Published on Tuesday, 1 September 2026 at 11:58:38 AM
Some of the Shire of Mundaring's most important natural areas will receive an extra helping hand thanks to new funding from the Western Australian Government's Community Stewardship Grants program, administered by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD).
The Shire has secured $150,000 over three years to deliver its Coordinated Fox Management in Mundaring Bushlands project, helping protect native wildlife and strengthen biodiversity outcomes across several Shire-managed reserves.
The funding will support work at Lake Leschenaultia, Carter Road Reserve, Mayo Road Reserve, Quail Street Reserve and Alps Street Reserve, combining targeted fox control, environmental monitoring and community education initiatives.
Foxes remain one of the most significant threats to native wildlife in bushland environments, with small mammals, ground-nesting birds and reptiles particularly vulnerable to predation. In areas like the Perth Hills, where bushland is often surrounded by rural and residential properties, managing those impacts requires a coordinated, long-term approach.
Shire President Paige McNeil said the project would help protect the natural environment that makes the Perth Hills such a special place to live, work and visit.
"We've heard from our residents about the impacts feral animals can have on our natural environment and local wildlife, and this funding allows us to take meaningful action in response."
"I'd like to thank the Western Australian Government and DPIRD for supporting this project and investing in practical on-ground programs that help protect the unique environment we all value here in the Perth Hills."
"This funding will enable the Shire to deliver a coordinated, long-term approach across a number of important reserves, helping protect native wildlife while improving our understanding of how we can achieve the best environmental outcomes."
Manager Environment and Sustainability Michael Pengelly said the project would allow the Shire to take a more coordinated approach to protecting biodiversity across multiple reserves.
"We know our community values the incredible biodiversity found throughout the Perth Hills, and this project is about taking practical action to help protect it."
"Foxes can have a significant impact on native wildlife, and this funding gives us the opportunity to look beyond short-term or isolated control measures and take a coordinated approach across several reserves."
"It means we can combine on-ground action with monitoring, education and community involvement to achieve stronger long-term outcomes for both wildlife and the environment."
Environmental Officer Daniel Pekel, who developed the successful grant application, said the project would build a better understanding of how wildlife protection efforts can be targeted and improved over time.
"This is about creating healthier bushland ecosystems and giving native wildlife the best opportunity to thrive."
"The funding enables us to combine monitoring, community engagement and carefully planned management activities across a number of reserves, helping us better understand what works and where we can make the biggest difference."
"Importantly, it's a long-term project that will help build knowledge, strengthen partnerships and deliver benefits that extend well beyond the life of the grant."
The project will also involve Aboriginal Rangers from the Noongar Land Enterprise Group, who will assist with monitoring activities alongside Shire officers and specialist contractors. Community information sessions and education initiatives will encourage residents to learn more about local biodiversity and play a role in caring for the natural environment.
Works are expected to commence in 2027 and continue through to 2029, helping protect native fauna and strengthen biodiversity outcomes across some of the Shire's most valued conservation areas.
Pictured (L-R): Shire of Mundaring CEO Jason Whiteaker, Environmental Officer Daniel Pekel, Minister for Agriculture and Food; Fisheries; Forestry; Small Business; Mid West Hon. Jackie Jarvis, Minister for the Environment; Climate Resilience; Community Services; Homelessness Hon. Matthew Swinbourn, Shire of Mundaring President Paige McNeil, Manager Environment and Sustainability Michael Pengelly.
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