Noongar Native Grasses Trial – Community Stewardship Grant

The Noongar Native Grasses Trial, funded through the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development’s (DPIRD) Community Stewardship Program, supports First Nations landowners to adopt regenerative agriculture and cultural practices, including cultural burning, to care for Noongar Boodja (country).

With more than 95 per cent of Noongar Boodja cleared in the past two centuries, predominantly for broadacre farming, ecosystems and biodiversity have been severely affected. This trial works to repair landscapes through the reintroduction of native grasses, supported by landcare activities and ongoing research.

The work is underway at three sites: Yallalie Downs (Beemurra Aboriginal Corporation) near Dandaragan, Avondale Park (Yaraguia Enterprises) near Beverley, and NLE’s Boola Boornap native tree nursery near Northam. At each location, Noongar-led enterprises are partnering with researchers to show how native grass species can improve soils, biodiversity and farming sustainability.

By combining the expertise of Curtin University and the Native Seed Technology Innovation Hub with Noongar stewardship, the project blends science and cultural knowledge to create resilient landscapes and lasting connections to Country.