Centre of Excellence in Natural Resource Management
The Centre of Excellence in Natural Resource Management (CENRM) was an initiative of the GSDC structured as a cooperative partnership with agencies that have a vested interest in natural resource management. CENRM operates under the academic umbrella of the University of Western Australia.
Since its inception, CENRM has been particularly successful in attracting research funding for a wide range of regional, national and international projects. These have included the AusAID-funded Australian Water Research Facility. Funds from both the South Coast NRM and the South West Catchment Council support a range of regional projects that are addressing biophysical and social issues. Through the Regional Development Scheme CENRM secured $30,000 for the development of new industries, products and systems based on the native flora of the Great Southern.
In 2008/09 CENRM employed the equivalent of thirteen full-time and nineteen part-time teaching and administrative staff. The centre produced forty-three publications and reports that have been applied to the development and management of sustainability in the broader community.
The first students enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in Restoration Ecology graduated in 2008 and all continued with Honours in 2009. Seven students are currently enrolled in the PhD program. The centre has also taken over the coordination of the School of Earth and Environment’s postgraduate courses. CENRM has maintained a high standard of teaching and research and has the continued support of the community and the GSDC.
In 2008/09 the University of Western Australia secured $1.5 million funding through the Great Southern Regional Grants Scheme towards the construction and fit out of a new science building. With other State and Commonwealth Government funding commitments to the project, CENRM will have a permanent presence in the Great Southern.
