Back from the Brink: A Protection Agenda for Nature (hereafter referred to as Back from the Brink) is a roadmap to progress effective reform in Western Australia’s environmental regulation and in its regulatory institutions, designed for use by civil society and policy makers. It has been developed collaboratively with conservation organisations, Aboriginal leaders and environmental specialists, committed to protecting WA’s unique biodiversity.

Back from the Brink outlines a series of recommendations which are presented in four parts, outlining each of four key governance principles:

• Strategic decision making
• Environmental law and processes
• Monitoring, compliance, enforcement and transparency
• Effectiveness, independence and public participation in decision making

Following the recommendations are a series of case studies, which highlight current and past environmental issues in WA, where there is a clear policy problem or solution. The case studies establish a connection between the recommendations and real-world applications, while further demonstrating the need for reform.

Back from the Brink is designed to:

• Provide a reference guide to assist decision makers and policy makers working towards effective environmental reform
• Assist CCWA’s member groups and broader community groups in connecting their local or specific environmental issues with policy and legislative reform, to support advocacy on environmental issues

By outlining key areas for policy and legislative reform, Back from the Brink aims to support constructive dialogue and decision making amongst policy makers, government agencies, and all those working to protect and restore WA’s nature now and for generations to come.