New ‘Caring for our Place’ program guides Margaret River residents to ‘tread lightly’ and reduce emissions

A new program launched last week by the local government will seek to educate and foster ways to take care of the Margaret River region.

The Shire of Augusta-Margaret River’s Caring for our Place initiative comes amid growing efforts to support ways residents can take ownership and act as custodians for the region’s environment and attractions.

It also follows a decision by the shire to focus on reeling back its own carbon emissions rather than set wider community targets, with education, leadership and advocacy to encourage residential users to cut down on water and energy costs.

Shire president Julia Meldrum said community feedback showed residents “care deeply” and wanted “to work together to reduce our environmental footprint”.

“In the beautiful words of cultural custodian Wayne Webb ‘Mother Earth is our most important resource. No matter culture or religion, all of us rely on Nala Boodja, our country’ and I think this sentiment encapsulates it perfectly,” Ms Meldrum said.

“The one thing that unifies us all is the beautiful place we call home, and together we must do everything within our power to care for it.

“The shire is committed to facilitating, advocating and funding action on sustainable living including water, waste, renewable energy and other sustainable practices.

“But most importantly, we want to make meaningful changes towards protecting the Margaret River region.”

The Caring for our Place tag would increasingly feature in events and education guiding residents to draw upon the Indigenous understanding of the six seasons.

“Often in our busy lives, we can get distracted and miss nature’s subtle cues,” Ms Meldrum said.

“However, when we take the time to observe nature’s changes and tread lightly on country, we can start to live in greater harmony with our land and environment.”

Nature Conservation Margaret River Region started the push for residents to embrace a custodian role, with general manager Drew McKenzie this week saying he “thoroughly welcomes” the shire’s new focus.

“We really appreciate the opportunity to collaborate with the shire on a number of projects that contribute towards Caring for our Place,” he said.

“It’s a good reminder that living here comes with a responsibility to tread lightly and contribute.”

A webpage linked to the new program outlined practical ways residents could meet aspirations, including recycling and reducing household waste and water use, shopping from local businesses and exploring more sustainable transport options.