CONSTITUENCY STATEMENTS
Ms TRISH COOK (Bullwinkel) (16:51): Today I rise as the federal member for Bullwinkel to speak about one of the many vital organisations in my electorate: Wheatbelt Natural Resource Management, or Wheatbelt NRM. I had the privilege of visiting the group in Northam just last week, before the opening of parliament. Wheatbelt NRM is the principal community-led not-for-profit organisation which cares for the natural resource management of the vast 12 million hectares that make up WA's wheatbelt.
It's one of the seven natural resource management organisations that cover WA. Established back in 1994, their work is fundamental to the health and sustainability of our land and livelihoods. They are dedicated to encouraging our sustainable agricultural practices, protecting precious habitats, managing pests and ensuring the health of our soil.
This includes safeguarding priority ecosystems like the threatened eucalyptus woodlands that are so iconic to our region. What truly impressed me during my visit was the incredible team at Wheatbelt Natural Resource Management and, particularly, the integral role of the Noongar Boodja Rangers. Since 2014 these rangers have been providing crucial fee-for-work services for local governments and private landholders, from tree planting and site preparation to weeding and fire management.
Led by Jermaine 'Bomber' Davis, who also serves as Wheatbelt NRM's cultural adviser, the rangers embody a deep connection to country and an invaluable contribution to our community's environment. During my visit I learned about projects like IGNIS, a collaboration with NASA and universities, where the ranger team is maintaining the ground stations which detect lightning severity, aiming to prevent devastating bushfires before they escalate.
They also do critical work protecting our black cockatoos and eucalyptus woodlands through conservation agreements, fencing and revegetation. I am delighted to share that the Albanese Labor government recently announced $76 million to fund 54 projects across the country specifically designed to help farmers adopt climate-smart and sustainable practices. Out of this national investment, Wheatbelt NRM have received $1.3 million through the regional delivery partners and Landcare programs.
This investment will help strengthen First Nations engagement with the rangers. The work at Wheatbelt is indispensable to the environment, the economic future of Northam and our entire electorate, and I am incredibly proud of their dedication. I will continue to champion their efforts.
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