Conservation Council of WA

Curious about the future of green hydrogen?

Join the Sustainable Energy Now and Hydrogen Society of Australia on Monday, October 7, at the State Library of WA for a panel discussion on where green hydrogen is headed. Is it full steam ahead, or are we hitting a roadblock?

🔗 Register now: https://hydrogensociety.org.au/product/green-hydrogen-where-to-next/

Do you know an outstanding individual or group making a real difference in your local community?

We're looking to hear from you about the people, community groups, and organisations that are making a valuable contribution to the WA conservation and environment sector.

Thank you to Lotterywest for their grant support.

Find out more here: https://forms.monday.com/forms/17a58aab642171dab2a1479ccdc1ed8a?r=use1

The Bessie Rischbieth Conservation Award is our highest honour, recognising an individual with an exceptional commitment to the WA environment. This person will have demonstrated courage in challenging decision-makers, been actively involved in the environmental movement for several years, and shown outstanding integrity, perseverance, and dedication.

If you know someone that deserves recognition for the amazing work they do, nominate them now via the link below
https://forms.monday.com/forms/17a58aab642171dab2a1479ccdc1ed8a?r=use1

Nominations close Monday, 14th of October, with winners announced at the conference - secure your tickets today here https://www.ccwa.org.au/2024_conference

Thank you Lotterywest for supporting the 30th Community Conservation Awards.

Do you have your tickets for the 2024 Nature First Conference?

Secure your spot and find out more here:
https://www.ccwa.org.au/2024_conference

This year's theme, Nature First, focuses on addressing critical environmental challenges such as climate change, ecosystem collapse, waterway protection, restoration and the nature laws and planning approach we need to deliver the energy transition. Putting nature first entails prioritising the conservation and protection of natural habitats and biodiversity in all aspects of decision-making, particularly in project planning and ex*****on.

The Conference has been designed to maximise the opportunities for attendees to create new connections and build on existing ones in engaging ways. Alongside presentations, facilitated workshops, and a Member Group Expo there will be a variety of networking opportunities, as well as our annual sundowner and 30th Community Conservation Awards.

Thank you to for supporting the 2024 Nature First Conference

⚠️⚠️⚠️BREAKING NEWS: The dusky sea snake, a species only found at Scott Reef and surrounding waters, has officially been listed as endangered ⚠️⚠️⚠️

The Browse gas basin, Australia’s largest untapped conventional gas field, is located beneath the extraordinary Scott Reef off the coast of the Kimberley in WA.

Advice provided to Environment Minister, Tanya Plibersek, is to “urgently review all activities for the fossil fuel industry across the Browse Basin”.

CCWA Executive Director, Jess Beckerling said:
“To protect the endangered dusky sea snake, and all the other marine life at Scott Reef, the State and Federal governments must refuse Woodside’s Browse gas proposal.”

🟨 Please let Minister Plibersek know she has widespread support in saving Scott Reef, the dusky sea snake, and Australia’s wonderful biodiversity. You can do this by visiting: savescottreef.org 🟨

You can read CCWA’s full statement, and find links to further information here:
https://www.ccwa.org.au/browse_gas_field_endangered_species_dusky_sea_snake

Photo credit: Chris Malam

🦇 In Memory of the Christmas Island Pipistrelle: A Weekend of Reflection and Action 🦇

Last weekend, Citizen Science Program Manager, Kelly Sheldrick, took on a marathon challenge - running a whopping 42.2km dressed as a bat to honour the Christmas Island Pipistrelle, which sadly went extinct 15 years ago.

We’re thrilled to share that Kelly placed 2nd in the women’s category, helping ensure the Christmas Island Pipistrelle will not be forgotten.

The marathon was just one part of the efforts to remember and raise awareness of what was once the smallest bat species in Australia, and previously endemic to Christmas Island. Over 90 people joined Kelly for a Bat Night where she spoke about the Christmas Island Pipistrelle, the critical importance of biodiversity, and the lessons we can learn from extinction.

Annabel Dorrestein spoke about the critically endangered Christmas Island Flying-Fox (pictured, with photo credit to Michael Cowgill) - the last native mammal on the island (the other 4 are extinct). The bat night event was supported by Parks Australia and concluded with bat-themed cupcakes and origami, the later of which the Christmas Island community plan to turn into an art display.

Everyone at Conservation Council WA is exceptionally proud of Kelly’s achievement! Remember to follow CCWA Citizen Science and support the important work Kelly does.

Let's continue the fight to protect our wildlife and prevent more extinctions.

If you'd like to contribute, please consider donating here: https://ow.ly/41mt50TcOPY - Every bit helps! 💚

Not only are fossil fuel projects driving climate change, but many have been approved with poor planning and poor consultation about the impacts.

Renewable energy is the government’s chance to get things right for climate, nature, and communities.

It's encouraging that the Bunbury offshore wind zone licences will “only be awarded to developers whose proposed projects do the most to incorporate Australian materials and manufacturing, consult with local industry, protect the environment, share the marine space and provide benefits to workers, businesses and communities.”

Together, with communities across Western Australia, we will continue to call for thorough environmental assessments to protect WA's beautiful nature, and strong community consultation to make sure local people have a say in what the energy transition looks like for them.

Read our media release:

Environmental experts say renewable energy is critical but Bunbury offshore wind zone must also protect habitat Western Australia’s peak environment body the Conservation Council of WA (CCWA) says that renewable energy is critical for climate action, but governments and industry must also protect important habitat and consult with communities. In response to federal Minister for Climate Change and Energy Ch...

The Department of Water and Environment Regulation has cut back on crucial compliance checks across the state, with efforts to protect nature severely impacted.

The situation highlights the consequences of prioritising Alcoa's operations over broader environmental needs.

This is a classic example of the failure of our nature laws in WA. Even though DWER opposed Alcoa's mining plans, and the Water Corp said that Alcoa poses a major risk to water supplies, the State gave the green light to continued mining. Now DWER is spending its limited resources watching Alcoa, and compliance and monitoring across the state is in even more perilous a condition as a result.

We need strong nature laws and adequate resourcing for nature in this state!

Please send an email to decision-makers today: https://ow.ly/wV4p50TanSg

You're invited to the 2024 Evening with the Minister: Strengthening Our Nature Laws Webinar on Wednesday, August 7th at 3:45pm AWST.

Join hundreds of environmental leaders and concerned citizens in a vital discussion with Tanya Plibersek, Federal Minister for the Environment about strengthening our nature laws.

Your attendance and participation are crucial, so please RSVP now and share this invitation to ensure a strong turnout. Link: https://www.ccwa.org.au/evening_with_the_minister_2

Hosted by the State and Territory Conservation Councils of Australia, representing local environmental organisations and thousands of members, we've long advocated for national parks and protected areas, standing with Traditional Owners in their efforts to care for the country.

Weak environmental laws allow land clearing of threatened communities, coal mines in koala habitats, and logging that kills gliders. We need stronger laws and a robust Federal EPA to protect our unique wildlife.

Let's make a difference together. Your presence will amplify our call for meaningful commitments.

When: August 07, 2024, 3:45pm - 4:45pm
Where: Zoom Webinar

Looking forward to seeing you there!

📢 URGENT: Help Protect Our Northern Jarrah Forests!

The Worsley Mine Expansion proposal by South32 threatens to clear 16,019 hectares of native vegetation, including precious, ancient Jarrah forests. We need your voice to oppose this massive environmental threat!

Key Concerns:
◾ Massive Deforestation: Clearing 16,019 ha, including critical habitat for endangered species.
◾ Carbon Emissions: The expansion will add 302.1 million tonnes of carbon pollution over 15 years, worsening climate change.
◾ Biodiversity at Risk: Significant impacts on local flora and fauna, with rehabilitation measures deemed insufficient by experts.

The EPA has recommended approval with conditions, but these do not adequately address the severe risks to biodiversity and ecological integrity. The appeal against this recommendation is due by Monday, 29 July. Time is running out.

How You Can Help:
1️⃣ Our friends at WA Forest Alliance have produced an excellent guide to making your appeal. Find it here: https://ow.ly/hBga50SJMxK
2️⃣ Lodge your appeal here: https://ow.ly/i1LG50SJMxG
3️⃣ Contact the Environment Minister directly using this email template: https://ow.ly/sehJ50SJMxH
4️⃣ Share this post to spread the word!

Alcoa’s Pinjarra alumina refinery is impacting the health of nearby residents.

Red dust from waste stockpiles is being blown to surrounding areas, including a nearby primary school just 3km away, putting children and other locals at risk.

There are concerns surrounding the toxic elements in the dust, and the long-term health problems this may cause.

Alcoa claims the health risks from this dust is low, but with production increasing, there’s no telling what the future holds.

Big corporations continue to undermine our nature laws, with profits being prioritised over both people and the environment.

We need strong nature laws for this reason, so have your say and urge your decision makers to strengthen our nature laws here: bit.ly/defend-was-nature

The Centre of Offshore Decommissioning Australia CODA - estimate the offshore oil and gas decommissioning (clean up) in Australia is set to cost a staggering $40.5 billion. About 60% of all the decommissioning works mapped in Australia will occur off the WA coast. This is a huge cost and there is a long history of fossil fuel companies like Woodside dodging clean up bills. There are also significant environmental costs. More reason we should not be advancing any new oil and gas developments in WA and why we must stop Woodside's massive new Burrup Hub! Read more on the issues emerging in Vic: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-07-12/controversy-over-essos-plans-to-dismantle-offshore-gas-rigs/104076538

Don't forget! Join CCWA, WA Landcare Network and Perth NRM for a screening and discussion of the new documentary Climate Changers. 🎬

Climate Changers follows acclaimed scientist Tim Flannery as he searches for the missing ingredient in our fight against climate change – leadership. This inspiring and thought-provoking film offers a blueprint for effective climate leadership. It charts the different qualities, challenges and triumphs of diverse leaders around the world, working at both grassroots and systems levels to create positive change. 🌏

WHEN: Tuesday 30th July, 2024
TIME: 6:00pm - 8:30pm
WHERE: Luna Leederville Cinema

Get your tickets here https://ow.ly/YK5b50Sv6Sj

Watch the trailer here https://ow.ly/wkYb50Sv6Sk

Panel discussion and Q&A Session - Get your questions answered by our panellists. 🙋‍♀️✊
Meri Fatin - WA Climate Leaders, interviewer and broadcaster
Dr Renee Young - Program Director at the Western Australian Biodiversity Science Institute
Stuart McAlpine - Director of Perth NRM
Mia Pepper - CCWA Campaign Director
Clare Lagan - UWA Phd Candidate- Climate Litigation
Oral McGuire - Ballardong and Noongar Community leader

🔥This year's NAIDOC theme is Keep the fire burning! Blak, loud and proud! 🔥

Please take a moment to complete this survey and support Whadjuk Noongar elders who have been advocating for restoring Lake Monger's traditional name Galup - meaning place of campfires. Your voice counts, so have your say on the future of Galup.
https://ow.ly/xWvf50SwFYc

Participating in this survey is an opportunity to take meaningful action towards truth telling and healing. Galup was a place where Whadjuk Noongar people camped for tens of thousands of years. In 1830 there was a massacre there and the pain of this is still felt today.

To hear more about Galup's history, register for free screenings of Galup VR Experience here: https://ow.ly/uf1k50SwFYb

Image by Dan Grant courtesy of Same Drum

Don't forget about this upcoming event! Join CCWA, for our next Environment Matters forum - WA's Nature: From Crisis to Action, as we give an overview of the current state of nature in WA, learn more about CCWA's new Nature Program and hear from our line-up of guest speakers on the all-important question – how do we move from crisis to action?

Western Australia is home to a diverse array of unique plants and animals found nowhere else in the world. Unfortunately, the number of endangered species continues to rise each year, while wildlife habitats are rapidly disappearing. In many places the expanding exploitation of natural resources and climate breakdown pose unprecedented threats to our ecosystems.

Our guest speakers will include:
-Welcome to Country - Aunty Betty Garlett
-Rhiannon Hardwick - CCWA Nature Program Manager
-Dr Hugh Finn - Curtin University
-Dr Erin Clitheroe - Conservation biologist, Murdoch University
-Dr Belinda Cannell- Conservation ecologist, University of Western Australia
-Hannah Gulliver - ReWild Perth Program Manager

For more information and to RSVP visit https://ow.ly/2eZE50Sv6ry

A new article from WAtoday shows that WA’s gas exports are threatening domestic supply, meaning that major export projects like Chevron’s Gorgon project are failing to “keep the lights on” in WA like the gas industry claims.

Instead of reserving 15% of the gas it produces for the WA market, a policy that has been under scrutiny at an ongoing Parliamentary inquiry into WA’s domestic gas supply, industry estimates that Gorgon has retained less than half that for domestic use.

“Gas producers and consumers are furiously lobbying the WA government on whether it should allow onshore gas to be exported to handle a shortage predicted over the next ten years, but no one is talking about a real risk that the state’s biggest supplier could leave the market a few years later,” the story says.

“Because of a deal struck in 2003, Chevron’s Gorgon gas export project – which now supplies about 25 per cent of WA’s needs – could turn the tap off around 2037.”

For more information about this story, read it here: https://ow.ly/4C2u50Suh9P

The federal Public Submission period has just opened for the Westport project under the EPBC Act 1999. Submit to the Outer Harbour Port Development, Kwinana https://ow.ly/FSsN50Sug9B .

You should argue that the project must be assessed under the EPBC Act 1999 as a controlled action.

The Westport project will produce significant impact to multiple federally listed species and ecological communities in Cockburn Sound and surrounds, an area of significant biodiversity and ecological function. This project will produce impacts to marine species, including sharks, Australian sea lions and migratory shorebirds, and to black cockatoos from onshore vegetation clearing. This project may also interact with the activities of AUKUS and surrounding heavy industry. The environmental impacts of Westport must be carefully evaluated at the federal level. Have your say on the project’s environmental impacts before Friday 12 July.

WA’s nature is in serious trouble.

Powerful corporations are putting pressure on governments to weaken our nature laws to fast-track development at the expense of our wildlife and ecosystems. We need the community to stand up to defend WA’s nature!

Want to help? Take a minute to send your email to decision-makers.

Take action here: bit.ly/defend-was-nature

Yesterday CCWA and a growing alliance of environment groups launched an ad campaign to defend our nature laws which are under threat.

Right now, our governments are reforming nature laws at the state and federal levels.

Decision-makers need to hear from Western Australians like you who care deeply about defending WA's nature with strong nature laws!

https://defendwasnature.good.do/strongnaturelaws/email_MPs/

Check out the ABC’s latest piece on the dusky sea snake, a species at risk from Woodside gas operations: https://www.abc.net.au/news/science/2024-06-28/sea-snakes-scott-reef-woodside-browse-project/103703674

The dusky sea snake is endemic to the North West Marine Region off WA’s coast. Woodside want to drill for gas under one of the dusky’s few remaining critical habitats: Scott Reef.

Woodside’s Browse project, a key cog of the Burrup Hub, would see up to 50 gas wells drilled around Scott Reef and emit 1.6 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, further exacerbating marine heatwaves and coral bleaching in the area through global warming.

Woodside’s operations would place Scott Reef and the dusky sea snake at risk through localised pollution and disturbance, as well through potential oil spills and reef subsidence.

The dusky sea snake has experienced population declines in recent decades - add your voice to get the dusky sea snake on the threatened species list as endangered.

Scott Reef, one of Australia’s most beautiful and untouched underwater treasures, is home to hundreds of other species including fish, sharks, rays and sawfish. It’s also a vital habitat for protected species, including endangered pygmy blue whales and green sea turtles.

Contact WA Environment Minister, Reece Whitby, and Federal Environment Minister, Tanya Plibersek, to tell them that they simply cannot allow Woodside’s Browse project.

Defend WA’s Nature, a new alliance of conservation groups working together to advocate for strong nature laws to protect our state’s outstanding environment, launched a new multi-channel advertising campaign today with a mobile billboard display and speeches from key campaign representatives.

With contributions from a range of leading national and WA-based conservation groups, this campaign will ensure that those in political power know that West Australians want our nature better protected.

The alliance has worked with an advertising agency to develop a novel campaign to reflect the broad community’s concerns about the future of WA’s wildlife and natural environment. The campaign imagery effectively illustrates the general plight of animals that are defenceless against habitat destruction and rely on state and federal nature laws for survival.

Jess Beckerling, Executive Director of the Conservation Council of WA said:

“In the midst of the climate and biodiversity crisis, there is an attack on nature laws by powerful corporate interests.”

“We must act now to defend WA’s nature and ensure that our nature laws are protected and strengthened.”

For more information, read here: https://ow.ly/xqiz50SqCcW

A reminder to join us for our next Environment Matters event as we give an overview of the current state of WA nature, learn more about our new Nature Program and hear from our line-up of guest speakers on the all-important question – how do we move from crisis to action?

WHEN: Tuesday 16 July 2024
TIME: 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
WHERE: City West Lotteries House, 2 Delhi St, West Perth

Speakers -
Rhiannon Hardwick - CCWA Nature Program Manager
Dr Hugh Finn - Curtin University
Hannah Gulliver - ReWild Perth Program Manager
Dr Erin Clitheroe - Murdoch University
Dr Belinda Cannell - The University of Western Australia

For more information about this workshop and to RSVP, visit; https://ow.ly/gLEM50Sm4Mm

Western Australia’s natural environment is under constant threat, putting our native wildlife at risk. Without help, these cherished species face difficulties with rising temperatures and alarming rates of habitat destruction.

CCWA works to ensure a safe future for Western Australia’s Environment, through our Fossil Fuel and Better Climate programs, but we also need your help. As a not-for-profit organisation, we rely on the kindness and generosity of Western Australians who give up their time to help protect our beautiful state.

In such a diverse environment from beach to bush, there’s something for everyone, so join us and get involved in one of our various volunteering programs.

To learn more and sign up visit; https://www.ccwa.org.au/volunteer

REMINDER!

☁CLIMATE CHANGERS SCREENING☁

Join CCWA, WA Landcare Network and Perth NRM for a screening and discussion of Tim Flannery’s documentary - Climate Changers. 🎬

Climate Changers follows acclaimed scientist Tim Flannery as he searches for the missing ingredient in our fight against climate change – leadership. It is an inspiring and thought-provoking film that offers a blueprint for effective climate leadership. It charts the different qualities, challenges and triumphs of diverse leaders around the world working at both grassroots and systems levels to create positive change. 🌏

WHEN: Tuesday 30th July, 2024

TIME: 6:00 pm - 8:30 pm

WHERE: Luna Leederville Cinema

A panel discussion and Q&A will follow the screening, to discuss the issues raised in the documentary and how we can all show up as climate leaders and take action within our spheres of influence. 🙋‍♀️✊

Speakers include:

Meri Fatin - WA Climate Leaders, interviewer and broadcaster

Dr Renee Young - Program Director at the Western Australian Biodiversity Science Institute

Stuart McAlpine - Director of Perth NRM

More speakers to be announced

For more information and to buy tickets, visit: https://www.ccwa.org.au/climate_changers

Join CCWA for our next Environment Matters event as we give an overview of the current state of nature in WA, learn more about CCWA's new Nature Program and hear from our line-up of guest speakers on the all-important question – how do we move from crisis to action?

WHEN: Tuesday 16 July, 2024
TIME: 6:00pm - 8:00pm
WHERE: City West Lotteries House, 2 Delhi St, West Perth

Speakers -
Rhiannon Hardwick - CCWA Nature Program Manager
Dr Hugh Finn - Curtin University
Hannah Gulliver - ReWild Perth Program Manager
Dr Erin Clitheroe - Murdoch University
Dr Belinda Cannell - The University of Western Australia

For more information about this workshop and to RSVP, visit; https://ow.ly/gLEM50Sm4Mm

Show Your Stripes Day recognises the powerful nature of starting conversations about climate change.

The climate crisis is a global issue that affects all of us.

Visit https://showyourstripes.info/ to download a graphic that expresses how your climate has warmed over the past century.

Share your graphic to start conversations about climate change – the time for action is now!

In response to this morning’s announcement from federal Opposition Leader Peter Dutton of nuclear sites including Muja, near Collie, Mia Pepper, the Campaign Director for the Conservation Council of WA and the co-convenor of Nuclear Free WA said:

“The Coalitions nuclear power plans released this morning are a clear plan to distract and delay from real action on climate change.

“Nuclear power is expensive, slow and dangerous and simply cannot deliver the energy needed in the time frame we have to decarbonise. We have cheaper, safer, cleaner alternatives that are already delivering energy to hundreds of thousands of Australians.

"The WA Liberals have already ruled out nuclear power for WA. Peter Dutton’s irresponsible reactor plan has failed to convince his own party – and it certainly hasn’t convinced the wider WA community. The Liberal Party energy policy is nothing more than a dangerous distraction and delay from the much-needed transition out of fossil fuels.

“There remain significant and unresolved issues with the management of High-Level Nuclear waste, insurmountable issues with security, and deep connections to the production of weapons-grade materials. The risks of things going wrong are catastrophic.”

Read our full statement here -

'Nuclear is no climate solution’ - Statement in response to nuclear sites announcement from Opposition Leader Peter Dutton In response to this morning’s announcement from federal Opposition Leader Peter Dutton of nuclear sites including Muja, near Collie in WA, the following statement is attributable to Mia Pepper, the Campaign Director for the Conservation Council of WA: