The Coastal lifestyle value was identified as being at threat from an Increasing population. A drying climate has increased subdivision in areas that were once waterlogged on the Swan Coastal Plain which will further add to the increasing urbanisation of the area and its population growth.

Projected changes in the climate of this region may impact the characteristics of value to the communities of this area. As well as their lifestyle being impacted, so too may be their livelihoods.

Changes to community structures has seen a decline in volunteers and a change in ways of volunteering (with the use of social media and a change to short-term volunteering). There is an increase in older volunteers and an aging volunteer fire fighter profile.

A less engaged public means less stewardship over the natural environment. Arson has increased remarkably in the system and with an increase in extreme fire weather expected, this is a concern.

There has been improved partnerships with community, government and the catchment groups.

Cultural assets are being lost: Knowledge and language is being lost as well as the Noongar identity. Elders are aging and dying.

Increasing urbanisation of the system, particularly the near-coastal and coastal areas is resulting in a loss of farmland to development.

A positive change has been a decline in discharge from piggeries, feedlots and dairies to the sensitive environment.

A shift in seasons is being observed with summer seeming to be coming later. This will impact agricultural practices as well as the natural environment.

Growth in mining along the Scarp has increased resulting in an increase in vegetation clearing. There have been improvements in mine rehabilitation practices however rehab is impacting water flows and recharge. Monocultures have been created through old rehab practices.

There have been improvements in mine rehabilitation practices however rehab is impacting water flows and recharge. Monocultures have been created through old rehab practices.

There has been large changes to the coastal region of the system including changes to infrastructure such as the Perth – Mandurah train line and the Forrest Highway. The Dawesville Cut has had a large impact on the Peel-Harvey Estuary and its surrounding environment.

Revegetation techniques are continually improving and will need to continue to change with the changing climate.

Recent relaxing government policies on clearing a concern.

With a changing climate and current bush fire prevention methods, fuel loads were identified as increasing. Expected increases in extreme fire weather along with increased fuel loads means that fire frequency and intensity is expected to be often and more severe.

Changes in climate is also expected to increase the spread of Phytophthora Dieback and canker, impacting the native vegetation.

Changes in climate is also expected to increase the spread of weeds and pests.

There has already been reduced rainfall observed with further reductions expected. Water in waterways is lower and the floodplain is not waterlogged.

The estuary opening has been observed as being relatively stable.

With a changing climate and current bush fire prevention methods, fuel loads were identified as increasing. Expected increases in extreme fire weather along with increased fuel loads means that fire frequency and intensity is expected to be often and more severe.

Fewer summer storms have been observed already. Harsher winter storms experienced are causing erosion, sediment, water quality issues.

Sea level rise is expected to cause serious issues to the coastal environment and infrastructure.

Changes in climate is also expected to increase the spread of Phytophthora Dieback and canker, impacting the native vegetation.

The Dawesville cut has resulted in changes in fringing vegetation of the estuary, changing from an estuarine system to a marine system. It has improved the flushing of the system.

Due to changes in the water qualities (too salty) there have been observed changes to fish and marron species. The absence of Perch was noted.

A reduction in national shorebirds has been observed.

Highly fragmented landscape through clearing of vegetation on the coastal plain for development and inland for agriculture. Remnant vegetation, from bushland reserves to individual paddock trees, important to maintain landscape connectivity. A changing climate is expected to increase pressure on vegetation remnants.

Increasing infrastructure and urbanisation impacting on landscape directly (loss of vegetation) and indirectly (changing hydrology).

Roadside vegetation changes impacting on the landscape connectivity in the inland Wheatbelt region.