The South-West WA Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub (SW WA Hub), in partnership with SoilsWest at Murdoch University, has welcomed the appointment of environmental biologist Bridget Watkins as the new Regional Soil Coordinator.
Ms Watkins will play a key role in supporting WA farmers and land managers with best-practice soil management strategies to enhance soil health, sustainable agriculture, and drought resilience. She commenced the role with SoilsWest on 6 February 2025, based at Murdoch University.
SW WA Hub Director Dr Jo Wisdom highlighted the importance of her role in fostering long-term sustainability in Western Australia’s agricultural sector.
“Bridget’s appointment is a fantastic outcome for Western Australian farmers,” Dr Wisdom said.
“Her experience in environmental science and agriculture, combined with her strong communication skills, will help drive key partnerships and ensure farmers have access to the best soil management advice.
“The SW WA Hub is committed to supporting innovative approaches to soil stewardship that strengthen farming system resilience.”
The Regional Soil Coordinator Grant opportunity is supported by the Australian Government through the National Soil Action Plan and funding from the Climate-Smart Agriculture Program under the Natural Heritage Trust to the Grower Group Alliance (GGA), who leads the SW WA Hub. SoilsWest has been subcontracted by GGA to deliver the project’s objectives.
Ms Watkins brings over 15 years of experience in environmental science, including her recent role as an agricultural officer at CSBP, where she managed field trials, data analysis, and stakeholder engagement.
“The Hub team is excited to have Bridget on board and confident she will drive positive outcomes by facilitating connections between researchers, farmers, and community and grower groups to advance drought-resilient soil practices,” SW WA Hub Knowledge Broker Tanya Kilminster said.
“Bridget will disseminate knowledge, support projects and strengthen links between the SW WA Hub, SoilsWest, industry, research institutions, and other stakeholders.
“Our ultimate goal is to provide farmers and land managers with the practical tools and information they need to protect and enhance soil health, the foundation of sustainable agriculture. This will allow them to make evidence-based decisions for future growing seasons.”
SoilsWest Director, Associate Professor Fran Hoyle emphasised the position would continue to strengthen collaboration and knowledge exchange across research, industry, government, and landholder sectors in soil management with a focus on practical tools and evidence-based decision making.
“Murdoch University has a focus on translational science that benefits WA farmers,” Ms Hoyle said.
“Bridget’s background in environmental biology and her industry experience will be instrumental in facilitating knowledge exchange between researchers and land managers, ensuring Western Australian farmers can access the best resources to improve soil health and build resilience to climate challenges.”
The Regional Soil Coordinator project will be guided by an advisory committee comprising representatives from the SW WA Hub, SoilsWest, the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) and Natural Resource Management WA.
Ms Watkins will also play an integral role in Soil Science Australia’s Smart Soils National Community of Practice, sharing the latest soil science insights and tools to enhance soil management outcomes.
Farmers attending the Talkin’ Soil Health conference in York on 13 March will have the opportunity to meet Ms Watkins and learn more about her work in soil resilience. The event, hosted by Wheatbelt NRM, will feature discussions on practical strategies to improve soil health.
The SW WA Hub, funded by the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund, aims to improve the drought resilience and preparedness of local farmers and their communities, and to foster agricultural innovation.
For more information about the SW WA Hub and its work in building drought resilience, visit https://hub.gga.org.au/. To learn more about SoilsWest, visit www.soilswest.org.au.
