Mr Jacob said last Thursday joining the two entities would enable scientists, conservation and ecosystem management experts, planners and landscape architects to come together to better the rivers and strengthen the management of WA’s river parks.
However, Opposition leader Mark McGowan said the decision would place huge stress on the deteriorating Swan River.
‘The Trust’s work was recognised at an international level in 2012, when it was a top three finalist in the 2012 Australian Riverprize for River Management, the world’s most significant prize recognising efforts to repair damaged rivers and the health of their catchments and riverine environments,’ he said.
‘The Trust’s Riverbank program was a finalist in the 2012 Premier’s Awards for the Managing the Environment category.’
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READ NOWMr Jacob said the move would greatly improve the capacity for conservation action.
‘The new arrangements will improve resources for the management and protection of the Swan and Canning rivers and their catchments,’ he said.
Legislation to implement the amalgamation is being drafted with amendments to be made to the Conservation and Land Management Act 1984 and the Swan and Canning Rivers Management Act 2006 to affect the change.