Media statements - Parks and Wildlife Service

Media statements (455)

Estuarine crocodile sighted on Fitzroy River

Details: Published: Friday, 20 December 2013 14:56

The Department of Parks and Wildlife (DPaW) is asking people in the Pandanus Park and Willare Roadhouse area to be aware of crocodiles, following the sighting of an estuarine crocodile at nearby Langes Crossing on the Fitzroy River. DPaW officer Bonnie Tregenza said a large crocodile was reported to be behaving aggressively at Langes Crossing, 70km south-west of Derby, on Thursday night (19 December). “The person who reported the croc is a long-term local resident and he estimated the size to be more than 4m,”Ms Tregenza said. “People need to be cautious and avoid river areas around Langes Crossing and downstream at Telegraph Pool. “DPaW Broome officers are installing crocodile warning signs at Langes Crossing and they are also speaking to people at the roadhouse…

Exploring the enchanted marine environment at Trigg Beach

Get into nature during the summer school holidays

Details: Published: Friday, 20 December 2013 11:04

There is so much to see and do in Perth’s great outdoors during the summer school holidays! With a range of activities for children aged between 4-13 years, the Department of Parks and Wildlife’s (DPaW) Nearer to Nature school holiday program provides opportunities to enjoy and learn about the natural environment. Whether it is up in the Perth Hills, at Yanchep National Park; the Canning River or beaches at Marmion Marine Park and Woodman Point, each activity is run by an experienced guide and offers children hands-on fun learning experiences. Activities for the little ones include Lovely ladybeetles, Possum tails tale and Camouflage Capers among others. DPaW Nearer to Nature Program Coordinator Jill Francis said these types of activities for children 4-7 generally involved story-telling…

DPaW uses American Champion Scouts for bushfire detection and suppression support

Biggest aerial firefighting fleet takes to the sky

Details: Published: Wednesday, 18 December 2013 10:26

State’s aerial firefighting fleet has largest ever water capacity $12million invested to support firefighters on the ground Western Australia’s aerial firefighting fleet will have a greater water bombing capacity than ever before as the State enters a predicted severe bushfire season. Emergency Services Minister Joe Francis today welcomed the fleet’s ‘heavy artillery’, the Erikson Aircrane, which arrived in Perth this week for its third season. “The aircrane is part of a new-look fleet that now has a total water bombing capacity of 48,600 litres, making it more effective than ever,” Mr Francis said. “The investment in the aerial firefighting fleet reinforces the ‘Are You Ready’ message to the community and the Government’s commitment to bushfire preparedness. Last bushfire season the fleet…

Whale shark is WA’s new marine animal emblem

Details: Published: Tuesday, 10 December 2013 12:17

Western Australia to adopt new marine animal emblem The majestic whale shark will become Western Australia’s new marine animal emblem. Premier Colin Barnett today announced the selection of the whale shark, Rhincodon typus, at Forest Crescent Primary School, which won a State-wide competition to nominate a marine emblem. Mr Barnett said the whale shark had become famous for gathering every year during autumn and winter off the coast of Exmouth in the spectacular Ningaloo Marine Park. “The whale shark is a significant attraction for those visiting Western Australia and reflects the diversity and beauty of the State’s marine life,” he said. The competition to select a State marine animal emblem was launched by the Premier on WA Day this year, following…

Croc sighted near Broome Port

Details: Published: Tuesday, 10 December 2013 10:30

The Department of Parks and Wildlife (DPaW) is reminding Broome residents and visitors to be aware of crocodiles following a sighting of an estuarine crocodile in the Entrance Point area. DPaW Officer Darren Stevens said the large crocodile was spotted by members of the public late Sunday afternoon. The accurate size is unknown as the animal has not yet been sighted by DPaW or Broome Shire rangers but the report suggests the crocodile is large enough to be dangerous. “People need to be cautious and avoid the beach and waters in areas between the Broome Port and Gantheaume Point,” Mr Stevens said. “Shire Rangers have installed warning signs at Entrance Point, Town Beach and Reddell Beach car parks. “DPaW and Shire Rangers will continue…

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