The southwest region is also home to several communities of resident bottlenose dolphins that use the habitats as their core home grounds. While little is known of larger toothed whales in the region, it is clear that they occur in the region from the mass strandings of pilot whales, false killer whales, and other related…
Since clearing regulation begun in 2004, 10,582 ha* of vegetation has been approved for clearing within the SWCC Region, an area the size of approximately 5200 MCG ovals. Disclaimer: Statistics do not include exempt or illegal clearing, nor indicate if the clearing has occurred or not. Data source: * Department of Water and Environmental Regulation…
Within the SWCC Region, only 34.7% of all remaining native vegetation is held in tenure that is protected for conservation purposes*, (the equivalent of 789 Rottnest Islands). Included within this is 33 National Parks, 133 Nature Reserves and various other protected tenure classifications. *Conservation purposes according to the international IUCN categories I-IV) (Government of Western…
There are 46 migratory birds that visit the south west region, and 17 of these are threatened* (DBCA, 2018). One Migratory birds visiting our region includes the “Eastern Curlew (Numenius madagascariensis) which are the largest of all the world’s shorebirds, and call their call, a mournful ‘Cuuuurrlew’, ringing out beautifully across vast coastal wetlands. Their…
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.
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).
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.
South West urban residents value our natural environment, with 23% concerned about development and a further 16% about land clearing.
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.
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.