Published on Thursday, 19 December 2024 at 4:50:30 PM

Wildflowers are an iconic feature of Western Australia (WA), attracting tens of thousands of visitors to the state each year. Recognising this, the State Government, through Tourism Western Australia (Tourism WA) and alongside organisations such as the RAC and local governments, actively promotes the WA wildflower season to potential local, interstate and international holidaymakers using a variety of marketing initiatives.  

To support these efforts, the Wildflower Society of Western Australia (WSWA) has introduced the Wildflower Excellence Rating Scheme. This initiative aims to recognise and reward excellence in the conservation, protection, and management of wildflowers to ensure WA continues to attract nature enthusiasts to its best wildflower locations. Local governments participating in the scheme are assessed and awarded star ratings based on the quality and management of wildflower areas, including nature reserves and roadside vegetation under their care.

In July 2024, Eddy Wajon, Project Officer for the WSWA, invited the Shire of Merredin to participate in the newly launched Wildflower Excellence Rating Scheme. This program follows on from the former Wildflower Friendliness Rating Scheme (2019–2020), in which the Shire of Merredin was successfully recognised both years.

The Central Wheatbelt Visitor Centre (CWVC), on behalf of the Shire, enthusiastically undertook the application process. An assessment of the quality of vegetation within natural areas, local reserves, and roadside reserves under the Shire’s management was conducted according to the scheme's criteria. The submission was supported by an extensive collection of wildflower images captured during the 2024 wildflower season, with additional contributions from the WSWA Merredin Branch. The completed application was submitted in late August 2024.

In early December 2024, the Shire of Merredin was proud to receive recognition as a 4-Star local government under the Wildflower Excellence Rating Scheme. This prestigious rating reflects the Shire’s commitment to preserving and maintaining high-value conservation areas.

As part of this achievement, the WSWA will be providing the Shire with a comprehensive promotional package, including:

• A plaque and certificate acknowledging and highlighting the excellence of the Shire of Merredin as a leading wildflower local government in retaining and maintaining natural areas, reserves and roadsides with high conservation value.
• a consignment of locally native tube stock suitable to be planted in the Shire of Merredin’s main town centre or other designated locations.
• Promotion of the 4-Star rating on the WSWA’s website and Facebook page, which has over 39,000 followers.
• Notification of the achievement to the WA Local Government Association (WALGA).
• Regular promotion of the Shire’s wildflower displays during the wildflower season through WSWA’s social media platforms, supported by the Merredin Branch of the Society.
• Efforts to secure written articles in newspapers and magazines promoting the Shire’s wildflower displays.

The Shire of Merredin is eager to collaborate with the WSWA to coordinate a planting program, selecting appropriate locally native plants from regional nurseries, and designing and placing a plaque in the Merredin Town Centre to commemorate this achievement.

This recognition reflects the Shire of Merredin’s dedication to preserving its natural heritage and promoting itself as a leading wildflower destination in WA.

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