|
Updated: April 22, 2009
|
An Unlikely Couple? The Wilderness Society and the WA Nationals…
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.
In the heart of the Great Western Woodlands, the Kalgoorlie conference (3-5 April) saw the coming together of several hundred National Party politicians, office bearers and delegates to discuss future policy direction and focus of the WA National Party. The Nationals are now part of the WA Liberal/Nationals/Independents alliance government headed by Premier Colin Barnett.
Dr Alexander Watson and Jessica Chapman from the Wilderness Society Inc., Keith Bradby (Director, Gondwana Link) and Hank Cauley (PEW Environment Group), attended the conference and were able to discuss the extraordinary opportunities that are available to regional communities in the Great Western Woodlands. Meetings were help with State Nationals leader Brendon Grylls and many other Nationals MPs, members and office bearers.
We found there was much common ground between our respective organisations with regard to the Woodlands including: the region contains internationally significant biodiversity; Traditional Owners and other locals need to be empowered to help look after the region; and that ultimately, the State Government must work with business, community and the environment sector to ensure excellent regional outcomes.
This forum also provided the opportunity to discuss how the threats to the Woodlands are the same as those to the people who live in this region. Fire, introduced plants and animals, climate change and changed disturbance regimes are combining to create degradation of this landscape and real problems for the communities that live in the region.
As regional advocates, we urged the National Party to help lead the way in securing the future of this area and creating a better future for regional communities. The good news is they appeared to have listened ……
The Wilderness Society will now continue to have input into the National Party to help it play a really positive and groundbreaking role in looking after this fantastic regional asset.
How you can help
You can help to ensure the protection of this internationally significant region and keep the Great Western Woodlands high on the government’s agenda.
1. Click here to send a letter to our new Environment Minister Donna Faragher – to let our government know that community is calling for protection of the Great Western Woodlands.
2. Write your own letter to the Environment Minister (Tips on writing your own letter here)
Writing your own letter does have added impact so if you feel confident enough and have the time it can help more. Send your letter to;
Hon. Donna Faragher MLC
Minister for the Environment and Youth
10th Floor, Dumas House
2 Havelock Street
West Perth WA 6005
Or email; Minister.Faragher@dpc.wa.gov.au
3. Write your own letter to your local member of parliament - to find out which electorate you are in, click here >>
To find out the contact details for your local member, click here.
4. Join the email update list, ‘Friends of the Great Western Woodlands’
Keep up-to-date and receive an email update once every of months. This means we can let you know any important campaign news events, actions and information. Education is the key so please take the time to tell your friends and family about the significance of this amazing region.
5. Time to spare? - Volunteers needed for outreach activities and events! click here >>
The Great Western Woodlands has grown quickly and become a high profile campaign. We need help to continue to keep it on the government agenda, and ensure that all Western Australians are kept informed. To help, contact jessica.chapman@wilderness.org.au or call 0400 339 439
6. The Wilderness Collective - click here
A new Wilderness Society WA activist group has started, with guest speakers, training workshops, creative activity nights, and films - it's a great way to meet other activists, share skills and help protect our State's most amazing places! We meet at the Great Western Woodlands Campaign office, West Perth - 5:30pm every Tuesday.
- Great Western Woodlands banner - WA - 2009
For more information, please contact:
Community Campaigner – Jessica Chapman
jessica.chapman@wilderness.org.au
For more information, please contact:
The Wilderness Society WA Inc
City West Lotteries House
2 Delhi St
West Perth, WA, 6005
Phone: 08 9420 7255
Subscribe to email updates
