Mr McGowan said the Swan and Canning River system would suffer because of the decision.
‘After five years of ignoring the deteriorating health of the Swan and Canning River system, the Barnett Government has axed the key agency that was formed to save it,’ Mr McGowan said.
‘It is arguably Perth’s number one natural asset and the Barnett Government has completely downgraded its importance.’
Environment Minister Albert Jacob said the decision fulfilled an election commitment to strengthen the management of WA’s environment and river parks.
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READ NOW‘This government created the Department of Parks and Wildlife to deliver better, more focused conservation services and our river conservation efforts will be significantly boosted by combining the expertise and capacity of the two agencies,’ Mr Jacob said.
‘It will also be enhanced by the involvement of its volunteer network of some 4700 dedicated West Australians.’
Mr Jacob said the Swan River Trust Board would remain as an advisory body and would continue to provide high level, independent advice.