New era for single conservation agency

• Extra expertise and resources to boost the State's rivers conservation effort

• Fremantle Prison now managed by State Heritage Office 

Environment and Heritage Minister Albert Jacob said today's amalgamation of the Swan River Trust and the Department of Parks and Wildlife honoured a pre-election commitment to create a dedicated parks and conservation agency.

Parks and Wildlife's new management responsibilities for the Swan Canning Riverpark will complement its ongoing management of nearby conservation areas, including the Swan Estuary Marine Park and Canning River Regional Park. 

"There is now one agency responsible for managing national parks, reserves, State forests conservation and marine parks," Mr Jacob said.

"The creation of a rivers and estuaries division within this agency will ensure improved protection for the rivers.

"The new division, which will work closely with other divisions in Parks and Wildlife, will ensure a focus on the highest priorities in river science, protection, conservation and management.

"The merged workforce will bring together scientists, conservation and ecosystems management experts, planners and project managers with experience in delivering significant capital works."

The Swan River Trust board will continue as an independent advisory body on river matters to the Minister for Environment and the Parks and Wildlife director general.

In another change, management of Fremantle Prison has been transferred from the Department of Finance to the State Heritage Office.

The Minister said the State Heritage Office and the Heritage Council of Western Australia were well placed to provide governance that was consistent with the oversight of a World Heritage site.

"Fremantle Prison will be able to leverage the State Heritage Office's specialist expertise, best practice and industry connections for the conservation and management of this significant heritage site," Mr Jacob said.

Fact File

• The Swan Canning Riverpark includes 72sqkm of public land and adjoining river reserves along the Swan, Canning, Helena and Southern rivers

• Fremantle Prison is one of Australia's best preserved convict sites

• In 2014-15, the prison received more than 192,500 visitors - its highest number since it opened to the public in 1992 

Minister's office - 6552 5800