GeoCatch Network News

Network News

May 2022

GeoCatch acknowledges the Wadandi Saltwater people, the Traditional Owners of this land, and recognise their continuing connection to lands, waters and communities.

Greetings!

We are in the Noongar season of Djeran, the season of adulthood. The hot weather is behind us with cool nights and dewy mornings. Red flowers start to appear on Red flowering gums. It's a great time to start thinking about planting local native plants in your garden or on your property.

We recently ran our soil testing workshop online, launched the inaugural Pets' Night In and are managing the Ringtail Tally to allow our community to be involved in conservation while being socially distant.

- The GeoCatch Team

Pets' Night In saves wildlife

Together with local film and TV actor Myles Pollard, responsible pet owners have saved lives by committing to keep their pets contained or inside for the inaugural Pets' Night In.

The event was held on 11 April to coincide with National Pet Day. GeoCatch and Pets' Night In Ambassador Myles Pollard encouraged pet owners to make a pledge to keep their cats and dogs inside for a 12 hour window.

A total of 89 pets were tucked up inside, safe from the risk of motor vehicle incidents, poisoning, cat and dog fights, transmission of disease, neighbourly disputes over nuisance pets, vet bills and from getting lost.

Celebrating waterbirds

GeoCatch and Revitalising Geographe Waterways are raising awareness of the secret lives of thousands of amazing waterbirds that live on our doorstep at the Vasse Wonnerup wetlands.

#WaterbirdWednesday will celebrate our waterbirds over the coming 12 months by sharing fun and interesting facts on the many species that visit the wetlands.

Each year, the Vasse Wonnerup wetlands support over 30,000 waterbirds from more than 90 species, including 40 species of priority conservation status at a state, national or global level. This includes 22 migratory shorebirds that use the wetlands during the summer months to replenish their energy stores before returning to the northern hemisphere to breed.

Weed escapees addressed in new partnership

GeoCatch and the City of Busselton are on a mission to reduce woody weeds around Meelup Regional Park and nearby reserves by supporting landholders to control weeds on their own properties.

The Bushland Connections project will provide incentives for peri-urban landholders to remove weeds and plant native species, with the aim of reducing weed ‘escapees’ reaching nearby bushland.

GeoCatch Coordinator Jen Mitchell says that woody weeds are degrading bushland reserves.

“Woody weeds outcompete native species in our native bush and can quickly spread to take over large areas,” Jen said.

“Weeds like the Sydney golden wattle are often chosen as garden plants or used for screening and spread their seeds into neighbouring bushland."

Possum avoidance training

Local dog owners are invited to join a free possum avoidance dog training session by Geo Bay Dog Training in Busselton and Dunsborough.

Reports of injury to possums and other native wildlife by dogs is on the increase in this region. Dogs can be taught to coexist with possums in backyards with training and perseverance. Responsible dog owners want their dogs to live in harmony with possums and wildlife.

Asher Lindberg from Geo Bay Dog Training will run training sessions in Busselton and Dunsborough as part of our Pets Away Possums Play responsible pet ownership campaign. Dog owners will learn distraction and ‘leave it’ techniques to help avoid interactions with possums. The techniques can also be applied to other native wildlife found in our urban backyards.

Protect our Bay, Garden this way!

Always use Composted Manures at Bay OK rates

At this time of year, many gardeners are looking to feed their lawns and gardens after the long summer. Manures are freely available in this region, however our Garden Guardians say that composted manures are the way to go. They release nutrients more slowly and improve the soil, while fresh manures can burn roots, introduce weeds and result in nutrients running off your garden and into our waterways.

Protect our Bay - Garden this Way!

In short...

Asher Lindberg from Geo Bay Dog Training takes us through what drives our dogs to go after possums.

Our Ringtail Tally is in full swing. Thanks to all the Citizen Scientists out there counting possums!

The 2022 State NRM and Coastal Conference is happening in September. Register now to avoid missing out.

Revitalising Geographe Waterways

Restoring streams a win for farmers and waterways - RGW

Local farmers protecting streams in the Geographe Bay Catchment are finding their actions benefit more than just the environment. As part of Revitalising Geographe Waterways, 15 local farmers will work with GeoCatch to undertake stock-exclusion...

Read more
rgw.dwer.wa.gov.au

Dairy farmers show and tell with shire planners - RGW

Dairy farmers across the state are working towards meeting new standards in the recently revised Code of Practice (the Code) for Dairy Farm Effluent Management 2021, and by doing so are helping to keep waterways healthy and reduce their...

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rgw.dwer.wa.gov.au

New Chair of Vasse Taskforce appointed - RGW

South West Region MLC Hon Jackie Jarvis, appointed as new Chair of the Vasse Taskforce Vasse Taskforce to continue McGowan Government's ongoing commitment to the waterways of the Geographe Bay catchment. New Taskforce Chair replaces former Chair, ...

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rgw.dwer.wa.gov.au

Events

Thu, May 12, 2022 11:30 AM AWST

Possum Avoidance Training for Dogs - Busselton

Lou Western Oval Busselton, Busselton

Tickets

Sun, May 22, 2022 9:00 AM AWST

Possum Avoidance Training for Dogs - Dunsborough

Centennial park Dunsborough, Dunsborough

Tickets

GeoCatch | Phone: (08) 9781 0111 | Email: geocatch@dwer.wa.gov.au Website: https://geocatch.asn.au/

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