The Conservation Council of WA (CCWA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Maggie Wood as the organisation’s acting Executive Director.

Piers Verstegen – who has held the position for the past 12 years will step aside to fill a new position as Policy and Legal Director and to take some much deserved long service leave.

Maggie has held the Communications and Engagement Director role with CCWA for the past two years and has taken an active lead in delivering CCWA’s most successful campaigns and initiatives.

“It’s a real privilege to lead such a storied and respected organisation as CCWA”, said Maggie.

“CCWA is one of Western Australia’s most effective and iconic organisations. The need for a strong voice for the environment, communities and climate is now greater than ever at this crucial moment for our future.

“CCWA is a vital focal point and resource for a growing network of active community groups and individuals standing up and taking action for our environment and climate in every corner of our state.

“I’m looking forward to helping maintain and strengthen the council, and to working with our community as the organisation grows and takes on new challenges.”

Piers said that taking a break from the role of Executive Director would enable him to focus on important policy priorities for the council and assist the organisation to step up its efforts to prevent highly polluting new gas projects.

“Thanks to the gas industry, we live in one of the few places in the world where carbon pollution is still increasing every year. That presents a special challenge and a profound responsibility.

“Further proposed giant gas projects like Woodside’s Scarborough project, onshore gas in the Perth Basin and fracking in the Kimberley threaten to drive WA’s emissions even higher.

“The staggering amounts of carbon pollution from these projects could tip our climate over the edge and deny the last opportunity we have to maintain a liveable planet. This is a terrifying proposition, and we must do everything we can to prevent these developments at this critical time for our future.

“It is clear that our governments are still maintaining support for these projects, even as they threaten our collective future and hold back exciting economic opportunities for our state in the transition to a zero-carbon economy. 

“Where governments are not able to provide leadership, we must find other ways to address these challenges.

“The new position of Policy and Legal Director reflects the commitment of the council to find new ways to challenge these developments including in the courts, working with shareholders and investors, on the streets, in boardrooms, and in our community.”

ENDS

MEDIA INFORMATION: The Conservation Council of WA (CCWA) is the state’s foremost non-profit, non-government conservation organisation representing more than 100 environmental organisations across Western Australia. 

For more information, visit: ccwa.org.au.

CONTACT: For any enquiries relating to this release, please contact Robert Davies

08 9420 7291 / 0412 272 570 or by email, [email protected]