Conservation Council of WA Welcomes Federal Government’s $250 million Investment in Nature
- Federal Government announces $250m ‘Saving Australia’s Bushlands’ funding
- Critical step forward to protecting 30% of land and sea by 2030
A new $250 million Federal Government funding boost for the preservation of Australia’s bushland has been welcomed by the Conservation Council of WA (CCWA).
Environment minister Tanya Plibersek said the investment would expand Australia’s protected areas under a new Saving Australia’s Bushlands Program.
CCWA Acting Executive Director Mia Pepper said this funding was a critical step towards meeting Australia, and Western Australia’s, commitment to protecting 30% of land and sea by 2030.
“Western Australia is home to some of the world’s most biodiverse and threatened ecosystems,” Ms. Pepper said.
“This investment will help safeguard vital habitats, strengthen Indigenous-led conservation efforts, and support the recovery of endangered species.”
However, Ms. Pepper warned that far greater investment was needed to match the scale of the biodiversity crisis.
“This is a much-needed boost for nature, and a positive sign that the government values protecting WA’s extraordinary biodiversity, but it requires a long-term, far more ambitious approach.
“To reach the 30% target we need to conserve an additional 60 million hectares of land by 2030, which will protect wildlife, help address climate change and help secure clean air and water for future generations.
“We look forward to even greater investment in the future and urge all levels of government to expand on these commitments to put in place lasting protections to halt nature destruction and restore degraded ecosystems.
“CCWA will work closely with the Federal and WA State Governments, Traditional Owners, and conservation partners to ensure this funding delivers tangible outcomes for nature and communities,” Ms. Pepper added.