Western Australia

The WA Division's membership is very diverse and includes environmental practitioners from state & local government, utilities, consultancies, mining and construction companies and law firms.

The Division has held a number of very successful functions over the last two years. This is attributed to the endeavours of the Committee, which has continued to meet monthly and ensure that a suitable range of seminars has been available for members and prospective members. A steady stream of new membership applications is further evidence of the resurgence that the Division is currently enjoying.

The focus of the WA Division is to disseminate information on emerging and important environmental issues for environmental practitioners. In Western Australia , key issues include:

* clearing of native vegetation
* salinity
* sustainability
* phytophthora dieback
* environmental management systems
* environmental auditing
* air quality
* contaminated sites
* amendments to environmental legislation

The Division will continue to arrange seminars, conferences and workshops involving scientists, policy-makers and practitioners to address and debate these issues.

For those considering a career in environmental science, the WA Division will arrange career's nights if there is a demand. At these events, a cross-section of environmental practitioners will give presentations followed by an opportunity to mix and mingle over drinks and nibbles.

These events have been particularly successful.

**WA Divisional Committee**
President	John Braid MEIANZ CEnvP jbraid@oceanbroadband.net 08 9577 1767
Vice-President & Secretary	Toni Cowell MEIANZ CEnvP toni@360environmental.com.au 08 9321 0420
Committee Member	Scott Bird MEIANZ scott.bird@env.net.au 08 9289 8360
Committee Member	Warren McGrath MEIANZ w.mcgrath@strategen.com.au 08 9228 6900
Committee Member	James Gibson MEIANZ james.gibson@env.net.au 08 9289 8360
Committee Member	Richard Morup MEIANZ morupr@rpsgroup.com.au 08 9211 3513
Committee Member & CEnvP contact	Carel van der Westhuizen MEIANZ CEnvP carelvanderwesthuizen@vdmgroup.com.au 08 9241 1812
Committee Member	Vicki-Lee Tarca MEIANZ vicki-lee.tarca@cityofperth.wa.gov.au 08 9461 3243
Committee Member	Lance Perry MEIANZ lanceperry@claytonutz.com 08 9426 8530
Committee Member	Tony Webster-Smith MEIANZ tony.webster_smith@sustainabilty.com.au 08 9246 6666
Committee Member	Ben Smith b.smith@strategen.com.au 08 9228 6900
Committee Member	Jenny Lazorov MEIANZ jlazorov@skm.com.au 0488 414 832

Recent Activities

MEET THE MINISTER
On Thursday 23 April, the Minister for Environment and Youth, the Hon. Donna Faragher JP MLC addressed registrants at a Young Guns Seminar in Perth. The Minister spoke on issues such as:

· Climate Change
· Reform of the EIA Process
· the Kimberley Science and Conservation Strategy
· Protection of the Great Western Woodlands.

The Minister stayed on for refreshments after the Seminar closed and gave attendess the opportunity to discuss environmental issues and ask questions. It was a very successful event, judging from the interest. The WA Divison was fortunate to have the Minister agree to speak at the Seminar.

YOUNG GUNS EVENT:
On 11 December 2008, more than 40 (mainly) young guns attended a very entertaining presentation by Simon Cherriman. Simon won the 2008 WA Youth Award in the Environment Category. Those who attended agreed that Simon's passion for nature conservation was inspiring and most went away with a much greater knowledge of Australian eagles. Simon's presentation was followed by Christmas drinks, nibbles and an opportunity to network and catch up with colleagues

MEET THE NEW DIRECTOR OF THE CONSERVATION COUNCIL (WA) at THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF THE WA DIVISION:

The Western Australian Division of the held its AGM on Tuesday 16 September 2008. This was followed by a presentation from Mr Piers Verstegen, Director, Conservation Council of Western Australia . The Council is a non-government, non-profit umbrella conservation organisation for 90 affiliated conservation-focused groups throughout WA who share a passion and vision for taking responsibility for WA's unique environments.

For 40 years the Conservation Council has been an advocate for a sustainable society in WA and pushed for the protection of the State's wildlife and natural areas. Piers recently commenced as the new Director of the Conservation Council. Prior to this appointment, he worked as a Senior Policy Advisor for four WA Environment Ministers, providing policy advice on a range of subjects including science policy, climate change, emissions trading, waste management, air quality, environmental law, environmental education, industry regulation and pollution control.

Piers shared his views on the role of the Conservation Council, its priorities and strategic direction. Piers' presentation was followed light refreshments where were able to relax and network with other environmental professionals.