#PeopleOfNRM – Josh Burney

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Get to know NACC NRM’s recently recruited Coastal and Marine Project Officer and the star of this month’s #PeopleOfNRM, Josh Burney!

Josh grew up in Geraldton and after completing school, ventured away to pursue educational and professional opportunities. However, like so many others, Josh was drawn back to home, sweet home, and in May this year joined the NACC NRM team. With strong ties to the area and a passion for the environment, Josh appreciates the Northern Agricultural Region (NAR) for its diverse landscapes and endless opportunities.

“The region caters to so many different lifestyles, whether you’re into agriculture, outdoor activities like camping or fishing, or just enjoying the beauty of the natural landscapes and the creatures who call them home,” Josh said.

“Our region is made up of towns large enough to support economic growth, yet small enough to nurture a close-knit community and respect for the environment – the perfect balance.”

The role of Coastal and Marine Project Officer will see Josh exploring the region, collaborating with coastal community groups and volunteers who share a commitment to natural resource management.

Josh is currently working alongside Coastcare Support Officer Dr Mic Payne on new project funded by the Federal Government. The project focuses on improving the condition of subtropical and temperate coastal saltmarsh, listed as a Threatened Ecological Community (TEC) under the EPBC Act. Saltmarsh plays a vital role in the ecosystem, especially in the NAR where there has been very little mapping or assessment around this TEC. Josh says the project is important in filling knowledge gaps and raising awareness for future protection.

“Coastal saltmarsh communities are the back bone of coastal and riparian ecosystems, providing crucial feeding grounds for shorebirds, habitats for marine and terrestrial invertebrates, natural water filtration, and protecting coastlines from storm surges, “ said Josh.

When it comes to moving toward a more sustainable future, Josh is a strong advocate for increased protection of coastal and marine environments, and believes that current levels of protection fall short due to insufficient research and awareness.

“Only recently has society come to realise just how important our oceans are in maintaining a habitable planet and sadly, we are now starting to see the collapse of some of the ocean’s amazing ecosystems,” Josh notes.

He adds that we all as individuals need to prioritise ocean health, starting with every day habits that we may not realise are negatively affecting on our waterways.

“I think a large majority of people consider the ocean an ‘out of sight, out of mind’ problem, which is why continued awareness, education, support and protection are vital for the health of the ocean and the planet.”

For those eager to contribute to coastal conservation, Josh believes that building a connection with your local environment can foster a greater appreciation and sense of responsibility. He recommends immersive activities like hiking, bird watching, or even painting. Additionally, getting involved with local community groups is a great way to meet like-minded, passionate people and take on new opportunities to learn and contribute.

Josh will be speaking about coastal saltmarsh and giving a project update at the upcoming National Science Walk hosted by Chapman River Friends. The walk will be held on Sunday 11 August 2024 at Spalding Park, kicking off at 3:00pm. In attendance will be many local community groups devoted to protecting our natural environment – a perfect opportunity for those interested in making a positive impact.

For more information about NACC NRM’s project Improving Subtropical & Temperate Coastal Saltmarsh, get in touch with the Coastal and Marine team.

Dr Michael Payne | E michael.payne@nacc.com.au | P (08) 9938 0104 | M 0408 236 371

Joshua Burney | E joshua.burney@nacc.com.au | P (08) 9938 0115 | M 0429 967 975

This project is jointly funded by the Australian Government Natural Heritage Trust and NACC NRM, a member of the Commonwealth Regional Delivery Partners panel.

Phoebe Royce – Communications Officer

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In 2020-21 I talked about ‘raising the bar’. In 2021-22 we worked on setting the bar on fire. Over the last 12 months, the team at NACC NRM has not stopped.

The Sustainable Agriculture team has extended the program’s reach through collaborations with grower groups in the regions. Specifically, the Beyond Reasonable Drought project and Grower Group Alliance – South West WA Drought Innovation Hub – Geraldton Node project. The Beyond Reasonable Drought partnership with grower groups supported farmers across the region to improve the environmental sustainability of their agricultural production and drought resilience. The outcomes of this project have been consolidated through our successful Expression of Interest to the South West WA Drought Innovation Hub, with support from grower groups across the region, to host the Geraldton Node of the Hub. The program continues to focus on working with agricultural networks to share technical expertise and provide opportunities that will improve land management practices in agriculture across the region.

The conservation outcomes of ranger teams have expanded through work on several land tenures. Maintaining Heritage sites such as Willi Gulli, Racecourse Paddock and Buller River has long been a priority. During 2021-22, the teams have increasingly focused on threatened species and ecosystems.

To this end, Western Mulga rangers have improved management across 19,000 ha for the conservation of Malleefowl through firebreak and access management. They completed the maintenance of water holes and supported the monitoring of over 90 Malleefowl mounds.

Similarly, the Kwelena Mambakort Aboriginal Corporate ranger team have contributed positively to Carnaby’s Black Cockatoo populations by installing artificial hollows and habitat restoration.

All ranger teams have collected native seed, propagated native plants for restoration, and planted native vegetation in key locations across the NAR. Seed collection provides valuable industry experience and has facilitated the planting of over 100,000 seedlings during the year.   

In September 2021, the NACC NRM team delivered the WA Threatened Species Forum, held in tandem with the National Malleefowl Forum. Given the impact of COVID and the timing of this event, having more than 100 delegates from all over Australia was a significant achievement. The two Forums brought together 12 events over five days and featured 14 local artists, 25 businesses and 36 youth participants.

Following the successful relaunch of our updated NARvis, NACC NRM was invited to help lead a significant piece of strategic planning work for the region with Mid West Development Commission and the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development. With funding from the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund, the consortia delivered a Regional Drought Resilience Plan covering the shires of Northampton and Chapman Valley and the City of Greater Geraldton, along with significant technical analysis of drought vulnerability for the South West land division. The development of this plan also included extensive community consultation to ensure that local knowledge and technical advice guided the development of priorities for action.

This planning work links to existing NACC NRM on-ground projects, including Beyond Reasonable Drought and the Chapman Catchment Collaborative regeneration project.

It was a busy year for events with face-to-face events becoming commonplace again. During 2021-22 we hosted events in Gingin, Moora, Dalwallinu, Cervantes, Jurien Bay, Walkaway, Nabawa, Perenjori, Kalannie and Morawa. We supported events in Karakin, Thundellara, Perenjori, Paynes Find, Wubin, Cataby, Warradarge, Northampton, Yuna, Dalwallinu and Dandaragan.

We also supported on-ground works throughout the region, including at the following locations Yuna, Dalwallinu, Dandaragan, Merkanooka, Goodlands, Kalannie, Bunjil, Yardarino, Canna, Kondut, Latham, Kadathinni, Nabawa, Red Gully, Sandy Gully, Waddy Forrest, Devils Creek, Perenjori, Bowgada, Ellendale, Wandana, Namban, Hill River, Warradarge, Gillingarra, Regans Ford and Moonyanooka.

Our region is vast – slightly larger than Tasmania, which for comparison, is serviced by three separate NRM organisations. Covering the NAR region and its many environmental threats is challenging. We continue to focus on partnerships and collaboration to address this challenge. We know that by working with our community through passionate delivery of collaborative on-ground projects and education, the community will value and actively protect our region’s natural capital.

This year we have launched a new Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP). The RAP Working Group consulted widely and developed an Innovate RAP which Reconciliation Australia approved in March 2022. The activities to fulfil these commitments are now in full swing.

Sadly, at the end of 2021, we farewelled former NACC NRM CEO Shelley Spriggs, who lost a long battle with cancer. Shelley was an inaugural inductee to the NRM Leadership Honour Roll. I will always be grateful for her guidance and no-nonsense approach, not to mention her passion for life.

While we have said farewell to some, we have welcomed many new faces across all programs, including our Administration team. We have also hosted a school-based trainee from Nagle Catholic College who has been working towards a Certificate II in Conservation and Ecosystem Management. This trial position has been very successful, and we look forward to making this opportunity available again in 2023.

During 2022 we have taken on new projects that align with our organisational and program objectives, and we have successfully completed some great initiatives that support continued conservation and sustainability outcomes. I want to thank the whole team who continue to go above and beyond for the organisation and each other proving their ongoing commitment to our purpose and our values.