Nick Wilson has joined the Eyre Peninsula Natural Resources Management Board (EPNRM) Whyalla office as the officer for the region.

He has an environmental management degree from Flinders University and a lifelong interest in natural resources.

Mr Wilson has been monitoring the movement of herds of feral goats on pastoral properties and working with local groups to help them control foxes, which have become a problem in outlying areas of Whyalla.

“I can also help people with controlling rabbits and I encourage people to contact me if they want to find out about the legal methods of rabbit control that can be used,”Mr Wilson said.

“Weeds that can spread quickly after summer rains have always been in Whyalla, such as caltrop, African boxthorn, innocent weed and khaki weed.

“The Board has developed a program to help residents and local authorities to quickly control outbreaks and prevent them from spreading.”

He can help residents and businesses plan their weed control and offer a weed identification service.

The Board is now seeking natural resources project ideas from individuals and the community.

Mr Wilson said examples of projects that could be considered included protection of remnant vegetation, revegetation with native species, coastal protection, management of creeklines and wetlands, and protection of soil and native plants around stock watering points.

“We are keen to look at projects for within Whyalla too, and these could include management of stormwater, caring for urban coastlines and initiatives for water conservation.

“Some examples could be projects to capture and re-use rainwater or stormwater or more efficient watering systems for parks and sports grounds.

“Submissions are also invited for projects to control pest animals and weeds that are a threat to biodiversity in the country, in the city and along the coast.”

Project proposals must be received by the close of business on August 1, 2008.

For a copy of the proposal form, and for any other natural resources management inquiries, contact the Whyalla EPNRM office on 8640 3481.