The Department of Parks and Wildlife will become part of the new Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions from 1 July this year.
This new department will bring together the functions and staff of the Department of Parks and Wildlife, Botanic Gardens and Parks Authority, Rottnest Island Authority and the Zoological Parks Authority.
It will be led by Interim Director General Mark Webb PSM and have a strong emphasis on improving Western Australia’s natural attractions as key tourism assets, and creating opportunities for private sector investment and partnerships while conserving environmental values. Another benefit is that it will consolidate conservation science under one department to build and share knowledge of the State’s biodiversity.
This will be a staged and smooth transition, with no disruption to day-to-day operations and services for visitors at Perth Zoo, Kings Park and Botanic Garden, Bold Park, Rottnest Island or at any of the State’s many national and marine parks. It also provides an opportunity for greater behind-the-scenes collaboration among like-minded people to keep enhancing these natural attractions that are enjoyed by millions of visitors each year.
The public sector renewal process announced by the Premier Hon Mark McGowan MLA represents a very significant structural change across government, and the Department of Parks and Wildlife will continue to keep our stakeholders informed as we implement the new department.
With winter school holidays fast approaching, why not book your children in for some unique, fun, hands-on activities held in marvellous natural areas in and around Perth.
There are activities for kids of all ages providing them with up close and personal experiences with our wonderful plants and animals in some very special places.
Some of the activities on offer during July school holidays include adventure caving, frog foraging, rambling with a ranger and squelching through swampland. Bookings are essential and fill up fast, so enrol your kids now.
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The home of Australia’s largest fringing coral reef, Ningaloo Marine Park, celebrates its 30th anniversary this year.
Ningaloo became Western Australia’s second marine park on 3 April 1987 and is now enjoyed by hundreds of thousands of visitors each year from across the world.
Ningaloo Marine Park coordinator Peter Barnes said that within 15 minutes of jumping on a boat, visitors can encounter sea turtles, dugongs, manta rays, dolphins, killer whales and of course the wonderful whale sharks.
Department of 
