New Alliance Launches ‘WA Better by Nature’ on World Environment Day to Inspire West Aussies to do Better for Nature.

THURSDAY JUNE 5, 2025

A powerful new alliance has marked World Environment Day by launching WA Better by Nature, a state-wide movement uniting Western Australians’ love for nature with a call for new and expanded protected areas and Indigenous-led conservation to support culture, tourism, jobs and our outdoor lifestyle.

Celebrated globally for the last five decades, World Environment Day highlights the urgent need to protect WA’s biodiversity, particularly underrepresented areas. Healthy nature is essential to our state’s identity, economy and future and the better we look after it, the more it gives back.

Mitch Hart, WA Manager for the Pew Charitable Trusts, said Western Australia is ready to lead a new era in conservation with the right policies and political support to make it happen.

“The Cook Labor Government’s ‘Plan for Our Parks’ has proven that WA can be a national, if not global, leader in creating top-tier jointly managed national parks, but we can’t stop there, now’s the time to build on that success. Nature is facing some tough challenges ahead and WA is well placed to take that next step forward.”

“WA Better by Nature is about collaboration, the kind we see in successful land management across our big state. Strong partnerships are the backbone of conservation, and our diverse alliance brings together Traditional Owners, conservationists, conservancies and communities—all who understand the importance of healthy nature and what’s at stake if we don’t act now.”

“By working together in partnership, we can deliver practical, proven solutions that benefit both people and nature. This is as much about livelihoods as it is about landscapes. Protecting unique nature is a win-win outcome for WA.”

Warinypirna (Mrs Doris Eaton), Deputy Co-Chairperson of the Pilbara Region Board of Directors for Yamatji Marlpa Aboriginal Corporation (YMAC) said,

“Western Australians need to build on the momentum created by Plan for Our Parks. That wasn’t the end of this road, it was just the beginning,”

“We all need to work together to protect WA’s incredible nature. That’s the only way we’ll be able to ensure our future generations get to experience just how special this place truly is.”

Mr Peter Windie, Co-Chairperson of the Yamatji Region Board of Directors for Yamatji Marlpa Aboriginal Corporation said,

“Western Australia has the opportunity to lead the way in demonstrating how we can all do better by nature; because once it’s gone, how do we get it back?”

“Healthy Country means healthy people; it doesn’t get simpler than that.”

Miss Natalie Parker, Co-Chairperson of the Pilbara Region Board of Directors for Yamatji Marlpa Aboriginal Corporation said,

“When you look after Country, Country looks after you. And that’s why we all have a role to play in looking after this land and all the life it sustains.”

“Real partnerships can make a real difference. There is so much we can learn from each other when we work together genuinely and respectfully.”

Chantal Fowler, WA and SA Head of Region at Bush Heritage Australia said,

“Western Australia is home to some of the most globally significant ecosystems and cultural values. As a national conservation organisation, Bush Heritage Australia contributes to protecting WA’s unique biodiverse and cultural landscapes through our reserve and partnership network.”

“Together with our partners, particularly Traditional Owners and Custodians, we are actively working to protect and manage Country. We are proudly part of this alliance, bringing together organisations with different approaches, to scale up protection of West Australia’s magnificent and precious landscapes.”

Jason Fowler, Senior Campaigner for WA Forest Alliance said,

“Southwest forests are facing many complex threats and are in urgent need of protection. Partnering with the WA Better by Nature Alliance is an exciting opportunity to bring together Traditional Owners, scientists and communities to make sure new protected areas are created in the right way that supports local communities and looks after WA’s unique forests for future generations.”

The WA Better by Nature alliance is formed by key organisations, including Yamatji Marlpa Aboriginal Corporation, Bush Heritage Australia, Conservation Council of WA, WA Forest Alliance, The Wildflower Society of WA and The Pew Charitable Trusts.

ENDS