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Media release by date:
2009 2008
Search for archive media releases in the Conservation Council document store here. Click here 2 September 2010 Golden Gecko Awards a public relations exercise for environmental disasters Western Australia’s peak environment group today questioned the credibility of the Golden Gecko awards for environmental management in the mining and petroleum industry. The awards were announced last night by the Minister for Mines and Petroleum, Hon. Norman Moore. Read more>> 31 August 2010 New report warns iconic Kimberley tourism brand at risk from industrialisation A new study by the Curtin University Sustainable Tourism Centre identifies plans for a massive polluting LNG industrial site near Broome as a serious threat to the Kimberley’s unique and globally-recognised tourism ‘brand’.
The report entitled “Kimberley Whale Coast Tourism: A review of opportunities and threats” by Dr Michael Hughes and colleagues from Curtin University was commissioned by environment groups and launched today. Read more>> 26 August 2010 State and EPA must follow Council lead in opposing Margaret River coal mine West Australia’s peak environment group has congratulated the Margaret River Council on taking a strong stand to protect local community, industry, environment and the Margaret River Brand from proposed coal mine.
At the local council meeting last night the Margaret River council came out in unison to say it has arrived at the position of joining the fight against the coal mining proposal. Read more>> 26 August 2010 Wellington Dam desal problems cast doubt on water-wasting coal expansion
Western Australia’s peak environment group said that today’s revelations on the difficulty of fixing the salinity problems of the Wellington Dam have cast serious doubt on the sustainability of water use in the region, and highlight the urgent need to rethink a massive water-wasting coal expansion in the area. Read more>> 26 August 210 Glass recycling plant will help tackle waste crisis; refund scheme now urgently needed Western Australia’s Peak Environment group today welcomed the opening of a glass recycling plant for WA by Donna Faragher MLC Minister for the Environment, and renewed its call for the introduction of a recycling refund scheme to boost recycling in WA. Read more>> 20 August 2010 Liberal and Labor forest policies an environmental disaster Western Australia’s peak environment group has labelled the both Liberal and Labor Parties’ policies on forests a disaster the environment in WA if they were implemented. Read more>> 19 August 2010 What: Rally against uranium mining
Where: St Barbara Square, Kalgoorlie from 12 noon speakers – then walking to WMC Centre 44 MacDonald St Kalgoorlie
When: Thursday 19th August 12 noon Goldfielders will take to the streets of Kalgoorlie today to welcome the sustainable mining conference and make it clear that uranium mining is unwanted and unsustainable. Read more>> 17 August 2010 Labor to save WA’s unique marine life Conservationists have today welcomed the Gillard Labor Government’s new national marine protection policy. In its ‘Marine Park Policy’ Labor has committed to a fully funded network of marine parks, including highly protected marine sanctuaries, throughout the Commonwealth waters off Western Australia’s southwest by the middle of next year. Read more>> 13 August 2010 John Butler to headline Walk Against Warming this Sunday Sunday August 15, Fremantle’s favourite resident musician and activist, John Butler will be headlining the Walk Against Warming event taking place at the Fremantle Esplanade from midday. Piers Verstegen, Director of the Conservation Council said, “Walk Against Warming has become Australia’s most significant community climate event. This year, we will not only be sending a clear message to politicians that Australia wants action on climate change, but we are thrilled to have John Butler (John Butler Trio), Josh Byrne (Gardening Australia) and the Brow Horn Orchestra to ensure we have a damn good time doing it!” Read more>> 12 August 2010 Walk Against Warming: Politicians told to Walk with the People, not the Big Polluters. Less than a week before the federal election thousands of Australians will take to the street to deliver their message for politicians to walk with the people, and not the big polluters to tackle climate change. Read more>> 6 August 2010 Conservation Council announces new online web program to help Ministers Combat Climate Change Western Australia’s peak environment group today responded to the launch of a new ‘website program to help students combat climate change’ by pledging to release their own online program to help Ministers to combat climate change. Conservation Council Director, Piers Verstegen welcomed the new website aimed at school children but said “The future of our climate is in the hands of the Minister and the Barnett government.” Read more>> 6 August 2010 No nukes is good news... Anti nuclear activists gathered outside Federal MP Dennis Jensen’s office today, to protest against the Federal Member for Tangney’s remarks on climate change and nuclear power. Read more>> 5 August 2010 National forest protest actions for complete logging industry overhaul A national forest day of action is taking place across six states and territories today to call for the protection of our native forests, and a legislated ban on the burning of native forests to produce energy. In Western Australia forest activist are targeting the Forest Products Commission (FPC) head office at 117 Great Eastern Highway from 8am. Read more>> 30 July 2010 Walk Against Warming to replace Red Bull Air Race as the next tourism drawcard for Perth Western Australia’s peak environment group today suggested that the annual Walk Against Warming could be the next international tourism drawcard for Perth, to replace the Red Bull Air Race. The Conservation Council announced that the 2010 Walk Against Warming would be held on Sunday August 15 at Fremantle’s Esplanade Reserve, with participants planting a sea of windmills on a huge map of Western Australia to show support for renewable energy. Read more>> 3 August 2010 Save Our Marine Life launches Marginal Seats Advertising Campaign Hard hitting ads featuring an oiled pelican from the Gulf of Mexico will be launched today in hotly contested marginal seats at the Federal Election as a reminder that both parties are still supporting the expansion of the oil and gas industry over marine protection. Advertisements will appear from today in community newspapers in the electorates of Hasluck, Swan, Canning and Perth. Read More>> 3 August 2010 Coal mine proposal would undermine Margaret River environment and economy West Australia’s peak environment group has supported Margaret River residents, wineries and tourist operators who are opposed to a proposal by mining company L-D Operations to open up a coal mine just 15 kilometers outside of the world renowned wine and tourism drawcard of Margaret River. Conservation Council Director, Piers Verstegen said “Margaret River is a world class winery, tourism and surfing drawcard and in the past few months we have seen oil rigs proposed for the coastline and now a coalmine proposed for the backyard of this iconic region.” Read More>> 27 July 2010 Tony Abbott out of touch with WA voters on marine protection Today’s announcement that a Coalition Government would suspend planning for marine sanctuaries around Australia shows that Tony Abbott is out of touch with coastal loving Western Australians, the Conservation Council of WA and Wilderness Society said today. Conservation Council of WA and Wilderness Society as part of the Save Our Marine Life alliance have been campaigning in the Southwest for almost two years and have found high levels of support in the community for increased marine protection. Read more>> 23 July 2010 Gillard’s coal policy opens a window of opportunity for big polluters Western Australia’s peak environment has group expressed extreme frustration at the lack of leadership on climate change from the Australian Labor Party in response to Prime Minister Julia Gillard’s announcements on climate change. Conservation Council Director, Piers Verstegen said “let’s call a spade a spade – Labor’s climate policy is actually a coal policy and shows all the hallmarks of being written by the coal industry.” Read more>> 21 July 2010 Energy Minister must commit to NO purchase of new coal energy and 20% renewable target for WA Western Australia’s peak environment group welcomed clarifications made by Energy Minister the Hon. Peter Collier on ABC radio today regarding the approval of three proposed new coal-fired power stations in WA. Minister Collier was forced to defend the WA Government’s commitment to renewable energy, stating that environmental approvals had been granted for the massive coal expansion, but that they “... should not be interpreted as a commitment by the government to purchase power from these power plants” Read More>> 21 July 2010 Community demands inquiry while uranium miners meet behind closed doors This morning a delegation of unions, Indigenous groups, health professionals, environmental organisations and local community groups assembled at the Australian Uranium Conference in Fremantle to voice their opposition to a uranium mining industry in WA. The protest will be broadcast live on the PAKAM radio network covering the Kimberley’s and Northern Pilbara. The groups renewed their calls for the Barnett Government to hold a Public Inquiry in the impacts of the nuclear industry on worker health, the environment and communities. Read More>> 20 July 2010 Uranium Mining WA doesn't dig it What: Community Action calling for public enquiry at Australian Uranium Conference When: Wednesday 21st July from 8am- 9am Where: Esplanade Hotel, corner of Marine Parade and Essex St, Fremantle Why: CCWA and community groups calling for public inquiry into impacts of nuclear industry on health, workers, environment and communities in WA and nationally. Who: Conservation Council of WA, Traditional Owners, AMWU, Anti Nuclear Alliance WA, Fremantle Anti Nuclear Group, Unions WA, The Wilderness Society, CEPU, the West Australia Nuclear Free Alliance Media Comment: Mia Pepper, CCWA Nuclear Free Campaigner. 0415 380 808 Speakers: Senator Scott Ludlum, Australian Greens
Brad Pettit, City of Fremantle Mayor
Steve Mc Cartney, AMWU State Secretary
Kado Muir, Australian Greens 2nd Candidate “We are calling on the Barnett government to hold an open and transparent Public Inquiry into uranium mining in WA before they sign over this state to the nuclear industry. Read More>> 20 July 2010 Community action against destruction of UWA Underwood bushland What: Community protest against planned clearing of Shenton Park bushland
When: 8am, Tuesday, July 20.
Where: Outside the University of WA, cnr Stirling Hwy and Winthrop Avenue, Nedlands
Who: Concerned citizens, community and environmental groups
Contact: Margaret Owen 0400 540 853 The Cockatoo Coalition made up of the Friends of Underwood Bushland, the Conservation Council of WA, the Friends of Beeliar Wetlands, the WA Forest Alliance, will hold a community action over the planned development of bushland at Underwood Avenue, Shenton Park. Read More>> 17 July 2010 Leadership required on Marine Sanctuaries and Climate this election With the announcement of the Federal Election today the Conservation Council of WA called on both parties to show leadership in protecting the future of WA's environment. " West Australian's care about our environment, however less than 1% of our oceans are protected and we are lacking leadership on climate change," said Conservation Council Director Piers Verstegen. Read More>> 12 July 2010 Joint Media Statement - Premier, the Humpbacks are arriving in the Kimberley – but where’s their marine park? Premier Colin Barnett must explain why there are still no plans released for a marine park to protect one the world’s most important Humpback Whale nurseries on the Kimberley coast, leading WA conservation organisations said today. A full page advertisement in today’s Western Australian newspaper has urged the Premier to keep his promise to protect Camden Sound and the surrounding region “forever”. Read More>> 12 July 2010 Barnett’s coal expansion is environmental; economic vandalism for WA Western Australia’s peak environment group expressed outrage today at a decision by the Barnett Government to approve three new highly polluting coal-fired power stations and recommission 2 outdated ones from the 1960’s The approvals were granted without any effective requirements to reduce carbon pollution. Read more>> 6 July 2010 Public Health Forum - Health consequences of uranium mining Where: University of WA, Alexander Lecture Theatre (enter car park 3 off Hackett Drive Nedlands)
When: Tuesday 6th July 7pm – 8.30pm
What: Key note speaker and panel discussion on the health consequences of uranium mining and launch of a community information brochure on uranium and health The Public Health Association of Australia, the Medical Association for the Prevention of War, Doctors for the Environment and the Conservation Council of WA have raised concern about the health impacts of uranium mining in response to increasing pressure from the nuclear industry to establish uranium mining in Western Australia. Read More>> 30 June 2010 $50M wasted on energy points to WA carbon pollution failure Western Australia’s Peak Environment group, today criticised the State Government for failing to meet government energy efficiency targets and allowing WA carbon pollution to skyrocket out of control. The Conservation Council was responding to a report released today by the WA Auditor General who found that the State government had wasted over $50million on energy that was not needed, resulting in nearly 350 000 tonnes of unnecessary carbon pollution. Read More >> 21 June 2010 Oil spill risk makes marine protection a federal election issue Rising community and environmental concern about a lack of action to provide safeguards against the risk of large scale oil spills in Australia will be a high profile issue leading up to the federal election, Australia’s leading conservation groups said today in a joint statement. An unprecedented alliance of 32 environment groups including the Australian Conservation Foundation, WWF Australia and Pew Environment Group are calling on all political parties to commit to a network of large marine sanctuaries this coming election to provide safeguards for Australia’s unique marine life. Read more>> 4th June 2010
Support for Native Title Holders right to say ‘no’ to Yeelirrie uranium mine proposal Western Australia’s Peak environment group has lent support to the Central Desert Native Title Service who announced yesterday that Traditional Owners of the Yeelirrie area oppose uranium mining and will not negotiate with BHP Billiton over the proposed Yeelirrie Uranium mine.
Mia Pepper Nuclear Free Campaigner, Conservation Council of WA said “Traditional Owners are rightfully concerned about the development of uranium mines in their country.” Read more>> 2nd June 2010 WA carbon pollution to soar as EPA backs ‘unproven and unlikely’ clean-coal
Conservation Council appeals new coal power stations; fertiliser plant Western Australia’s Peak environment group today announced it had appealed against three new coal-fired power stations and a coal-fired fertiliser plant which would together increase Western Australia’s carbon pollution by over 10%.
The Environmental Protection Authority has recommended that the four projects can go ahead, with the condition that they implement controversial ‘Carbon Capture and Storage’(CCS) technology no later than five years after it becomes ‘technically and commercially proven’. This technology would rely on capturing, liquefying and pumping carbon pollution underground. Read More >> 27th May 2010 6000 letters send clear message to Premier “Don’t Fail the Whales” Premier Colin Barnett will today receive more than 6000 messages asking “don’t fail the whales” from the public concerned that the Kimberley’s breeding grounds for humpback whales will not receive proper protection in marine sanctuaries.
The presentation of letters to the Premier this morning will be marked by the sounds of whales ringing out over Parliament and a 10m inflatable whale.
Every year the humpback whales give birth and breed in their home ground between Broome and Camden Sound, an area of unique and pristine habitat. Read more>> 25th May 2010 Budget hides further energy price rise for families while polluters get free water; subsidised energy Western Australia’s peak environment group said that the State Budget announced last week would condemn WA families to rising energy costs for decades by locking in highly polluting fossil fuels as the dominant energy sources in Western Australia. Conservation Council Director, Piers Verstegen said “The Premier has told families to expect rising energy costs in the next two years, but he must come clean on the more significant costs they will be forced to bear in the future due to skyrocketing carbon pollution.” Read More>> 20th May 2010 State Budget Rewards Polluters; Punishes Environment Responding to the release of the second Barnett Government budget, Western Australia’s peak environment group said the budget reflected a government that has placed the environment as one of its lowest priorities. Piers Verstegen, Conservation Council Director said “This budget continues the trend of running our environmental regulators on the smell of an oily rag. Read more>> 17th May 2010 NEW MARGARET RIVER OIL LEASE RISKS SW MARINE LIFE Against the backdrop of the worsening Louisiana Oil spill, Resources Minister Martin Ferguson has ignored a sustained community backlash and approved the new Margaret River Oil lease, putting at risk unique marine life in WA’s southwest. In the month since the Conservation Council uncovered plans for the new oil lease just 83kms from Margaret River in an area under consideration for marine sanctuaries; over 250 people have rallied in Margaret River, 1850 people have written letters to Minister Ferguson, the local ALP candidate has written an open letter opposing the development and Greens Senator Rachel Siewert has opposed the move through a disallowance motion in Federal Parliament. Read more>> 11th May 2010 Conservation and Aboriginal Leaders launch new campaign against uranium mining Western Australia’s Peak Environment group and will today launch a new postcard, as part of the campaign to prevent uranium mining in Western Australia. The launch is timed to coincide with the Australian Uranium summit. The new postcards, which will be sent to Premier Barnett, expose the unresolved issues with radioactive tailings waste which is the end result of uranium mining.
The Conservation Council’s Nuclear Free Campaigner, Mia Pepper said “The radioactive tailings waste left from uranium mining means every single mine site will remain radioactive for tens of thousands of years.”
“While government and industry are meeting behind closed doors to fast track this unnecessary and unwanted industry, we are again calling for an open and transparent public inquiry into the hasty development of uranium exploration and mining in Western Australia” Read more>> 7th May 2010 New Margaret River Oil Threat Prompts Rally for Sanctuaries WHAT: ‘Save Our Marine Life Rally’
Rally to protect Margaret River coast from oil rig threat and call for marine sanctuary.
WHEN: Midday, Saturday May 8, 2010
MEDIA CONFERENCE: 11.45 am Reuther Park. Tim Nicol, Conservation Council W.A.
WHERE; Reuther Park, Margaret River.
WHY:
Recently revealed plans to open up a massive new oil lease offshore from Margaret River have prompted the Surfrider Foundation and Conservation Council of WA to join forces with local South West groups in a call for large marine sanctuaries in the area.
The rally comes as plans for new offshore oil development highlight the growing threat to the Southwest’s unique marine environment; Resources Minister Martin Ferguson plans to release a new oil lease at a petroleum industry conference on the 16th May. The new lease would be just 83kms offshore from Margaret River and in an area designated for assessment for future marine sanctuaries. Read more>> 20th April 2010 Don’t fail the whales.com
New campaign puts Premier Barnett on notice West Australians are being asked to join a new campaign launched today to help protect 22,000 humpback whales that feed and breed off the Kimberley coast. WA’s leading environmental organisations – the Council Conservation of WA, The Wilderness Society and Environs Kimberley – launched Don’t Fail The Whales (http://www.dontfailthewhales.com/), calling on the Premier to keep to his promise to protect the calving grounds off the Kimberley coast. Conservation Council of WA Director Piers Verstegen said “The Kimberley coast from Broome to Camden Sound, including the proposed site for a massive LNG hub is the most important calving ground for humpback whales in the world.” Read more>> 30th April 2010 Fertiliser regulations welcome but must be extended to farms Western Australia’s peak environment group strongly welcomed new regulations announced today for garden fertilisers by Hon. Donna Faragher, Minister for the Environment. Minister Faragher announced that a limit would be placed on the phosphorous content of home fertilisers and that new labelling requirements would be introduced, however the regulations do not apply to agricultural fertilisers which are the main source of nutrient pollution in rivers and waterways. Read more>> 28th April 2010 Rudd’s climate backflip will hurt economy and increase carbon pollution Western Australia’s peak environment group today criticised the Rudd Government for abandoning its commitment to take action on climate change by indefinitely delaying the introduction of an emissions trading scheme. Conservation Council Director, Piers Verstegen said “It is extremely disappointing to see the Rudd government abandon the issue of climate change when there is still strong support from the electorate to take action. Read More >> 23rd April 2010 The science is in: WA must act on marine sanctuaries Today the Department of Environment released a landmark report strongly supporting the benefits of a network of marine sanctuaries for Western Australia. Billed at the time of commissioning as the definitive scientific statement on marine sanctuaries in WA; this report was designed to end years of debate into the need for marine sanctuaries and their place in protecting WA’s marine life. Read more>> 22nd April 2010 WA Communities will not be fooled by appointments of Uranium industry spin doctor Western Australia’s Peak Environment group and the WA Nuclear Free Alliance said they were concerned but not surprised by yesterday’s announcement that that the Australian Uranium Association had appointed a public relations professional to talk up the industry in Aboriginal communities. Piers Verstegen, Director of the Conservation Council of Western Australia said “The Australian Uranium Association is a front group established purely to promote the interests of an unsafe, unnecessary and unwanted uranium mining industry in Western Australia. No amount of spin and PR will make this dangerous industry acceptable to Western Australians.” Read more>>
14th April 2010 Conservation Council urges Commonwealth intervention to protect critically endangered wetlands
Western Australia’s peak environment group today called for the Commonwealth Government to urgently intervene to protect Western Australia’s remaining wetlands from further destruction.
The Council has submitted a proposal for the Wetlands of the Swan Coastal Plain, including the Perth Metropolitan area to be recognised as a ‘Threatened Ecological Community’ under Commonwealth legislation. Read more>> 13th April 2010 Massive Southwest bauxite mining expansion must not be approved by stealth Environment groups today called on the EPA and Environment Minister to ensure that a massive bauxite mining expansion planned for the state’s Southwest did not avoid thorough environmental assessment.
New resource company Bauxite Resources Limited has announced plans to the Australian Stock Exchange for a massive expansion of bauxite strip mining in the Southwest. The company has aggressively acquired mining and exploration leases over areas over more than 23,000 square kilometers of land, including farmland, national parks and State forest. Read more>> 12th April 2010 Ocean Oil Expansion to Impact Future Marine Parks Western Australia’s peak conservation body has called on the Prime Minister to intervene after it was revealed that an oil industry expansion proposed for release in May will impact areas identified for inclusion in a new network of marine parks, including a large area of proposed new leases offshore from Margaret River. On Saturday a spokesperson for Resources Minister Martin Ferguson confirmed that new oil leases will be announced at the annual APPEA conference on the 16th May, but maps found on the Resources Department website reveal that at least one of these proposed leases is within an area identified by the Environment Department as having high conservation values worthy of consideration for a marine park. Read more>> 29 March 2010 Fishing Industry and Conservation Council to Monitor
Mercury Threat from Dredging The South Coast Purse Seine Fishery will be working with the Conservation Council (WA) Citizen Science program to monitor the bio-magnification of mercury in the marine food chain of King George Sound.
Mercury levels, above the ANZEEC dredging guidelines for ecosystem health, have been discovered within a layer of sediment that is proposed for dredging to provide access for iron-ore carriers. The EPA in its report on the Port dredging project considered that despite the measures designed to manage this issue there remained some risk that mercury would contaminate the marine environment of the Sound. Read more>> 27 March 2010 Swan & Murray River Fish Deaths a Wakeup Call for Government With confirmed reports of mass fish kills in the Swan River, and further reports of fish deaths in the Murray, the Conservation Council is calling on the State Government to take control of the management of our river catchments. Read more>> 26 March 2010 Conservation groups welcome historic national heritage assessment of the Kimberley Conservation groups have welcomed today’s release by the Australian Heritage Council of its
preliminary assessment of the natural and cultural heritage values of the Kimberley.
This assessment has identified most of the Kimberley as potentially having National Heritage values
that may warrant recognition and protection though inclusion in the National Heritage List. Read more>>
25 March 2010
Conservation Council declares new coal power stations an ‘un-natural disaster’ EPA must rethink its advice on new coal Western Australia’s peak environment group today renewed its call for a moratorium on new coal fired power stations in WA, stating that it had lodged appeals against two EPA reports which would pave the way for three new coal fired power stations. Declaring the Bluewater’s and Coolimba power stations an ‘unnatural disaster’ Conservation Council Director Piers Verstegen said “The EPA must urgently rethink its advice to government on new coal fired power stations and carbon pollution.” Read more>> 23 March 2010 “Funk for Da Fish”: Music Gig to Promote Marine Sanctuaries for the Southwest A talented bunch of West Aussie musicians will come together on the 26th of March to ‘Funk for Da Fish’; a fundraiser for Save Our Marine Life. Matt Gresham, The Brow Horn Orchestra, DJ Charlie Bucket and the Funk club house band will pump out their tunes in support of marine protection in our South West. Read more>> 19 March 2010 WA’s ‘Great Barrier Reef’ under threat:
Government set to break Premier’s promise to protect whales Safety for one of the world’s most important humpback whale breeding areas on the Kimberley coast is at risk following signals from the government that it may break the Premier’s promise to protect them “forever”. WA conservation groups today warned that the internationally significant humpback whale nursery ground on the Kimberley coast between Broome and Camden Sound was vulnerable to irreversible damage. Negative signals from the Government indicate it may back away from the Premier’s commitments – given in election promises and subsequent media statements, the Wilderness Society, WA Conservation Council and Environs Kimberley said today. Read more>> 9 March 2010 Reckless ‘red tape’ review must be ignored Western Australia’s peak environment group today said the State Government’s ‘Red Tape Reduction Review’ was environmentally reckless and its advice must be ignored by the State Government and Parliament. The report of the Red Tape Reduction Report ‘Reducing the Burden’ was released recently by State Treasurer the Hon. Troy Buswell. Recommendations in the report include automatically scrapping all environmental regulations if they are not regularly reviewed, and automatically issuing environmental approvals for proposals that take a long time to assess.Read more>>
4 March 2010 CSIRO Report a wakeup call for State Government on water efficiency and forest management “If the extremely concerning predictions in this report are allowed to come true then there will be enormous impacts on our biodiversity, our economy and our communities.
“Perth’s current water use already relies on unsustainable mining of groundwater. Add to this rapidly increasing demand due to population growth, and significantly reduced rainfall due to climate change and we have an extremely concerning scenario for Perth and the Southwest.
“We already know that our eastern Jarrah forests are not recovering from logging operations due to reduced rainfall. This report demands a total review of the sustainability of our logging industry, in a future with a dramatically drying climate. Read more>>
23 February 2010 Political Divides Crossed to Help Save Our Marine Life
Disturbing documentary on over-fishing to screen in Parliament House A multi-party group will tonight co-host the first screening in a parliament house of the documentary, End Of The Line, which highlights the catastrophic impact of over-fishing on the oceans and communities that depend on them. Read more>> 23 February 2010 Grain truck convoy to Parlt in GM protest rally
Farmers and consumers outraged by the decision to allow commercial growing of genetically modified canola will rally outside Parliament House today to call on the WA Government to reverse their decision. Protesting shoppers will join farmers in a “stop work” before lunch. A convoy of grain trucks and other farming vehicles and utilities will drive along St Georges Terrace to Parliament House, displaying banners on this issue.Read more>> 19 February 2010 New International Agreement Highlights Threats to Sharks in Australia
A new landmark agreement to counteract the alarming global decline of sharks highlights the need for increased protection in Australia. Read more>> 13 February 2010 EPA confirms withdrawal of solar salt project
The Environmental Protection Authority has confirmed that plans to develop a solar salt project on the eastern side of Exmouth Gulf have been withdrawn by the proponent. Read more>> 9 February 2010 Joint venture partners take huge investment and environmental risk on Kimberley Whale Coast
The decision by Woodside and its Joint Venture partners to pursue a gas processing precinct on the Kimberley coast is a huge risk to investors and the world-class environmental values in the Kimberley said environment groups opposed to the project. Read more >> 8 February 2010 Northern Australia Taskforce recognises Kimberley environment must be protected
Western Australian Environment groups including the Conservation Council of WA, The Wilderness Society and Environs Kimberley today welcomed key elements of the new policy blueprint released by the Northern Australia Land and Water Taskforce. Read more>> 5 February 2010 Esperance birds still at risk from lead contamination
New results from the community-based ‘Bush Canaries’ lead monitoring program in Esperance reveal that lead contamination has reduced, but birds may still be at risk from ‘bio-accumulation’ of lead in the environment. Read more >> 29 January 2010 Economic regulator short-sighted dinosaurs on renewable energy for desalination
Western Australia’s peak environment group today said the State’s economic regulator was failing to act in the public interest by attempting to block the use of renewable energy for Perth’s new desalination plant. Read more >> 6 January 2010 Ningaloo World Heritage nomination welcomed but area still at risk
Conservation groups have welcomed the announcement today that parts of the Ningaloo Region will be nominated for World Heritage listing but said that inadequate boundaries and a lack of funding to manage increased tourism pressure placed the heritage values of the area at risk. Read more >> View the optimal boundary map here 2009 16 December 2009 Indigenous peoples in Copenhagen: Ruling out the nuclear option, neither clean nor green
The Conservation Council of Western Australia has welcomed a statement by Indigenous communities represented at Copenhagen declaring that the nuclear industry is neither clean nor green. Read more >> Click here to read the statement >> Australians send a message to Kevin Rudd in Copenhagen today
The message from Australians sent to Prime Minister Kevin Rudd in Copenhagen today is clear: ‘Bring back a fair, ambitious and legally binding climate change treaty from Copenhagen’. Read more >> 12 December 2009 Thousands brave scorching heat to Walk Against Warming
More than 3000 people braved scorching hot weather and hit the streets of Northbridge today to send a clear message to world leaders in Copenhagen that Australians want real and immediate action on climate change. Read more >> 11 December 2009 Thousands expected to take to the streets tomorrow for climate change action
Thousands of Western Australians are expected to joins tens of thousands of people across Australia in the largest day of action on climate change in Perth tomorrow. Read more >> Tens of thousands will gather around Australia calling for urgent action on climate change
Tens of thousands of people will march through Australian cities and regional centres at Walk Against Warming on Saturday to show world leaders they believe strong action must start right now if we’re to prevent catastrophic climate change. Read more >> 4 December 2009 D-day for the Kimberley as governments ignore environmental laws - Barnett; Ferguson set stage for legal challenge
Decisions by WA Premier Colin Barnett and Commonwealth Resources Minister Martin Ferguson to force industrial LNG development on the Pristine Kimberley foCoast ahead of an environmental assessment demonstrate reckless disregard for environmental laws, and open the door r legal challenge, according to environment groups opposed to the plan. Read more >> Governments abandon environmental assessment on Kimberley Gas hub
“The Federal and WA State governments are showing increasing desperation in their mission to open up the Kimberley for industrialisation,” said Environs Kimberley Director, Martin Pritchard. He was commenting on the ‘use it or lose it’ conditions the Federal and State governments have issued to oil and gas companies with Browse Basin leases, to force them to choose a site in the Kimberley for their gas processing plant. Read more >> 3 December 2009 Review confirms GM moratorium should continue
The Conservation Council of WA congratulates the common sense approach undertaken by former WA Parliamentary Counsel Greg Calcutt who reviewed the GM Free Areas Act. Mr Calcutt had recommended for another review of the Act's operation and effectiveness after it has been in operation for a further five year period. Read more >> 25 November 2009 Peak conservation groups urge rejection of weakened Emissions Trading Scheme
The peak conservation councils around the country today called on both sides of politics to reject the amended and now fatally flawed emissions trading legislation and instead commit to action that will reduce Australia’s emissions by at least 40 per cent by 2020. Read more >> 24 November 2009 Vandalised Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme not worthy of support
The ‘deal’ offered to the Federal Opposition by the Rudd Government on its Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme will render the scheme totally ineffective in delivering the necessary transition to a clean energy economy according to the Conservation Council of WA. Read more >> 20 November 2009 Short sighted amendments to environmental legislation will gag communities and slow down project approvals
Proposed amendments to the Environmental Protection Act introduced into Parliament yesterday would remove significant opportunities for the public to be involved in government decision making and jeopardise community confidence in environmental regulation in WA, said the Conservation Council of WA. Read more >>
18 November 2009 Fairytale and mythical characters call for GM moratorium to continue
One hundred people dressed as fairytale and mythical creatures assembled on the steps of Parliament today to call on the WA Government to extend the moratorium on GM crops in Western Australia. Participants were dressed as their favourite fairytale character to highlight that claims made by GM proponents are no different to myths and fairytales. Read more >> 5 November 2009 WA’s waste crisis to continue with EPHC stalling on container deposits
The Conservation Council has welcomed the EPHC’s new national policy on waste and resource management announced today but is disappointed that steps towards the introduction of a national container deposit scheme – one of the only measures capable of reversing Western Australia’s recycling crisis – have been stalled. Read more >> Government oil spill inquiry should not delay immediate action on marine protection
Conservation groups have warned the Commonwealth Government today not to use the public inquiry into one of Australia’s worst oil spills as a smokescreen to not take strong action on marine protection in the Kimberley, one of the world’s most pristine marine environments. Read more >> 4 November 2009 Recycling plant will need refunds for bottles and cans
The Conservation Council today welcomed the commitment from the State Government to invest in a glass recycling plant in WA, but said that this was only part of the picture when it comes to solving Western Australia’s recycling crisis. Read more >> Pressure builds for urgent national action on waste
New research shows the vast majority of the public – 97 per cent – believe reducing waste is important, putting pressure on government to help the industry realise its huge potential to create jobs, attract investment, and reduce carbon pollution. Read more >>
Click here to read the report by the Conservation Council of WA and the Boomerang Alliance, Community Demands Action on Recycling 3 November 2009 No Dams, long term water planning needed for South Coast
The Conservation Council of WA welcomes Water Minister Graham Jacobs’ decision not to dam the Styx and Denmark Rivers on the south coast of Western Australia. Read more >> 22 October 2009 Backdown on waterwise homes will make water restrictions unavoidable
Summer sprinkler bans for Perth residents may be unavoidable if water efficient building standards continue to be ignored in WA’s water planning future said the Conservation Council of WA. Read more >> Kimberley whale research highlights need to protect national treasure
New research on endangered humpback whales has highlighted the global significance of the Kimberley coast for rare and threatened marine species prompting renewed calls for a comprehensive network of marine protected areas along the Kimberley coast. Read more >> 21 October 2009 Mega beat up on uranium mining
Environment groups are standing strong with regional communities who are opposing uranium mining in WA, despite Mega Uranium and industry over-confidence. Read more >>
14 October 2009 Conservation Council welcomes independence of environment watchdog
The Conservation Council of WA has welcomed the State Government’s announcement to increase the independence of the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) but has said the restructure must be supported by a significant increase in resources if the EPA is to fulfil its role effectively. Read more >> 8 October 2009 Naturebank project should not treat national parks as cash cows
The Conservation Council of WA has expressed concerns about the Government’s Naturebank initiative to be announced by the Environment Minister today, including questions about the legality of some of the proposals. Read more >> 19 September 2009 It’s World Parks Day but where are our National Parks?
Audit reveals WA falls short of international benchmarks for biodiversity protection. Read more >> 16 September 2009 More than Recfishing Rules Needed to Protect Vulnerable Five
The fishing limits announced today fall short of the strong action required to protect the vulnerable five fish species, according to the Conservation Council Read more >> 4 September 2009 Poor response on oil leak emergency demands Kimberley LNG rethink
Environment groups today called on the Commonwealth and State Governments to declare a national emergency response to the oil spill off the Kimberley coast after recent reports from Broome-based fishing boats confirmed severe damage to marine life. Read more >> 1September 2009 Kimberley whale survey shows highest numbers near proposed LNG hub
An aerial whale survey off the Kimberley coast has recorded the highest population numbers of Humpback Whales in the near vicinity of James Price Point - a site proposed for a massive industrial LNG gas processing facility. Read more
27 August 2009 Climate leadership, marine sanctuaries, better planning needed to protect coastal communities’ future
The Conservation Council today outlined five critical priorities to protect Western Australian coastal communities from the impacts of climate change. Read more 18 August 2009 Renewable Energy legislation must protect our native forests
The Federal Government’s Renewable Energy legislation to come before the Senate this week could create a time bomb for our native forests, according to the Conservation Council of WA. Read more 12 August 2009 Fix and pass Renewable Energy Target Bill, but don’t lock in failure with CPRS
A coalition of leading environmental organisations, including all state-based conservation councils today called on the Federal Government to de-couple the Renewable Energy Target Bill from the CPRS legislation so the bill can be passed by the Senate and investment in renewables can begin, creating thousands of clean energy jobs. Read more 11 August 2009 Poor planning on Gorgon will damage environment and blow-out carbon pollution budget
The Conservation Council today criticised the state Government and Chevron Petroleum for a fundamental lack of planning in developing processing facilities for the Gorgon gas reserve on Barrow Island. Read more
Minister should check facts on forest
The Conservation Council today suggested that Forestry Minister Terry Redman should check his facts before issuing media releases about the protection of WA forests. Read more 07 August 2009 Synergy overcharging and under-delivering on WA green power: Economic Regulator must investigate renewable energy market The WA Conservation Council, and Al Gore Climate Ambassador Gary Warden have expressed outrage today that Synergy’s renewable energy product for households is one of the most expensive in the nation, while greenpower customers have to buy renewable energy from the Eastern States due to lack of support for renewable energy in WA. Read more 24 July 2009 Barnett buckles to Chinese pressure in overriding environmental watchdog
Today’s rapid dismissal of EPA advice against an iron ore mine in the Midwest, coinciding with Premier Barnett’s China visit has been condemned by the Conservation Council of WA. Conservation Council Director, Piers Vestegen, said “After careful consideration, the EPA determined that the unique and scenic Mungada Ridge should be protected in an A-Class reserve, yet it took only a matter of days for the Minister to overrule this recommendation and allow the area to be mined.” Read more. 21 July 2009 Uranium Inquiry backed by Western Australians: Premier urged to come clean on dirty industryA consortium of Western Australian groups will put uranium under the spotlight at Parliament this morning ahead of the Global Uranium Conference on Wednesday. The groups spanning a broad cross section of WA are adding their voices to the Conservation Council’s call for the first proposed uranium mine, BHP Billiton’s Yeelirrie project in the mid-west, to go under an unprecedented level of scrutiny in the form of a public inquiry with the powers of a Royal Commission. Read more 2 July 2009 WA marine protection moves: small step in right direction Moves to tighten restrictions on recreational fishing targeting vulnerable fish species and to create a new marine park on WA’s south coast are encouraging signs but much more needs to be done to protect marine life, the Conservation Council of WA said today. Read more 30 June 2009 Conservation Council welcomes sprinkler bans but calls for comprehensive water savings plan for Perth The Conservation Council today welcomed the announcement by the Minister for Water in Albany that winter sprinkler bans would be introduced, saying that this measure was just one of a number of important measures required to improve Perth’s water efficiency. Read more 26 June 2009 Uranium mine plan needs a real nuclear test: Environment groups; Unions call for public inquiry
Leading environment, trade union and public health groups have combined in a call for the state government to conduct a dedicated public inquiry into controversial plans for uranium mining in WA. Read more Conservation Council Welcomes Renewable Energy Commitment for Binningup Desalination Plant
The Conservation Council today welcomed a commitment made by the Minister for Water, Dr Graham Jacobs, to powering Perth’s second Seawater Desalination Plant with 100 per cent renewable energy. Read more 25 June 2009 Carbon neutral minerals could be the future for mining industry; Conservation Council
At a Conservation Council Environment Matters Forum held last night on renewable Energy in the Mining Industry, Council Director Piers Verstegen said the future of mining in WA could lie in supplying the world with carbon neutral mineral resources. Read more 17 June 2009 No place for bulls in the nuclear China shop: Conservation Council urges caution on BHP uranium plan
The Conservation Council of WA has urged caution over plans by BHP to export uranium from Western Australia to China. CCWA believes the plan, as reported in today’s Australian newspaper, would directly implicate WA in the controversial Chinese nuclear sector and risk further regional nuclear uncertainty. Read more
15thJune 2009
Conservation Council Appeals Sinosteel Midwest Iron Ore Mine
The Conservation Council today lodged an appeal against the Sinosteel Midwest Koolanooka/Blue Hills Direct Shipping Iron Ore Mining Project on the basis of poor provision of environmental data for a mining project in a biodiversity hotspot, and called on the Environment Minister to uphold the integrity of the approvals process by rejecting this poorly conceived proposal. Read more
11th June 2009 Environment groups representing 400,000 Australians unite to oppose emissions trading legislation
A series of compromises by the federal government on its pre-election commitment to take strong action on climate change has led to the Conservation Council of WA uniting with other national and peak state-based environment in opposition to the proposed emissions trading legislation. Read more. Click here to read the full report: Plan B: An Agenda for Immediate Action
10th June 2009 Auditor General Report a wake-up call for State Government on threatened species
The Conservation Council of WA welcomed the Auditor General’s report released today into the conservation of threatened species, saying the report should come as a serious wake up call to the State Government. Read more 9th June 2009 Sprinkler ban long overdue
The Conservation Council of WA has today applauded the decision by Water Resources Minister Graham Jacobs to introduce a winter sprinkler ban. Perth is heading into a winter drought and with the possibility of an El Nino climate event the hard decisions must be made now. Read more
8th June 2009 Four Wheel Drive Tax supported – but let’s not stop there!
The Conservation Council today strongly welcomed the Barnett Governments promise to increase state taxes for polluting vehicles if Commonwealth Government tax reforms proposed by WA are not adopted. The pledge was made as part of the WA Government submission to the Henry Tax Review. Read more
5th June 2009 Parliamentary Inquiry into Waste Management on the right track but ignored by State Government
The Conservation Council and the Boomerang Alliance today congratulated the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Environment and Public Affairs for their inquiry into Waste Management in Western Australia. Read more 4 June 2009 Undermining Western Australia: the radioactive donkey-cart
The Conservation Council of Western Australia today submitted serious concerns about BHP Billiton’s proposed Yeelirrie uranium mine to the mine’s proponent and the Environmental Protection Authority. Read more Sinosteel Midwest campaign against EPA new test for Environment Minister
The Conservation Council of WA today criticised Sinosteel Midwest’s announcement of a ‘campaign’ to undermine the EPA’s recommendation against part of their Blue Hills iron ore project, calling on the Environment Minister to support the independent advice of the EPA in the public interest over the self interest of a mining company. Read more 3 June 2009 Back-down on solar panel incentives puts WA last in race for green jobs and clean energy investment
The Conservation Council of WA has expressed disappointment that the State Government has reneged on its key election promise to introduce the renewable energy gross feed in tariff, saying that this decision is symptomatic of the Government’s lack of vision for the State’s renewable energy potential. Read more 22 May 2009 Uranium mining unwelcome in the West
National and state environment groups will join the wider Western Australian community to challenge BHP Billiton’s plan for a new uranium mine in WA. Read more. 15 May 2009 Slim Pickings for Environment; Sustainability in State Budget...again
The Conservation Council of Western Australia has commended the Liberal-National Government on a few positive environmental initiatives in its first budget; however an analysis by the Council shows that overall the environment will not be a winner and Western Australia will fail to realise its potential as a renewable energy boom state under the Liberal-National government Read more Click here to read the Conservation Council's analysis of the State Budget 14 May 2009 Conservation Council calls for a sustainable stimulus package for Western Australia in State Budget. Read more. Click here to read the Council's Sustainable Stimulus Package for Western Australia 12 May 2009
Premier, Verve show fossil fuel thinking in plan to resurrect 1950’s Coal-fired power stations. Read more
Conservation Council appeals against Karara and Mungada Iron Ore Mine; Carbon emissions and risk to rare species too great. Read more
11 May 2009
Nuclear Power: the radioactive white elephant in the room. Read more Uranium Mining and Nuclear power make no economic sense in Western Australia. Read more Thumbs up for Minister Faragher’s oversight in environmental reform Read more 5 May 2009
Rudd Government Sending Mixed Messages on Climate Policy
The Conservation Council today said the Rudd Government was sending mixed messages on climate policy, and had not yet demonstrated it was acting in Australia’s national interest on the important issue of climate change. Read more 30th April 2009
Confirmed: Barrow Island no place for LNG development
The advice released by the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) today that an expanded LNG processing facility on Barrow Island should be rejected due to unacceptable environmental impacts has been supported by the Conservation Council. Read more 16th April 2009
Kimberley LNG not a done deal
Environment groups say there is still a significant environment assessment to be done before a massive industrial precinct can be built on the pristine Kimberley coastline. Read more 6th April 2009
Smoking Laws would Reduce Bushfires; Litter
Conservation Council calls for Tobacco Control Bill to pass - no ifs, no butts. Read more 4th April 2009
WA’s Environment Heroes announced for 2009
The Conservation Council of WA last night announced the winners of the 2009 Conservation Awards at a special ceremony at Kings Park. Nine winners were announced for 2009. Read more 1st April 2009
Government pressure for Kimberley LNG deal driven by politics not public interest
Environment groups say today’s announcement that the Premier’s March 31 deadline for Traditional Owner agreement to a massive fossil fuel (LNG) hub near Broome could not be met was an opportunity to rethink the whole process. Read more 30th March 2009
Conservation Council Cautiously Supports EIA Review
The Conservation Council has offered cautious support for recommendations made by the Environmental Protection Authority following a review of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process. Read more Climate change, species decline and jarrah shortfall highlighted in forest management report
Representatives of the Conservation Council of WA (CCWA), The Wilderness Society of WA (TWS) and the WA Forest Alliance (WAFA) have welcomed the mid-term audit of performance of the Forest Management Plan 2004-13 (FMP) released today by the Conservation Commission. Read more 28th March 2009
Winners announced in Biodiversity in our Backyard Photography Competition
The Conservation Council of WA announced the winners of the 2009 Conservation Week Photography Competition at a special event at the Perth Zoo last night. Read more 23rd March 2009
WA Must follow NT, SA Lead on Recycling Refund Scheme
The Conservation Council has congratulated the Northern Territory Government for their leadership in introducing a 10cent recycling refund scheme for cans and bottles, calling on the Barnett Government to introduce the scheme in Western Australia as soon as possible. Read more 20th March 2009
Oakajee Decision Requires Midwest Iron Ore Biodiversity Strategy
The State Government is today expected to formally approve the Oakajee port and rail development. Any such decision must be backed up by a strategy for balancing mining development in the Midwest with conserving the rare biodiversity found on the banded ironstone formation ranges. These ranges will be the target of the iron ore mines that will underpin the development of the Oakajee Port. Read more 10th March 2009
Carbon Bill must be sent back to the drawing board
Responding to the release of the Rudd Government’s Carbon Pollution Reduction Bill the Conservation Council of WA has called on the Senate not to pass the legislation in its current form. Read more 4th March 2009
Production decrease foreshadows end of native forest logging
The announcement today that Gunns Limited is reducing production by 15 per cent at its last sawmill in WA signals the beginning of the end of native forest logging in this State. Read more 23rd February 2009
Major new collaboration formed to secure future of WA’s marine life
A new collaboration of key Australian and international conservation groups today launched Save Our Marine Life to secure the future of Australia’s south west marine environment. This globally significant region is home to a far greater proportion of unique marine life than the Great Barrier Reef. Read more 19th February 2009
Conservation Council calls on Premier, Grylls, to justify $80m handout to miners
The announcement on Tuesday by Mines and Petroleum Minister Norman Moore that $80m of taxpayer’s money will be spent in direct handouts and obtaining further data for WA’s mining industry has drawn strong criticism from the Conservation Council of WA. Read more 19th February 2009
Chevron and Woodside slammed for misleading Carbon Trading sabotage
Yesterday Woodside Petroleum announced a 73 per cent increase in net profit totaling $1.8billion, negating arguments that they will be barely profitable under carbon trading; today Chevron has told a senate inquiry that carbon trading will cost their Gorgon project $100m per year despite the fact that the company is legally obliged to reduce emissions irrespective of the carbon trading scheme. Read more 12th February 2009
Conservation Council of WA Releases Six Point Bushfire Management Plan
Responding to recent claims that conservation policies are contributing to the threat of bushfire, the Conservation Council of WA has released a six point plan for wildfire mitigation and management. Read more
6th February 2009
Government’s refusal to bail out native forest timber industry welcomed
The Government has made the right decision in refusing to bail out the native forest timber industry according to the Conservation Council. Read more
28th January 2009
Future for Ravensthorpe / Hopetoun lies in protecting South Coast Environment
Environment groups today called on the State government to take a more strategic approach to diversifying the south coast economy by developing a conservation and sustainable tourism strategy for the south coast region. Read more. 23rd January 2009
Esperance Community Sends Clear Message – No More Bulk Nickel Loading
A meeting attended by more than 150 Esperance residents last night organised by the Locals for Esperance Development (LED) sent a clear message that the Esperance community does not support the continuation of bulk nickel loading through the town’s port. Read more
22nd January 2009
Ravensthorpe Closure to Leave a Lasting Scar on Biodiversity Hotspot
The impromptu closure of the Ravensthorpe Nickel mine today will not only result in huge losses to the regional economy, but also leaves a massive scar on the landscape where regulators permitted mining company BHP to clear native vegetation that was home to a number of endangered plants and animals. Read more
8th January 2009
Esperance community at risk again under Ministerial directive to resume bulk Nickel loading and inadequate pollution license
The Conservation Council today said the health of the Esperance Community was again being put at risk from harmful nickel dust after the Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) issued a renewed license for the Bulk loading of Nickel by the Esperance Port. Read more
7th January 2009
Ningaloo Heritage Listing lost opportunity for WA
Conservation Groups have today responded to yesterday’s announcement by WA Environment Minister Hon. Donna Faragher that the WA Government would support World Heritage Listing of Ningaloo. Read more
2008 23rd December 2008
GM Canola Trials Cannot be Contained
The latest announcement from the Minister for Agriculture and Food to allow GM canola crops in WA will be a major blow to the state's clean and green reputation. Read More
23rd December 2008
5 Good Reasons to put LNG in the Pilbara
The Priemer's Frenzied Approach Risks our Natural and Cultural Heritage.On the eve of an announcement of an LNG Precinct in the Kimberly, the Conservation Council has urged the Premier to consider five good reasons why the Pilbara would be a better location for LNG Processing. Read More 22nd December 2008
Industry Restructure Gives Opportunity to End Native Forest Logging
The Conservation Council of WA is encouraged by the announcement by Forestry Minister Terry Redman that the Government plans to restructure the unsustainable native forest logging industry. Read more 19th December 2008
Architect of Conservation in WA Recognised with Prestigious Award
Professor Philip Jennings has been awarded the prestigious Bessie Rischbieth Conservation Award by the Conservation Council of WA at a special ceremony last night. Read more
16th December 2008
Rudd Fails Leadership Test of our Time; Carbon Pollution Scheme little more than Greenwash
The Conservation Council of WA have released an initial analysis of the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme announced by the Prime Minister yesterday and identified a number of fundamental flaws in the scheme. Read more Read the Conservation Council of WA's initial analysis of the Rudd Government's Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme.
15th December 2008
Weak Climate Target Would Commit the World to Catastrophic Climate Change
The Conservation Council of WA together with other environment groups and climate scientists has condemned the Rudd Government’s announcement of a 5% greenhouse gas reduction target. Read more
13th December 2008
Al Gore and World Youth lay down new Carbon Targets Challenge for Australian Government
Al Gore and the International Youth Delegation yesterday laid down a new challenge for the Australian Government on the final day of UN climate negotiations in Poland. Read more
12th December 2008
Less, not more, native forest logging
Conservation Council of WA Vice President, Dr Beth Schultz, said, “Forestry Minister Terry Redman has said the Barnett Government will not to revisit the Gallop Government’s old growth forests policy, and we congratulate him for this wise decision. Read more
11th December 2008
Fossil fuels the problem - WA's world-class renewable energy the solution
The Conservation Council has responded to the announcement by Premier Colun Barnett that greater subsidies for pollution form the gas industry and a trans-Australia pipeline are the answer to climate change. Read more
6th December 2008
Recent sampling reveals Esperance Port Lead Contamination has entered the marine food chain
Community-initiated sampling of 10 Razorfish (a long-lived shellfish living in sandy seabeds) conducted at Esperance in October this year has revealed alarmingly high concentrations of lead in their kidneys. Read more
4th December 2008
Federal Government must stay strong on targets to avoid catastrophic climate change
Environment groups and climate scientists hold grave concerns that the Federal Government will announce interim targets for greenhouse gas emissions reductions that are much too low to avoid dangerous climate change. Read more
3rd December 2008
Government must listen to Environmental Protection Authority advice
Halt the Salt, an alliance of peak commerical and recreational fishing interests and conservation groups, has today called on the Barnett Government to heed formal advice from the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) and reject a proposed salt mine that would have a negative impact on the fragile ecosystem of the eastern Exmouth Gulf. Read more
28th November 2008
Premier should bring climate solutions, not roadblocks to COAG
The Conservation Council today said that Premier Barnett should be talking up the benefits of Emissions Trading for Western Australia at COAG rather than putting roadblocks in the way of the most important economic reform this century. Read more
26th November 2008
‘Australia’ star Jack Thompson lends voice to Kimberley conservation campaign
Australian film legend Jack Thompson has joined conservation groups in the fight to save the Kimberley from industralisation by lending his voice to a cinema advertising campaign to be launched today to coincide with screenings of ‘Australia’ across Perth. Read more
14th November 2008
GM Cotton a Trojan Horse for other GM Food crops - State Government open for business with GM industry; ignores community
Environment groups have condemned today’s decision by the State Government to lift the moratorium on commercially growing GM cotton in the Ord, claiming that the technology has been shown to be ineffective in other countries and potentially hazardous to our health. Read more
11 November 2008
Three good reasons to defer Kimberley gas hub decision
Environmentalists say there are now at least three good reasons why the Barnett government should defer any decision about the location of a gas hub for the Browse Basin project. Read more
31st October 2008
New Mining Agency Risks Environmental Safeguards
The Conservation Council warned today that the new Department of Mines and Petroleum, with its strong focus on rapidly processing approvals, must not loose its ability to regulate industry compliance with environmental safeguards. Read more
30th October 2008
Hundreds gather on steps of parliament to Say No to GMO!
Close to a thousand people rallied at the steps of Parliament House today, sending a clear message to the new State Government that Western Australians do not want genetically modified (GM) crops introduced in WA. Read more
21st October 2008
Gas Pipeline No Replacement for Emissions Trading
The Premier’s proposal that a gas pipeline from the Kimberley to the Eastern States could replace a National Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) is simplistic according to the Conservation Council of WA. Read more
16 October 2008
Barnett Disregards Process and Environment in Pre-Empting LNG Decision
Yesterday’s announcement of a preferred site for an LNG processing hub in the Kimberley shows a fundamental disregard for due process, Indigenous rights and the environment from our new Premier Colin Barnett. Read more
Federal Court Decision Spells Death Knell for a Collapsing Island Ecosystem
The announcement by the Federal Court yesterday to set aside a decision made by the former Environment Minister Malcolm Turnbull not to approve the resumption of rainforest clearing on Christmas Island could be the final nail in the coffin for one of the world’s unique island ecosystems said the Conservation Council of Western Australia today. Read more
15 October 2008
Financial Crisis should not Delay Climate Change Response
The Conservation Council has welcomed statements by Fortescue Metals Group (FMG) and other business leaders who support moving forward with the emissions trading scheme planned by the Rudd Government in spite of the global economic crisis. Read more
9 October 2008
Delays to fishing restrictions defy science and sustainability
Conservation Council of WA Director Piers Verstegen says yesterday’s decision by incoming Fisheries Minister Norman Moore to delay recreational fishing bans should be of grave concern to everyone who cares about fish and fishing. Read more
8 October 2008
Mining greed must not be allowed to weaken WA environmental protection standards
Global financial crisis reveals what happens when governments allow regulation to be stripped away. Read more
6 October 2008
Environmental assessments should not be compromised for WA resource industries
The Conservation Council today called on the State Government to ensure the integrity of environmental assessment processes would not be compromised for the sake of accelerating resource development. Read more
26 September 2008
Timber has run out so it’s time to get out!
Complaints by furniture makers about the quality and cost of WA native timber should be dismissed according to the Conservation Council. Read more
25 September 2008
Climate Change Crisis Requires Bold Action
At a Conservation Council Emissions Trading forum held last night, Director, Piers Verstegen, called on decision makers to accept the difficult political reality that carbon pollution in Australia must peak by 2010. Read more
22 September 2008
Second Mining Proposal Continues New Assault on Midwest BIF: Government Must Stand Strong on Responsible Mining
The second proposal in two weeks that threatens to mine scenic hills with very high conservation values was announced today with iron ore aspirant Midwest Corporation Ltd releasing a public environmental review for mining of hematite deposits at Koolanooka Hills and Mungada Ridge. Read more New Agriculture Minister’s cautious approach to GM crops welcomed
The Conservation Council of WA has congratulated Mr Terry Redman for his cautious approach to Genetically Modified (GM) crops in this state, affirming that there are risks that still need to be assessed. Read more
18th September 2008
Who’s responsible for homes in bushfire-prone areas?
The Conservation Council has endorsed the warning of the Fire and Emergency Services Authority (FESA) to home owners in bushfire-prone areas. Read more 4th September 2008 25,000 reasons why there is no place for GM in WA
WA environment groups today presented Colin Barnett with a petition with over 25 000 signatures sending a clear message to the Liberal party that there is no place for Genetically Modified (GM) crops in Western Australia. Read more 3rd September 2008 Win for environment - major parties come out with environment commitments
WA’s peak environment groups have welcomed the fact that both major parties have responded to environment campaigns and community concern and announced major commitments on the environment today. Read more 29th August 2008 WA’s clean energy future is now
WA’s leading business body for sustainable energy and environment groups have united to release a map outlining the state’s substantial renewable energy resources and deliver a strong message to the winner of the State election – WA’s clean energy future is now. Read more Download the WA Clean Energy Future map here 19th August 2008 WA Environment Groups release combined expectations for 2008 State Election
WA’s peak environment groups will today launch a document outlining key issues that major parties must urgently address to protect the environment in the face of increasing and unprecedented climate change and the resources boom. Read more Download the Combined Environment Groups' Expectations for the 2008 WA State Election 15th August 2008 Conservation Council welcomes Greens’ native forest policy
The Conservation Council has welcomed the Greens’ forest policy, which calls for an end to the logging of native forests. Read more 12th August 2008 Colin Barnett shows he is naive about Kimberley LNG
The Conservation Council today accused Liberal Party leader Colin Barnett of being naïve and reckless on issues relating to LNG development in the Kimberley. Read more 8th August 2008
Major parties put on notice to lift game on environment
As the impacts of the resources boom and climate change hit home, both major parties have been put on notice to lift their game on the environment by committing to long overdue and crucial environmental policies in the lead up to the state election.
The State’s peak environment groups have released a scorecard assessment of the Carpenter government’s performance on the environment. Click here to download the scorecard.
5th August 2008 Conservation Council Welcomes New Bonds Assessment System
The Conservation Council today welcomed the announcement by Resources Minister Fran Logan of a new full cost calculation model for mining securities in Western Australia.
30th July 2008 Conservation Council adopts “No native forest logging” policy
Logging of WA’s native forests should cease and there should be a rapid shift to reliance on timber grown in plantations to supply the community’s needs.
29th July 2008 Oakajee Port proposal must have new environmental assessment
The Conservation Council has called for caution before proceeding further with the Oakajee Deep Water Port project for which a preferred developer was announced today by the State Government.
25th July 2008 Conservation Groups Support Kimberley Land Council Calls for Mining Moratorium
Conservation groups today announced their support for Kimberley Land Council (KLC) Executive Director Wayne Bergmann’s call for a moratorium on all new exploration and mining in the Kimberley until the completion of site assessment for the development of an LNG plant in the region.
Workshop Highlights Risks in Kimberley Hub Process
At the close of the Northern Development Taskforce site selection workshop held in Broome this week, environment groups congratulated the Government on work completed thus far, but reiterated that not enough is known to make a decision around placement of a potential LNG processing hub site in the Kimberley.
23rd July 2008 Pristine Exmouth Gulf's future more certain following EPA decision on salt mine
Western Australia’s pristine Exmouth Gulf and its inhabitants are facing a more certain future thanks to a decision announced today by the Environmental Protection Authority to reject unconditionally a proposal for a large-scale salt mine to proceed in the environmentally-sensitive area. 15th July 2008 Mining Tenements Expansion Ignores Conservation Backlog: Mining Must Be Balanced with Conservation
The Conservation Council is disappointed that conservation of the environment has again been sidelined with Fran Logan’s announcement today that a record number of mining tenements had been achieved in WA, covering 58.7 million hectares, approximately 23% of WA’s land area. 4th July 2008 Conservation Council announces new Director
The Conservation Council of Western Australia announced Piers Verstegen today as its new Director. Rush to find Kimberley hub threatens process, environment
Environment Groups warned today that unworkable industry-driven timelines may undermine the Northern Development Taskforce (NDT) process and lead to a bad outcome for the iconic Kimberley environment. The warning came in response to today’s release of the NDT Interim report.
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