Biodiversity care the concern of all

The 2007 Australian of the Year will be the keynote speaker at the City of Joondalup’s International BiodiverCities Conference in September.

‘Local governments have an exceptionally important role to play in preserving biodiversity because many threatened species are confined to very narrow areas often in urban environments,’ he said.

‘Local planning and development decisions can have a huge impact on these species.’

Mr Flannery said supporting community groups who care for natural areas was vital.

‘West Australians are the custodians of some of the most diverse areas in terms of plant and animal life in the world,’ he said. ‘Protecting and enhancing biodiversity is not the sole responsibility of one level of government, it is a communal responsibility from local volunteer groups to the Federal Government.’

Experts from around the world will address the conference.

To register to attend, visit Joondalup.wa.gov.au.