Best Management Practice: Bushland

Home | TCG | Catchment | Project Background | Publications | Help | News | Events | Caring | Community | Contacts

Bushland Management in the Torbay Catchment


Karri Forest


Jarrah/Banksia open forest


Good quality bush can fulfil a range of functions and values.

Torbay's Bushland

The Torbay catchment has a variety of bush areas, ranging from small, scattered remnants to large blocks. These are found on both private property and in public reserves. The nature reserves managed by the Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) are Marbellup, Down Road, Barrett's Meadow, Lake Powell and the West Cape Howe National Park. There is also the large tract of coastal Crown land that joins the West Cape Howe National Park to Torndirrup National Park.

in all there is about 11,500 ha of remnant vegetation in the Torbay catchment. This is around 36% of the catchment. Aside from these bush areas, many farms have scattered paddock trees, windbreaks or vegetation along drains and creeks. These can provide valuable corridors and should also be protected and enhanced where necessary.

What role does the bush have?

Bushland has a range of different values and provides ecosystem services that has benefit to our whole community.

These include:

  • Habitat for native birds and animals.
  • Aesthetic values.
  • Micro-climate values: shade and shelter for humans, animals and crops.
  • Pollination of crops by birds and insects.
  • Providing a habitat for birds and insects that help protect crops and pastures from pest attack.
  • Filtering water or providing areas of clean water supply.
  • Protection of soil by reducing wind & water erosion.
  • Carbon sequestration.

Whose responsibility is it to manage the bush?

Management of bushland is the responsibility of the landowner, whether that is an individual, business or government agency. While having bushland is a privilege, we recognise that looking after it may put added pressure on already busy farmers. This is where the Torbay Catchment Group and other organisations are able to help.

Remember, native vegetation is protected by law in Western Australia under the Environmental Protection Act 1986. Most types of clearing are prohibited unless a permit has been granted. The Department of Environment & Conservation manage the vegetation clearing permit system.

With the stock excluded, this bush will recover.

Your local NRM officer can help you with managing your bushland

[Next]