History

Four Groups Join Forces to Oppose Development

Over Time, Groups Widen Their Environmental Focus

In 1967, four nature conservation groups in Western Australia came together to create the Conservation Council of Western Australia. Driven by concerns about mining and agricultural development, the Western Australia Wildflower Society, The Tree Society, the WA Naturalists Club and the Kings Park and Swan River Society pooled their resources to develop a structure that would share funding, information, and develop conservation strategy. Originally, the new group was called the Nature Conservation Council, but this was later changed to reflect the larger environmental mandate of the organization.

Focus of Activities

Advocacy, Collaboration, and Education Hallmarks of the Conservation Council

Western Australia's Voice Supporting Environmental Stewards

For small conservation groups, it can be a struggle to gain recognition and bring a strong voice to the table. This is where the Conservation Council of Western Australia comes in. Whether a group is a tiny community organization focused on opposing a single development, or a larger group that would like to work in partnership with other environmental organizations, the Conservation Council brings these groups together to educate, advocate, and develop policy that changes the way things happen for the environment in Western Australia.

The goal of the council is to help restore and protect the natural environment. Through education, collaboration, and advocacy, the Conservation Council of Western Australia works to make positive environmental change in the public and government. The organization works with its smaller community networks and conservation groups to help those groups achieve their goals for environmental conservation.

The council works with government on specific legislative issues related to the environment and takes a position on environmental policies. The Conservation Council is involved in policy consultations and government committees to create a voice for the conservation community in environmental planning. It works to make sure that community members who support environmental conservation are heard, and to ensure that community members are up to date on environmental issues.

At the moment, the projects of the Conservation Council are diverse. Projects include work on biodiversity, climate change, forest fires, mining, agriculture, water and wetlands, and cane toads.

Through public forums on environmental concerns, the council works to help community members and government understand the environmental issues at stake. For example, it has held information seminars on matters as varied as the impact that mining aquifers has on biodiversity and the concerns about nuclear power and its potential ability to lessen climate change. The Council's cane toad trapping campaign is an example of one on-the-ground campaign that is working to make a difference for the biodiversity of Western Australia, attempting to stop the invasion of the cane toads into sensitive new habitats. Local groups also work to preserve natural spaces and work against developments that might harm these areas, as in the case of the lobby to preserve Point Peron.

The Council acts as a steward and host for many small environmental groups that are community-based and focused on a particular environmental concern in a very specific area. It has also played host to many famous conservation groups, such as the Campaign to Save Native Forests, South West Forests Defence Foundation, West Australian Forest Alliance, and Great Walk Networking. 

Celebrity Supporters

The Conservation Council welcomes celebrity interest in its advocacy activities! Groups and individuals who would like to contribute to the Council's work protecting Australia's wild places are always welcome.

Governance & Financial

Conservation Council is Funded By Member Organizations

Financing Ties the Group to its Local Roots

The first funders of the Conservation Council were the members of the Council, the four different organizations that brought resources to the table. Over time, smaller community groups developed and raised funds to support the Conservation Council's work.

Regions / countries which benefit

Western Australia.

How to donate

To donate online, visit the organization's web site.

Donors can also give money by mail, fax, a phone. Remember the Conservation Council in your will by making a bequest.

One fundraiser that is sure to be a success is the organization's organic wine club. Partial proceeds from each bottle sold benefit the Conservation Council. Cheers!