This month has been full of action! From climate change to wildlife protection laws, local campaigns, and even an epic walk through the desert, our community has been as busy as ever defending nature and providing a powerful voice for the environment.

Want to know how? Read on for your highlights!

A message from Piers about Wildlife and Biodiversity:

“Our state is home to amazing animals and wildlife that exist nowhere else on Earth. From the iconic Carnaby’s Cockatoo to the charismatic numbat, these species are part of our natural heritage. But faced with clearing, logging, burning and destruction of habitat, scientists say that many unique species may be extinct within our lifetimes if things don’t change fast.

The case is clear - our native animals and wildlife deserve legal protection - including for the homes, food, and habitat their daily survival depends on.

The McGowan Government is now in the process of implementing the appalling biodiversity laws passed by the Barnett Government, despite voting against these laws while in Opposition, and promising to strengthen them during Labor’s 2017 election campaign.  

Nearly two years since the laws were passed, the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) is consulting on how the Government will implement the laws. Please send your email now, and help get our animals the protection they deserve.”

A message from Sarah about Community Campaigns:

“It’s been a busy month for those running Community Campaigns! From challenging decision makers to drawing up plans to preserve special areas, it’s incredible what a small group of people can achieve together.

Community Campaigns are run by community groups and individuals, with support from CCWA’s staff and resources. And to achieve their goal and protect the environment, they need people power - that’s you! You can find out how to help each group below:

• Save Our Dunes Golden Bay
• Protect Alfred Cove - Stop the Wave Park
• Save Herdsman Lake Wildlife Centre

If there’s an environmental issue that concerns you, why not start your own campaign? There are loads of resources to help you, plus you’ll have the support of the conservation community!”

A message from KA about the Walkatjurra Walkabout:

“Throughout August, I will walk through the remote Goldfields desert to draw attention to Traditional Owners’ efforts to protect their family and community from the uranium industry.

Walking with Traditional Owners across their land, I’ll spend time listening and learning about their country and culture. Together, we hope to secure a safe and renewable future for Western Australia.

Walking hundreds of kilometres and living in the remote desert for a month will be a challenge, and I would be grateful if you could chip in to my crowdfund or share our message to support these communities. Thank you!”

A message from Kate about Climate Change and Energy:

“Western Australia is the only state with no renewable energy target and no carbon pollution reduction target. As a result, growth in LNG processing in WA is now the biggest driver of Australia’s rising emissions, and will prevent Australia from meeting its international commitments under the Paris Agreement.

Pollution from Chevron’s giant LNG projects are currently under review by the EPA, but in the meantime there is a lot that can be achieved towards a clean energy economy.

There is a growing momentum towards climate action. Recently CCWA welcomed new policies on climate change from the WA Local Government Association (WALGA). And earlier this month we heard from Mark Butler (Federal Shadow Minister on Climate and Energy) on the pollution and renewable energy targets that Federal Labor will be taking to the next election.

Clean solutions to our growing gas pollution that can help our economy, and help us meet international targets, should be viewed as an opportunities rather than challenges by the McGowan Government. WA is ready for this!”

A message from Alison about Citizen Science:

“This month, our Citizen Science team launched the second edition of the Fairy Tern Conservation Guide at our press conference at Point Walter in Bicton, and CCWA’s Citizen Science Coordinator Dr Nic Dunlop made it onto the front page of the local paper!

Fairy Terns can often be seen nesting on beaches around Perth during summer months, and returning north during winter. Unfortunately, their exposed nesting sites make them vulnerable to interference. If you would like to learn how to protect this bird, you can join the Western Australian Fairy Tern Network here!”

And a taste of what’s to come…

• Sat 4 Aug: Walkatjurra Walkabout Send Off, 12pm at LUSH Murray St
• Tue 14 Aug: Save the Karak’s Roost, 7pm at City of Gosnells
• Fri 7 Sep: National Threatened Species Day of Action, 9am at Location TBA
• Sat 8 Sep: RISE for Climate Action, 11am at Russell Square in Northbridge
• Tue 11 Sep: Projections at Parliament, 6pm at Parliament of WA
• Tue 18 Sep: Rally to Save Our Dunes Golden Bay, 11am at Parliament of WA

Thank you for everything you do for our wildlife and environment - we’re so grateful to have you in our community!

See you soon,

Sarah and the team at CCWA

P.S. If you’re concerned about an environmental issue and would like to start your own campaign, we can help you - start your campaign here!