In December 2023, the Shire of Donnybrook Balingup was informed that it was successful in receiving $409,656 via the State NRM Program, which has been put towards the Collie Donnybrook Balingup Natural Resource Recovery Program.
The Community Stewardship Grants provided through the State NRM Program contain six (6) priorities, all of which this project aims to achieve. These priorities are as follows:
- Sustainable management of land resources.
- Maintain and enhance water assets.
- Project and enhance the marine and coastal environment.
- Conserve and recover biodiversity.
- Enhance skills, capacity, and engagement.
- Deliver high quality planning that leads to effective action.
Funding for this program was sought by both Shires in response to the identification of blackberry as a significant pest across the landscape, and to increase the benefit of previous projects to control blackberry. In 2020, the Shires of Donnybrook Balingup, Collie and Dardanup were successful in obtaining Federal funding to carry out blackberry control across the three local government districts. This previous project proved highly successful, resulting in approximately 600km of waterways being mapped for the presence of blackberry and 1,200 hectares of blackberry controlled over a 12-month period. All landowners who registered their interest had treatment carried out using local contractors.
About the Devolved Grants
To ensure mutual commitment between the WA Government, the Shires of Donnybrook Balingup and Collie, and landowners, a 50% co-contribution arrangement will facilitate effective outcomes for the long-term benefits of the environment, economy, and the wider community in the control of blackberry and re-establishment of native vegetation. Through an Expression of Interest (EOI) process, residents within the two Shires can apply to their relevant Shire for financial support to conduct on ground works to increase biodiversity and water quality through the control of Blackberry.
Successful landowners are responsible for ensuring adequate works are undertaken and that the invoice is paid in full in accordance with the contractor’s terms. Once evidence of an appropriate invoice and full payment have been provided to the Shire, the Shire will reimburse the landowner in line with the signed agreement.
Expressions of interest are now open; closing date 12 September 2025. Submissions should be sent to colshire@collie.wa.gov.au or to the Shire of Collie Administration Office, 87 Throssell Street, Collie WA 6225.
Info Sheet 2025-26
Shire of Collie Landowner Expression of Interest 2025-2025