The Conservation Council of WA is the state’s peak non-government environment organisation — a voice for the environment since 1967.

Who we are

The Conservation Council of WA was formed in 1967 by four community conservation groups – WA Naturalists Club, The Tree Society, The Wildflower Society (WA) and the Kings Park and Swan River Society in response to rapid development in mining, agricultural expansion, power lines and roads leading to a noticeable loss of our natural heritage.

The main aim of forming the Council initially was to provide a clearing house for information and to enable coordination and the development of strategies on issues of common interest. Originally named the Nature Conservation Council the ‘Nature’ was dropped several years later as the Council became involved in broader environmental issues. Initially the Nature Conservation Council had few resources and was heavily dependent upon those of member bodies.

Local community concern at the time led to the formation of many other community conservation groups many of who became affiliated with the Nature Conservation Council providing it with the necessary resources to undertake a major campaign.

The Council was founded on the strength of the community and as it has grown to incorporate paid staff and project officers the foundation of the Council is still very much that of its affiliated member groups.


What we do

The Conservation Council is an outspoken advocate of environmental protection. We inform the public and governments on key environmental issues and participate in government and community processes that seek to restore and protect the natural environment. We are the State's main non-government organisation for accessing conservation resources and networks in WA and assist many members of the community and conservation-focused groups throughout the State.

The Council is the State’s representative for conservation groups who are active in protecting the natural environment and sustainability in WA.

We do this through:

Communication 
We maintain a close working relationship with those involved in drafting legislative proposals. The Council communicates regularly with federal, state & local Government to promote increased environmental protection. We monitor government and respond by supporting or opposing legislation/policy.  We meet with government agencies and act on issues that require change.

Advocacy
We promote positive change to legislation and policy, change community attitudes on environmental issues, assist conservation groups or projects to gain access to resources and funding, make Government accountable ensuring there is transparency in their actions and decisions and ensure the conservation community has a voice and that it will be heard.

Policy Development
The Council has its own set of environmental policies which directs the work that we do and our position on various environmental issues. The Council contributes to policy development at the government level by being involved in public consultation processes and being represented on various committees and working groups. This enables the Council to input the concerns of our Affiliated Member Groups into public policy, legislation and planning.