Urban population recreational use of the natural environment
The most popular recreational pursuit in the South West is walking and/or hiking, with 73% of residents getting out and about and enjoying our beautiful landscapes.
Urban Environmental Beliefs
More than 84% of South West urban residents are concerned about climate change and its impacts on our region in future. Furthermore, they believe human activities are having an impact right now.
Urban perception of the natural environment
South West urban residents value our natural environment, with 23% concerned about development and a further 16% about land clearing.
Landholder education
56% of landholders in the South West have completed year 10 or year 12, 21% have completed TAFE or vocational college and 18% have completed a university course.
Landholder environmental concern
South West farmers are most concerned about availability of water for agricultural purposes (31% of farmers), poor surface water in rivers and creek (29% of farmers) and poor-quality groundwater (28% of farmers), however by far the most commonly reported issue was introduced pest animals (78% of farmers).
Landholder property values
Landholders in the South West are more motivated by ecological and environmental values of their property (41% of landholders) than economic values (only 8%). In addition, 24% of landholders ranked therapeutic value as most important for wellbeing and quality of life, while a further 16% ranked lifestyle attributes as most important.
Caring for Country
The number of Aboriginal community groups involved in landcare in the South West has increased from 4 in 2000 to 15 in 2017. Tools on yonga booka. Photo: Wendy Slee
Sense of Place and Wellbeing
72.5% of South West NRM Region residents agree that this is a great place to live, 79.5% agree that they are proud to live in their local community, 71.4% agreed there was good community spirit and 78.8% thought their community had a bright future. Data Source University of Canberra, Centre for Research and Action on…
Cultural Importance of Waterways
Did you know that all wetlands, creeks and rivers in the South West are culturally significant to the Noongar people, and this is directly linked to their environmental importance?
Urban Volunteering
Only 14% of urban residents were found to have participated in organised meetings or activities about environmental issues. Most commonly reported reasons for this is that residents believed they were too old, too busy or that they hadn’t heard about them.