New era for environment will engage community

A new Department of Parks and Wildlife (DPaW) and a department of environmental regulation will replace the existing Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) under sweeping reforms to the public sector announced today by the State Government.

  • DEC to be split into two departments to deliver better Government services

  • DPaW to focus on engaging community as well as marine and land preservation

  • A department of environmental regulation to focus on regulation and licensing

A new Department of Parks and Wildlife (DPaW) and a department of environmental regulation will replace the existing Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) under sweeping reforms to the public sector announced today by the State Government.

Environment Minister Albert Jacob said the restructure would clearly separate the management of Western Australia's marine, parks and wildlife environment from the role of environmental regulation.

"The DPaW will focus on conservation efforts and community engagement of our State's natural assets while a department of environmental regulation will focus solely on environmental regulation, approvals and appeals processes," Mr Jacob said.

The Minister said a new single authority, to be named the Conservation and Parks Commission, would also replace two separate existing authorities, the Marine Parks Reserves Authority and the Conservation Commission.

"The decision to split the DEC is about ensuring that we have a department dedicated solely to the conservation, protection and promotion of Western Australia's unique national land and marine parks and reserves," Mr Jacob said.

"The DPaW will focus not only on conserving our ecosystem but look at ways to better engage the community and help them to enjoy the amazing natural assets in our own backyard."

Due to the complexities of establishing the parameters of a new department of environmental regulation, the operations of the regulatory arm will continue to work under the Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) banner for the short term.

          Fact File

  • The Liberal National Government will provide $20million for low-cost holiday options in national parks and reserves

  • Key priorities of DPaW: The provision of low-cost, family camping opportunities within our national parks and State forests, in particular in the South-West and Mid-West; and improving services relating to parks, conservation and land management

Minister's office - 6552 5800