WildCountry Updates

New agreement supports Indigenous and conservation goals for the Great Western Woodlands - March 09, 2010

The Wilderness Society and the Goldfields Land and Sea Council have signed an important agreement to work together for the protection of WA’s extraordinary Great Western Woodlands.The partners will develop a co-operative approach along with other land users to safeguard the ecology and cultural values of the region, and to ensure land justice and economic opportunities for the region’s Traditional Owners. 

Leading Scientists call for urgent protection of the Great Western Woodlands - January 26, 2010

Growing concern about uncontrolled wildfires and poor management of the globally significant Great Western Woodlands in the south west of WA has prompted more than 50 leading Australian and international environmental scientists to issue a public alert to the West Australian Premier Colin Barnett calling for urgent action to ensure long term sustainable use and conservation outcomes.

Creating a Conservation Plan that Works for the Great Western Woodlands - December 15, 2009

It is important that the Biodiversity Conservation Plan due to be released soon by WA government adequately addresses the threats to the Great Western Woodlands, as well as providing protection to areas of outstanding natural and cultural importance. Consultation with stakeholders and the community needs to continue into the future.

The Nature Conservancy measures success in The Great Western Woodlands - October 02, 2009

The Nature Conservancy (‘TNC’) held an epic 2-day workshop during August in Kalgoorlie, located on the northern border of The Great Western Woodlands. The workshop looked at  improving the mechanisms through which we assess how effectively conservation programs in the Great Western Woodlands are protecting natural and cultural assets.

Northern Kaanju Ngaachi Wenlock and Pascoe Rivers Indigenous Protected Area - September 02, 2009

On June 4 2008, Northern Kaanju Traditional Owners and their guests gathered on their homelands in central Cape York Peninsula to share in the celebration of the Capes first Indigenous Protected Area. Watch a short video of the declaration for the Northern Kaanju Ngaachi Wenlock and Pascoe Rivers Indigenous Protected Area (IPA).

“Not all that Glistens is Gold”— eucalypts of the Great Western Woodlands - October 08, 2009

The Great Western Woodlands is the heart of eucalypt diversity in Australia, with 30% of all species found in the region.

The Cape York Peninsula conservation debate - June 23, 2009

Cape York Peninsula in far north Queensland is one of the largest intact and most diverse landscapes left on Earth. It is a land rich in nature and culture, where Indigenous peoples’ connections to their Country are active and strong. A worldwide study by Conservation International to identity the Earth’s last remaining wilderness areas lists Cape York Peninsula as one of “wildest tropical environments left on the planet.”

Cape York Peninsula - a step closer to World Heritage - May 25, 2009

The decision by the Commonwealth and Queensland Governments to consider Cape York for World Heritage protection is both welcome and long overdue. What this means is that the two Governments are committed to jointly assess the region for World Heritage values, identify areas suitable for long term protection and ensure local community support before making a formal nomination to UNESCO.

Conservation Action Planning: Managing the Future of the Great Western Woodlands - May 21, 2009

The Wilderness Society is using CAP for the Great Western Woodlands. This exciting initiative aims to pull together all the available knowledge to create a holistic plan for the region. This ‘scientific’ knowledge comes from not only scientists, but also Traditional Owners, Pastoralists, Scientists, and land managers including mining companies.

An Unlikely Couple? The Wilderness Society and the WA Nationals… - April 22, 2009

In a move that surprised many political observers and National Party members, - and members of the Wilderness Society  - the Great Western Woodlands team recently attended the WA National Party State Conference held in Kalgoorlie.