Conservation Council of Western Australia (CCWA)

Western Australia's peak environment group has welcomed the appointment of Bill Marmion as the new Minister for the Environment and Water in Barnett Cabinet reshuffle, Conservation Council Director, Piers Verstegen said "Minister Marmion has an extremely challenging task ahead of him as the Minister for the Environment and Water."

"Decisions made in these portfolios during this term of government must urgently address the greatest challenges currently facing the state, including dramatically reducing carbon pollution and ensuring a sustainable water future."

"Minister Marmion will be required to make decisions on proposed fossil fuel developments, including coal mining and LNG, that could see Western Australia's carbon pollution double. One of Ministers Marmions first priorities must be to act upon the Barnett Governments election commitment to develop a climate change mitigation and adaptation strategy for the Western Australia.

"The combination of environment and water portfolio under the same Minister is a smart move as climate change becomes an even greater factor in water availability, and the demands we place on water resources will be felt by the environment.

"Another key priority for Minister Marmion will be delivering on the Premier's promises to protect the Kimberley.

"The Kimberley is one of the last remaining unspoiled wild places on Earth however the Minister will have to face down powerful vested interests to prevent inappropriate industrial development such as coal mining and LNG developments from spoiling the natural and cultural values of this incredible region forever.

Other priorities for Minister Marmion will be:

• Developing a comprehensive water efficiency strategy for Perth and the South-west and reducing unsustainable groundwater abstraction
• Addressing Western Australia's poor recycling record, and introducing a recycling refund scheme for cans and bottles
• Assisting the phase-out of unsustainable native forest logging in WA
• Implementing the Governments conservation commitments in the Great Western Woodlands and ensuring preventing further destruction of the Banded Ironstone Ranges in the Mid-West
• Ensuring adequate funding for the environment portfolio including effective management of national parks and conservation reserves
• Creating a comprehensive network of marine sanctuaries to protect our marine life and recover collapsing fish stocks
• Taking action to address the continuing pollution of the Swan River by fertiliser and other contaminants

"CCWA and our network of 100-plus community-based member groups look forward to working with Minister Marmion to identify and implement solutions to the serious environmental challenges facing Western Australia.

"We know that the vast majority of Western Australian voters want to see greater protection for our environment. We offer our support to Minister Marmion to help him ensure that the Barnett Government genuinely responds to that expectation" concluded Mr. Verstegen