What is biodiversity?Biodiversity can be defined as the natural variety of living things including plants, animals and microorganisms, the genes they contain, and the ecosystems of which they form a part.
Threats to biodiversityThe greatest threatening activity to the Shire’s local biodiversity is any change in land use which results in the clearing of native vegetation, including construction of housing and infrastructure and the expansion of agricultural activities.
Where natural areas are surrounded by cleared or developed areas, a range of other threats become evident, including:
- Weed infestations.
- Increased frequency of fire.
- Spread of Phytophthora (dieback).
- Feral animals.
- Increased rubbish dumping.
- Physical disturbance by vehicles, pedestrians, bikes and horses.
Protecting our natural vegetationVegetation complexes have been mapped for the entire south west of the state by Heddle et al. (1980). Vegetation complexes are derived from an assessment of mapping of soils, landforms and rainfall information.
There are 22 vegetation complexes mapped for the Shire of Harvey, which covers sections of the Swan Coastal Plain to the west and the Darling Scarp and Plateau to the east.
Some vegetation complexes have been cleared to critical levels in the past, in particular on the eastern side of the Swan Coastal Plain for the purpose of agriculture. As large sections of the Swan Coastal Plain have been cleared the majority of remnant vegetation within this section of the Shire is locally and regionally significant.
Local Biodiversity StrategyThe Shire is committed to the protection of Biodiversity. The Shire's Local Biodiversity Strategy sets out a future approach to the protection, retention and management of the natural environment, the conservation of Biodiversity, and local community engagement.
Strategy’s Vision for the community:
“A community where natural areas are valued, protected, retained and enhanced, supporting a rich Biodiversity that enhances the quality of life,
work and play for all.”
Strategy’s Vision for the Shire of Harvey: “
A landscape where Biodiversity is prioritised in all decisions, ensuring the long-term ecological integrity of the Shire that enhances the quality of life,
work and play for all.”