- More than $6 million worth of environmental offset projects to be delivered in partnership with local land managers
- Initiatives include fire and feral cat management, development of a bat project, and protection of a Priority Ecological Community
- Pilbara Environmental Offsets Fund delivers environmental offset projects in partnership with Traditional Owners and conservation agencies
- Projects part of Cook Labor Government pledge to protect and restore the land
The Cook Labor Government is continuing to support regional WA with more than $6 million invested in four priority environmental projects through the Pilbara Environmental Offsets Fund (PEOF).
The PEOF is managed by the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation and aims to counterbalance impacts from mining companies and other proponents with a focus on long-term environmental projects that improve vegetation and habitats.
It receives payments in accordance with conditions of State and Commonwealth environmental approvals.
This funding enables the PEOF program to partner with regional land managers to deliver long-term benefits for the Pilbara environment and its people.
One of the new projects is a $2.35 million investment into fire and feral cat management to protect greater bilby habitat at Yarrie Station, with the findings to inform a bat project being developed for 2027.
These are being delivered by Yarrie Country Pty Ltd and include a capacity building opportunity for the Nyamal Rangers.
The PEOF will also support the following projects:
- protection and management of Brockman cracking clay, a Priority Ecological Community, delivered in partnership with Wintawari Guruma Aboriginal Corporation;
- Robe River Weed Management Program investment of $1.9 million, delivered by Robe River Kuruma Aboriginal Corporation; and
- a $1.5 million investment into fire control and feral cat management to improve Northern Quoll habitat on land adjacent to Purungunya Conservation Estate, delivered by Nyamal Aboriginal Corporation and Nyamal Rangers.
For more information, visit Program: Pilbara Environmental Offsets Fund | Western Australian Government .
As stated by the Environment Minister Matthew Swinbourn:
"The Cook Labor Government is proud to support investment into protecting and enhancing the rich biodiversity of the Pilbara region.
"These projects show that working together with local land managers, including Traditional Owners, will bring long-term benefits to Pilbara communities.
"This plays a vital role in Western Australia's economy, and the Pilbara Environmental Offsets Fund will continue to drive better environmental outcomes through a strategic landscape-scale approach."
As stated by Pilbara Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson:
"The Pilbara Environmental Offsets Fund is producing meaningful environmental outcomes for the Pilbara, protecting important habitat and supporting the long-term resilience of the region's unique landscape.
"It's a strong example of how investment in environmental stewardship can deliver lasting benefits for Western Australia's natural assets."
As stated by Pilbara MLA Kevin Michel:
"These projects are a fantastic investment in the future of the Pilbara, helping to protect our unique environment while creating opportunities for local communities.
"It's particularly pleasing to see Traditional Owners and Aboriginal Rangers playing a leading role in delivering this important work, supporting local jobs, building skills and caring for Country for generations to come."
