Community Groups> Eastern Hills Catchment Management Program

In January 2005, the Swan Region Strategy for Natural Resource Management was accredited by the Federal Government. The eastern region is one of the five identified sub-regions within the Swan NRM region. 

The Eastern Hills Catchment Management Program (EHCMP) is a highly successful partnership between the Shires of Kalamunda and Mundaring, City of Swan, Eastern Metropolitan Regional Council (EMRC), Perth Region NRM and Swan River Trust. The strength of the program has been recognised through a Premiers Award in 2001 and two National Local Government Awards, one for Natural Resource Management and one for Innovation, in 2007.  

The outcomes of Eastern Hills Landcare are closely aligned with the objectives of the Perth Region NRM, the Swan River Trust and Eastern Hills Local Governments. The team includes a Senior Natural Resource Management Co-ordinator and a number of Natural Resource Management Officers. Officers are based at the EMRC, Shire of Mundaring Offices, Shire of Kalamunda and the Midland Landcare Centre.

The Eastern Hills is unique in that the success of Eastern Hills Landcare relies largely on the commitment of local communities to protect and enhance the quality of their natural environment. “Lifestyle”, conservation and water quality issues dominate the agenda, with on-ground activities being balanced between public and private property. 

Eastern Hills Officers work in partnership to support a large, active and diverse community network.  The network comprises of over 130 ‘Friends of Groups’,  five Catchment Groups and one Land Conservation District Committee throughout the Shire of Kalamunda, Shire of Mundaring and City of Swan.  In total there are over 1,700 volunteers contributing 30,000 volunteer hours per annum toward environmental projects.  The level of community participation for these environmental restoration and landcare activities are amongst the highest in Australia.

Key promotional activities include  the Greenpage newsletter, Bush Skills for the Hills Workshops, operation of the Midland Landcare Centre and close liaison with Local Governments. 

These activities support a very active community that has significant impact in managing the Eastern Hill’s natural resources.