About ESRM

The Ecologically Sustainable Rangeland Management (ESRM) program works with pastoralists to develop property action plans. The plans identify the factors that drive landscape function, biodiversity and livestock productivity. Land managers, in collaboration with ESRM, can then use this knowledge to assess current management practices and develop appropriate interventions. This may include on ground works such as infrastructure development and remedial earthworks, total grazing pressure management, biodiversity conservation activities and technical and financial advice.

The first stage of ESRM project has largely been finalised. Stage one of ESRM has been funded via the Rangelands NRM WA with NHT funds. ESRM has developed a model of engagement with the pastoral industry that will not rely solely on NRM funds into the future. We are working with industry groups, State Government and private businesses to look at ways of supporting the further development of ecologically sustainable and profitable rangeland management into the future. In the Future we will be working specifically in the Fortescue River catchment as well as continuing our work in the Gascoyne.

Highlights of the current project include:

Development of committed, trained and passionate staff and partners to work on integrated NRM projects in the Rangelands.
Mobilisation of pastoral industry leadership and active involvement through Gascoyne Catchments Group and ESRM initiatives. This is initiating new opportunities for funding industry development activities.
Completion of 31 ESRM property action plans. This is over 50% of target catchment involved in ESRM plans/exercises in less than 18 months. These plans are active documents that will be updated over the next 12 months.
Development of 22 financial contracts (in partnership with the Gascoyne Catchments Project) with stations for priority catchment on ground works. Key activities of the on ground works include construction on water ponding structures to slow water movement down throughout the catchment, fencing off sensitive vegetation and riparian areas, installation of fencing to provide improved control of grazing livestock in the rangelands. For detailed descriptions on on ground works see www.gascoynecatchmentsproject.com.au
The development of the a community and industry endorsed self assessment and reporting model. This is being lead by the pastoral industry. It is anticipated that this will drive improvements in economic growth and land management. Pastoral Field days have been conducted in April to review the model with expert managers. Draft one of the model is now complete and will be rolled out over the next 24 months.
Pilot initiative in the Pilbara pastoral industry – ‘Best practice rangeland management’. This work will hopefully lead to further engagement within the Pilbara region with both mining companies and family owned pastoral.
ESRM are actively developing the use of geo-spatial technology (Vegmachine) to improve analysis and interpretation of rangeland vegetation trends.
ESRM and The Department of Agriculture and Food have a Carnarvon high school based trainee working each Friday.

To view a map of the areas that ESRM will have worked in by September 2009 please click here.