Lotterywest funding supports ReWild Perth project

The Western Australian Government has presented a $526,749 Lotterywest grant to Perth NRM to support the ReWild Perth project, a community engagement program which aims to reconnect Perth residents with their natural heritage.

Perth NRM has a long tradition in the environmental management, landcare and the agricultural sector, as the organisation responsible for the National Landcare Program's Swan Region NRM Management Unit. Perth NRM has also taken a leadership position on coastal conservation, urban revegetation, regenerative agriculture and the emerging field of natural capital accounting.

ReWild encourages residents to provide native habitat in their gardens, courtyards and  balconies by providing resources and recommendations by area, specifying ideal soil types and what kind of wildlife would likely be supported.

Participants in ReWild projects will be able to share their progress and create anonymous pins on the ReWild map, to demonstrate the increased environmental connectivity throughout the Perth area over time.

These grants form part of a record-breaking year of returns from Lotterywest to the Western Australian community. So far, 454 grants - totalling $105.4 million - have gone to support WA not-for-profit groups and local governments.

Western Australian Environment Minister Reece Whitby notes "Perth is a large and sprawling city, and restoring natural ecosystems will play a positive role in improving biodiversity.

"The State's rich and unique biodiversity relies on the conservation of its varied species and ecosystems.

"Programs such as ReWild Perth prioritise important environmental outcomes, and are also significant for their work in encouraging the community to be involved in protecting our environment - and the life within it - for generations to come."

Image: Courtesy ReWild Perth