The Shire of Bruce Rock in Western Australia’s central wheat belt region is taking huge steps towards creating a sustainable, plastic bag free township. Located 244kms east of Perth, with a population of just 700 people, the Shire is working to promote a sustainable future for its residents, industry, flora and fauna.
Despite its small population, Bruce Rock has one of the region’s highest recycling rates averaging more than five tonnes of materials per month. The Shire is confronting the difficult issue of how to improve recycling rates in an isolated community. Bruce Rock has a recycling depot where residents can drop off their materials, and Council is investigating kerbside collection which would involve high transport costs to remove waste 140kms to the nearest recycling centre.
Other programs include oil recycling, a drum muster to reduce chemical drum landfill, improvements to the Bruce Rock landfill, plus the management of surface water runoff and groundwater issues throughout the Shire.
The Shire also collects rainwater from two large granite outcrops to use for the irrigation of parks and ovals. The water is directed into a small weir system and then flows into to a large dam that collects 20,000 KL during minimal rainfall events. From there it is pumped into Council’s other main dams, so the large dam can be replenished with each rainfall.
Landcare Officer, Mark Brown, was employed by the Shire four years ago to implement Council’s new environmental programs. His job has a particular focus on community, with education programs at the District High School and an annual community fair to promote Council’s environmental works.
Local businesses are also getting involved, with the town’s largest retail outlet introducing a surcharge on plastic bags, under a program aimed at reducing the town’s plastic bag use by 64 per cent.
“Youth, seniors, police, community and sporting clubs are also keen to raise awareness of conservation projects by participating in rubbish clean ups, litter prevention, revegetation programs and the fencing of remnant vegetation,” Mark Brown said.
Council’s five year objectives include tree preservation and the management of remnant vegetation. Bruce Rock is home to Symonanthus bancroftii (of which only one plant remains in the wild) and the rare mallefowl.
“The Shire has specific targets to manage habitats and strengthen corridors under its control, with no tree clearing allowed on public land since 1991,” Mark Brown said.
For more information please contact Mark Brown on (08) 9061 1677 or email landcare@brucerock.wa.gov.au
