New Funding Initiative Supports Volunteer Environmental Efforts in Peel-Harvey Region
A significant new funding opportunity has emerged for community volunteers dedicated to environmental conservation in Western Australia's Peel-Harvey catchment area. Waterways WA is now offering grants of up to $5,000 for both new and ongoing volunteer-led projects that positively impact local waterways and aquatic environments.
Research-Driven Pilot Program
This innovative pilot project is being hosted by the University of Western Australia and receives support from the Feilman Foundation. It specifically targets not-for-profit groups whose work contributes to the health and regeneration of aquatic ecosystems. According to UWA School of Sciences Professor of regional development, Kirsten Martinus, the initiative represents a new research approach examining the critical role of local volunteer groups in supporting waterway regeneration efforts.
"We want to understand how to most effectively roll out small grant programs to have the greatest impact," Professor Martinus explained. "We're particularly interested in the health of waterways in WA, and what we as a community can do to enrich the health of its ecosystems."
Broad Scope for Diverse Projects
The program aims to award 15 small grants to community organisations operating within the Peel area. What makes this initiative particularly valuable is its intentionally broad scope - volunteer projects can encompass anything from vegetation management and waterbird conservation to shellfish habitat restoration and water quality improvement.
"It's a broad scope and we're not looking to exclude," Dr Martinus emphasised. "It's completely up to the volunteer groups to put forward a case that will enrich the wider ecosystem of the waterways."
Why Peel-Harvey Was Chosen
The Peel-Harvey catchment area was selected as the pilot location for several strategic reasons. Professor Martinus noted that the region offers easy accessibility and features a diverse range of community groups that already demonstrate ownership and engagement with its various waterways. This combination makes it an ideal testing ground for understanding how volunteer organisations organise, collaborate, and deliver meaningful environmental impact.
Dual Purpose: Funding and Research
Beyond simply distributing funds, the program incorporates a significant research component. The UWA team will conduct detailed studies exploring how volunteer groups structure their operations, build collaborations, and achieve measurable outcomes. These valuable learnings will then be applied to develop similar programs in other catchment areas across Western Australia.
Professor Martinus, who also serves as director of the UWA Future Regions Lab, highlighted the program's dual objectives: "Alongside the grants, the team will conduct a research project which will explore how volunteer groups organise, collaborate and deliver impact, and then take the learnings to apply in another catchment area."
Application Details and Deadline
Community groups interested in applying for these environmental grants should note that submissions close on February 13, 2026. Applications can be submitted through the Waterways WA website at waterwayswa.au. This represents a valuable opportunity for volunteer organisations to secure funding that could significantly enhance their capacity to protect and restore Western Australia's precious aquatic environments.
