South Coast NRM

The South Coast NRM Region of Western Australia covers an area of approximately 8.6 million hectares which incorporates 8,000 hectares of islands and coastal waters up to three nautical miles seaward. The region extends from east of Esperance to Walpole along the coast and further inland by approximately 150 kilometres. 

The region boasts rich environmental, cultural, and economic significance, lying within a global biodiversity hotspot that holds the highest concentration of rare and endangered species in Australia. The coastal and marine environments contain some of the region’s most intact and preserved ecosystems with over 70% of the coastal vegetation corridor under conservation management. 

With its unique mountain ranges more than 570 million years old, magnificent red tingle and karri forest, RAMSAR wetland sites, the UNESCO Fitzgerald Biosphere, and an ancient sandplain formed 40 million years ago, the South Coast region is a highly valued natural environment surrounded by prosperous and productive agricultural land.

The region encapsulates a spectacular and diverse range of landscapes from tall forests in the west, pristine coastlines in the south, all of Southern WA’s mountain peaks and many wetlands, waterways and estuaries. The catchment includes all the Southerly flowing rivers.

The South Coast region’s Mediterranean climate, characterised by cool, wet winters and warm, dry summers, is increasingly facing challenges due to rapid climate change. These climate shifts not only pose new threats but also intensify existing pressures on the region’s delicate natural resources, such as its ecosystems, water availability, and agricultural productivity. The changing climate can lead to more frequent extreme weather events, such as droughts, heatwaves, and intense rainfall, which can harm biodiversity, disrupt farming practices, and strain water resources that are essential for both human and ecological needs.

Efforts to mitigate and adapt to these climate changes are critical to preserving the region’s natural environment and supporting sustainable development. This may include implementing adaptive management strategies, improving water conservation techniques, and investing in ecosystem restoration and resilience projects.

The South Coast NRM region is internationally recognised as being part of one of the world’s 34 biodiversity ‘hot-spots’. It includes… more than 20% of the State’s floristic diversity, and numerous unique and threatened flora and fauna species.

We prioritise high-value conservation areas, such as the Fitz-Stirling Priority Place and the Lake Gore Ramsar Wetlands, to enhance biodiversity and ecological health in nationally important landscapes.

We partner with numerous organisations to protect and conserve threatened species, currently including Gilbert’s potoroo, the western ground parrot, the noisy scrub-bird, the western ringtail possum, and the southern right whale.

South Coast NRM is pioneering Western Australia’s first regional natural capital account, aiming to develop scalable, repeatable models that demonstrate how regional stewardship can create a global impact.

Sustainability and productivity are central to the region’s agricultural focus. South Coast NRM, in collaboration with its catchment partners, industry stakeholders, community members, and land managers is dedicated to fostering a strong natural capital ethos to support the development of productive, resilient landscapes that will sustain the agricultural industry and its communities for years to come.The program aligns with the Australian Agricultural Sustainability Framework and features innovative projects supported directly by industry and the Australian Government. 

Key sectors within the agricultural industry include broadacre farming, livestock (sheep and cattle), poultry, pork, horticulture, dairy, and viticulture. The region is known for its diverse soil types, including sand overlays, ironstone, heavy clays, and gravel loams. Significant investments are made in enhancing soil profiles and addressing soil constraints, which are crucial for improving production and ensuring the long-term health of natural resources.

The Aboriginal Noongar/Nyungar groups were the first people to occupy the land of the South Coast region. This region contains major Aboriginal cultural heritage assets including the culturally significant natural environments of the Stirling Ranges and the Fitzgerald Biosphere sub-region. Cultural values must be recognised, understood and respected to achieve aspirations and to drive positive natural resource management outcomes.There are approximately 20 major Aboriginal groups in the region who need to be involved to ensure cultural practices, languages and culturally important places are recognised, valued and protected.The South Coast region is Noongar boodja, koolark – heart country to Menang, Goreng, Wadjari and Njunga First Nations people.

The City of Albany and the Shire of Esperance are known as the primary business and service areas for the region. The agricultural sector covers around 70% of the region, which puts increased pressure on the preservation of natural resources.. In the South Coast region the local government areas are Albany, Broomehill, Tambellup, Cranbrook, Denmark, Esperance, Jerramungup, Gnowangerup, Kent, Kojonup, Lake Grace, Manjimup, Plantagenet and Ravensthorpe. Additionally some local governments, such as the City of Albany and Shires of Denmark and Esperance, have officers specifically focused on natural resource management outcomes, with varying levels of integration with other local government functions.

Various State Government departments and agencies are directly involved in managing natural resources and other related activities in the region and commit significant resources to those activities. These include the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, Department of Water and Environmental Regulation, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage, the Great Southern Development Commission and the Goldfields Esperance Development Commission.