captain Justin Fox.

We’re excited to welcome Rebecca Turner to Wheatbelt NRM as our Communications & Digital Media Coordinator (Maternity Cover)! With a Bachelor of Communications majoring in Public Relations and Journalism (ECU), Rebecca brings a wealth of experience in media, agriculture, and event coordination. Most recently, she’s been writing full-time for the Countryman Newspaper, covering regenerative agriculture and carbon reduction projects—a perfect fit for our sustainability-driven work!

Get to know Renata Paliskis, Wheatbelt NRM’s visionary CEO, who’s leading the way in sustainable agriculture and environmental innovation. With a passion for balancing farming and nature, Renata’s leadership is already driving change and creating lasting impact across the Wheatbelt and beyond.

Join us in welcoming Alex Johnson, Project Manager at Wheatbelt NRM. With expertise in environmental management, he’ll lead the Wheatbelt Land-use Paradigms project, exploring new industries in the low carbon and natural capital era, with support from key partners.

The Eucalypt Woodlands of the WA Wheatbelt are critically endangered, facing threats from habitat loss and environmental changes. Wheatbelt NRM is offering support to landholders to protect and restore these vital ecosystems—learn how you can help!

Success! We are excited to share that Carnaby’s black-cockatoo chicks have been observed in artificial nesting tubes and natural hollows in the Avon River Basin. Read on to learn how you can contribute to the survival of this endangered species and complete our black-cockatoo survey if you spot them on your property.

Australian native grasses can be beautiful and productive. As they are well adjusted to Australian soils and climate they make a hardy addition to both revegetation projects and forage systems.

Wheatbelt NRM are excited to announce an upcoming opportunity for mixed farmers. “Forage for Nature” is supported by the Australian Government through funding from the Natural Heritage Trust under the Climate-Smart Agriculture Program. See our website for details. Expressions of interest will be open in January 2025 so stay tuned for the cue to apply.

New saltbush carbon metrics could be a gamechanger for saline land restoration and carbon accounting in Australia.

Breeding season is in full swing for Carnaby’s in the Wheatbelt! This month, the Wheatbelt NRM team have been monitoring the artificial nesting hollows that were established during the previous black-cockatoo project, and are seeking feedback from anyone in the region who has spotted Carnaby’s black-cockatoos on their property via our Black-Cockatoo Survey.

The WNRM Noongar Boodjar Ranger team is a family like no other, with generations of fathers, sons, cousins, and siblings working side by side. Their unique family bonds create a supportive, culturally rich environment that drives their success—both on country and in the workplace.

Wheatbelt NRM members Rob Boase and Wayne Clarke were inducted into the 2024 WA Landcarers Hall of Fame for their lifelong contributions to environmental conservation.

Noongar Boodjar Rangers rogueing for triticale and barley in AGT wheat crop.

The Soil CRC has shared preliminary insights from our partnership on a project to identify soil microbial indicators of soil health in the Wheatbelt. Early analysis of 2022 soil samples show a promising link between nematode populations and land management. Final results will be presented at our Talkin’ Soil Health symposium in York on 13th March 2025, where we hope to determine if farmers can use nematodes as a measure of soil health.