This year, WACMN continues to strengthen its statewide network of coastal and marine stewards, collaborating with regional communities to assess needs, plan actions, and build momentum.

Building on extensive community consultation conducted in 2024, WACMN is using these findings to guide our 2025 planning, ensuring our actions respond directly to community needs and support long-term, collaborative stewardship.

As climate pressures intensify, WACMN is mobilising knowledge and collective action, empowering local communities to lead with resilience and impact.

Needs Assessment & Planning across regional WA

To guide our role and response in supporting coastal and marine stewardship, WACMN undertook a comprehensive needs assessment in 2024. This involved consulting with on-ground stakeholders across five regions:

• North Coast (Kimberley & Pilbara) • Gascoyne Coast
• Midwest Coast • South West Coast • South Coast

Thirty stakeholder interviews—five in each region—were conducted to gather local perspectives on the challenges, gaps, and opportunities facing communities. These findings informed both regional and statewide planning efforts.

Statewide Needs Assessment Report

The findings from our consultation have informed a statewide report that outlines WACMN’s five-year action plan, including a shared vision for a connected, cross-sectoral community of practice and a roadmap to achieve these goals.