Website information

UPDATE: 24/02/2023 - The information on this website is currently under review.

For the latest Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions information please visit dbca.wa.gov.au.
For park information, please visit the Parks and Wildlife Service website exploreparks.dbca.wa.gov.au.

Media statements archive

Media statements archive

(This website contains news items and media statements produced prior to August 2019 only.)

Animals in suitcase

219 native animals recovered from illegal smuggling attempt

Two-hundred and nineteen native animals have been recovered from an alleged smuggling operation after being discovered in a vehicle near Eucla, 1200km east of Perth. This is the largest seizure of native animals ever undertaken in WA. WA Police Force intercepted the speeding vehicle on Eyre Highway, 20m west of Mundrabilla and discovered 15 large bags and around 15 plastic containers and bottles housing 198 reptiles, of which 58 are venomous, 16 marsupials, three cockroaches and two spiders. WA Police Force seized the animals and handed them to the Parks and Wildlife Service for identification, a health assessment and holding. The animals are being assessed by vets at Perth Zoo.

Read more...

Animals in suitcase

219 native animals recovered from illegal smuggling attempt

Two-hundred and nineteen native animals have been recovered from an alleged smuggling operation after being discovered in a vehicle near Eucla, 1200km east of Perth. This is the largest seizure of native animals ever undertaken in WA. WA Police Force intercepted the speeding vehicle on Eyre Highway, 20m west of Mundrabilla and discovered 15 large bags and around 15 plastic containers and bottles housing 198 reptiles, of which 58 are venomous, 16 marsupials, three cockroaches and two spiders. WA Police Force seized the animals and handed them to the Parks and Wildlife Service for identification, a health assessment and holding. The animals are being assessed by vets at Perth Zoo. WA Police Force are leading the investigation into unlawful possession and animal welfare cruelty of…

Read more...

Photo- DBCA

12 new Aboriginal ranger jobs in WA's South-West

McGowan Government delivers real jobs in the regions 12 new ranger trainees employed as part of South West Aboriginal Land and Sea Council project  The McGowan Labor Government has today announced is it progressing with the recruitment of 12 Aboriginal ranger positions in the State's South-West under the Aboriginal Ranger Program. The new positions are part of the South West Aboriginal Land and Sea Council's Noongar Boodja Mentored Employment and Training Partnership project delivered by the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA). The project will employ 12 Noongar trainee rangers on 16-month mentored training placements with DBCA.  One male and one female Noongar ranger will be directly employed and trained by the department to undertake work on conservation reserves in each of the six…

Read more...

West End linked to Wadjemup walk trails

West End linked to Wadjemup walk trails

Five trails of the 45km Wadjemup Bidi on Rottnest Island are now open Community collaboration helps deliver project at nearly 50 per cent under budget  The final section of the Wadjemup Bidi project is now open, completing the 45 kilometre network of walk trails on Rottnest Island. Ngank Wen Bidi takes in the far reaches of the island's scenic West End. For the first time, visitors will have formal access to the stunning Rocky Bay and Marjorie Bay. The trail also takes visitors past the colony of New Zealand fur seals in the waters at Cathedral Rocks, and onto the rugged coastline of Cape Vlamingh and Fish Hook Bay. Planned as a five-year $8 million project, the five Wadjemup Bidi sections were delivered in four…

Read more...

Trail celebrates Sikh heritage

Trail celebrates Sikh heritage

Australian Sikh Heritage Trail pays tribute to Western Australia's unique heritage  A trail that recognises the remarkable contributions of Sikhs to Western Australia was officially opened today by Environment Minister Stephen Dawson and Acting Local Government and Heritage Minister and Cannington MLA Bill Johnston. The Australian Sikh Heritage Trail at Adenia Park in Riverton was recently completed and includes upgrades to the 250 metre-long trail and footpath, in addition to new interpretation facilities with signage, seating and features depicting heritage values. The trail will provide visitors with information about the history of the Australian Sikh community, as well as information about Whadjuk Noongar culture and the Swan Canning Riverpark. The project has been a collaboration between the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA); the…

Read more...