Dung beetle soil health initiative
The WA Government is investing in a $500,000 action plan to combat the build-up of native bushflies impacting South West tourism and local residents.
The Dung beetle soil health initiative will help farmers adopt the beneficial species to help reduce the bushfly population across the region.
Warren Catchments Council Inc has been awarded the tender to the manage the soil health initiative project and drive the long-term establishment of dung beetles in the area, drawing on its extensive expertise and connections in the region. It will undertake the work in partnership with the Wilson Inlet Catchment Committee.
The initiative includes support for South West livestock producers to integrate dung beetles into their operations to improve soil health and reap the benefits from improved pastures, including better animal growth rates and more milk in dairy cattle. Education, extension and outreach activities will be an integral part of the program to help landholders better understand the bushfly breeding cycle, benefits to their businesses and measures to help reduce the fly population.
The initiative will also partner with farmers and tourism businesses to undertake research and trials to identify suitable dung beetle species that deliver a successful, year round program – backed by science and experience.