In August, we saw several concerning developments, from weak wildlife protection laws, to land clearing at Ningaloo, and even the release of a disturbing proposal for the Kimberley by the Morrison Government. But thanks to the commitment of people like you, none of these plans have gone unchallenged. Together, we will continue to stand up for our wildlife and environment!
On a more positive note, we’re excited to invite you to our Conference and Awards in November, and hope you’re looking forward to it as much as we are. Read on below for all the details!
A message from Sarah about our Conference & Awards 2018:
“We’re so excited to invite you to our Conference & Awards 2018: Biophilia! Inspired by biologist Edward Wilson’s ‘biophilia hypothesis’ which proposes that we need nature for our emotional wellbeing, this conference will help you explore what motivates you to protect Western Australia’s wildlife and environment, and to learn to tell your most authentic and powerful stories to inspire others.
We already have a fascinating line up of speakers, including WA Environment Minister Hon. Stephen Dawson, John Curtin Distinguished Professor Prof. Kingsley Dixon, and authors David Whish-Wilson and Dr Quentin Beresford. And in the evening, we’ll enjoy some wonderful jazz from the Pete Jeavons Trio!
You can get your tickets here, which will give you access to the full conference and awards, exhibition, catering, and entertainment. And it’s FREE for regular donors or Member Group delegates. If you would like to arrange childcare, or have any other queries, you’re welcome to hit ‘reply’ to let me know!”
A message from Piers about threatened species:
“Western Australia is home to some amazing native animals. But every year, thousands are left to die after their homes and food are destroyed by clearing, logging, and burning. Unless things change fast, many unique species will become extinct within our lifetimes.
Two years ago, environment groups, scientists, wildlife experts and WA Labor joined together to push for stronger wildlife protection and to reject the Barnett Government’s inadequate ‘Biodiversity Conservation Act’. But despite WA Labor’s commitment to strengthen those laws before the election, the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) has released a draft plan to implement those laws unchanged.
You still have time to make a submission in support for stronger wildlife protection, but we’ll need to act now. Our numbats, cockatoos, woylies, and possums need help before it’s too late - you can learn more and take action to protect wildlife here.”
A message from Tim about the Fitzroy River:
“WA’s mighty Fitzroy River faces its biggest threat in decades. Last week, an extreme new Federal Government plan that would turn the National Heritage listed Fitzroy River into a massive Murray-Darling style industrial agriculture hub was released.
This would fundamentally change the ecological and cultural landscape of the river catchment forever – destroying the fragile water balance of the river that supports critically endangered freshwater sawfish in favour of cotton plantations, sugar refineries and irrigated pasture for cows.
The new plan is a threat to the WA Government’s election commitment to protect the river. Please take a moment today to send a message to Premier McGowan to reject this vision for the Fitzroy, and support for the election commitment to protect the river.”
A message from Kerrie-Ann about Projections at Parliament:
“We have just returned from an incredible walk in the desert to connect with Traditional Owners and country under threat from uranium mining plans.
I would like to invite you to a special evening with Traditional Owners and walkers from the Walkatjurra Walkabout to deliver an important message to WA Members of Parliament. And if you are one of the hundreds of people who have sent us a ‘selfie’ as part of the Ban Uranium Mining Permanently campaign, you might even see your image up in lights!
On Tue 11 Sep at 6pm, Projections at Parliament will display the collection of Ban Uranium Mining Permanently ‘selfies’ in a unique way - by projecting them onto Parliament House. We will also screen the new campaign animation, share stories from the walk, host inspiring speakers, and provide music and food for you to enjoy. We will also provide updates on the nuclear free campaign. We look forward to seeing you there!”
A message from Jess about our South West forests:
“It's been a big month for the forests. We reached over 280,000 people on social media with photos of ancient karri logs destined for woodchipping. The shocking images went well and truly viral. People are angry and dismayed that this practice is continuing and we have a renewed power behind the campaign to protect forests and wildlife.
Our Forests for Life Farm Forestry and Landcare Plan has now been independently assessed by expert economists, thanks to funding from the Koorabup Trust and State NRM Program. The results are very positive and the report report shows that there is “evidence the program will deliver substantial environmental, social and financial benefits”. We are seeking further funding now to develop a business plan and start getting the trees in the ground!
This Friday is National Threatened Species Day. Please come down to Yagan Square in Northbridge to join hundreds of people in making a powerful, silent human installation for WA's threatened wildlife and their habitats. You can RSVP for this Friday, or if you would like to do even more, you can join our Forest Dream Team!”
A message from Kate about Protect Ningaloo:
“A service company for the oil and gas industry is about to send bulldozers to the sensitive banks of the Exmouth Gulf - to clear native vegetation for a project that may not even get approval. Due to changes made under the Barnett Government, developers are allowed to clear land before projects are even approved, and the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) no longer has the option to issue a ‘Quick No’.
The local community Cape Conservation Group has tried to stop the clearing by appealing to the WA Environment Minister, however this has confirmed that developers can now cause damage as part of an assessment process - even if it is clear their project should be rejected on environmental grounds at the end of the assessment. Read more about this here.
This is a disappointing outcome, but we’re in this for the long haul. CCWA and the Protect Ningaloo Alliance will continue to work to see the Ningaloo and Exmouth Gulf area protected from industrial development. Please join us to defend the legacy of protection that has already been created by community campaigns to protect Ningaloo Reef and Exmouth Gulf, and to have their World Heritage values recognised and documented.”
A message from Bea about Citizen Science:
“I’m excited to announce that CCWA’s Citizen Science Facebook page has been launched.
CCWA’s Citizen Science is a research and monitoring program driven by volunteers to raise awareness about our environment and wildlife in Western Australia. These volunteers are often highly skilled individuals who share a common interest in science and conservation.
Our program is designed to build capacity at a community level and to fill some of the important gaps in knowledge left by our governments, industries and research institutions. Outcomes from this will include improved local environmental knowledge, community empowerment in decision-making processes and an increased engagement with the natural environment.
The focus of Citizen Science is to build an understanding of actual biological responses to environmental changes, through long-term monitoring programs that are often not undertaken by Governments or private sectors.
Head to facebook.com/citizenscienceccwa and LIKE our page so you can stay up to date with what we are doing!”
And a taste of what’s to come…
- Fri 7 Sep: Threatened by Silence, 12pm at Yagan Square in Northbridge
- Sat 8 Sep: RISE for Climate Action, 11am at Russell Square in Northbridge
- Tue 11 Sep: Rally to Reverse Regional Educational Cuts (including Herdsman Lake Wildlife Centre), 11am at Parliament of WA
- Tue 11 Sep: Projections at Parliament, 6pm at Parliament of WA
- Tue 18 Sep: One Last Stand rally to save Golden Bay dunes, 11am at Parliament of WA
- Thu 11 Oct: Ban Fracking in WA rally, 12pm at Parliament of WA
- Sat 17 Nov: CCWA Conference & Awards 2018: Biophilia, 9.30am at Perth Waldorf School
Finally, there are some exciting positions available!
- Keep Australia Beautiful Council Member (Voluntary): If you are interested in joining the KABC Western Australia and advising the Environment Minister Stephen Dawson on litter prevention in WA, please reply to this email for more information!
- Protect Ningaloo Campaigner (Paid)
- Fundraising and Development Coordinator - Grants and Major Gifts (Paid)
- Community Fundraising and Engagement Coordinator (Paid)
- Campaign Officer Program (Voluntary/Internship)
Thank you for everything you do for our wildlife and environment, {{ recipient.first_name_or_friend }} - we’re so grateful to have you in our community!
See you soon,
Sarah and the team at CCWA
