Conservation land 200 kilometres north of Perth will be the focus of the Watheroo Region Conservation Program.
Initial efforts will target feral predators to protect native species across Watheroo National Park and nearby reserves, alongside 16,000 hectares of Woodside-managed land under the Australian Carbon Credit Unit scheme.
Local partnership
Woodside has partnered with DBCA to improve conservation outcomes in the Watheroo Region.
Woodside continues to support biodiversity initiatives surrounding Watheroo National Park (WNP) and adjacent reserves, including Pinjarrega (PNR) and Capamauro (CNR) nature reserves.
2026 represents year one of a three-year program that is guided by the Department's Midwest Regional Conservation Plan. The program builds upon previous conservation efforts and includes a comprehensive set of activities aimed at identifying biodiversity values, monitoring feral animal activity and improving ecological knowledge across the region.
Key components of this phase include the implementation of a 1080 baiting program, targeted goat trapping and aerial shoot operations to manage feral populations. Biodiversity monitoring will be conducted through camera arrays with scented lures complemented by species-specific surveys for Trapdoor spider (Idiosoma dandaragan) and Carnaby's cockatoo (Zanda latirostris). Annual malleefowl monitoring and Threatened Ecological Communities (TEC's) assessments focusing on Bentonite Lakes and Banksia Woodland will further contribute to understanding ecological health. The program also incorporates project documentation and filming to capture progress and outcomes.
DBCA staff will coordinate and deliver these activities in collaboration with the Turquoise Coast District team. The outcomes will assist Woodside in understanding biodiversity values within the national park and the company’s adjacent carbon farming properties, while also supporting the Turquoise Coast District in delivering regional conservation priorities.
Area of operations
Conservation objectives
- Implementing targeted feral animal control programs, including 1080 baiting, goat trapping and aerial shooting to reduce pressure on native species and habitats.
- Enhancing biodiversity monitoring through a standardised camera array, scented lures and reptile survey investigations, with a focus on priority species such as Trapdoor spider (Idiosoma dandaragan) and Carnaby's cockatoo (Zanda latirostris).
- Continuing annual malleefowl monitoring and ground truthing to assess population dynamics and threats.
- Conducting TEC assessments in the Bentonite Lakes and Banksia Woodland to inform long-term habitat management.
- Building cultural and operational partnerships through active involvement of YAC Rangers and neighbouring landholders.
These objectives will guide the delivery of measurable conservation outcomes and support adaptive management across the Watheroo region.
Media statements
Contact the project team
Turquoise Coast District
67 Bashford Street JURIEN BAY
Phone (08) 9688 6000
Email jurien@dbca.wa.gov.au
Watheroo National Park sign. Photo - DBCA
Woodside and DBCA staff on Woodside property adjoining Watheroo National Park. Photo - DBCA
Watheroo wildflowers. Photo - DBCA
Woodside property adjoining Watheroo National Park. Photo - DBCA
Aerial view of Watheroo National Park. Photo - DBCA
Project location
Project Timeline
On ground DBCA surveys and camera project
Formal launch of program
Feral animal management
- Cross tenure approach to controlling feral goats. 1080 baiting targeting the removal of feral cats and foxes.
Biodiversity Monitoring
- Continue efforts to review and maintain a standardised array of trail cameras across WNP, PNR and CNR. Align monitoring with baiting and trapping schedules to assess effectiveness.
Threatened Species Monitoring
- Continued surveys for Trapdoor spiders (Idiosoma dandaragan). Identify and monitor potential Carnaby's cockatoo (Zanda latirostris) nesting sites based on LIDAR tree stratification. Investigate and monitor malleefowl threats and potential impacts, particularly from feral cat and fox predation and bushfire.
