Perth Voice Interactive

A GROUP of WA-based conservation groups have banded together to launch an AI-generated advertising campaign to push the Cook government into introducing stronger conservation laws. 

Defend WA’s Nature comprises the Australian Marine Conservation Society, Environs Kimberley, the WA Forest Alliance, and the Conservation Council of WA. 

The “highly realistic” campaign photos depict native WA species brandishing weapons at digging equipment, including a turtle holding a flail and a numbat wielding a pair of nun chucks. 

The slogan, “It’s not like they can defend themselves”, pens a satirical commentary on the role government should play in protecting WA’s flora and fauna, according to the group. 

Australian Marine Conservation Society WA director Paul Gamblin says new, more protective laws are “crucial” for the survival of threatened species in WA, especially given the state’s poor track record when it comes to biodiversity destruction. 

WA is in an undesirable national spotlight when it comes to biodiversity levels, with 129 species categorised as vulnerable, 140 endangered, 160 critically endangered, and a heartbreaking 15 species made extinct. 

It puts WA in a tie with New South Wales for the highest extinction rate in the country. 

“The broad community expects our members of federal and state parliaments to strengthen nature laws, not weaken them at the behest of vested corporate interests,” Mr Gamblin said. 

“This major new advertising campaign demonstrates our determination to fight for threatened wildlife that can’t defend itself.” 

According to the Cook government, the 2024-35 budget “delivers major environment and water investment” towards the state’s natural resources, with a “significant” $536 million allocated towards national park conservation and increased water security and infrastructure. 

However, Conservation Council executive director Jess Beckerling says WA’s nature is “in serious trouble” despite budget promises. 

“Our state emblem, the numbat, is at risk of extinction, along with many other wildlife species facing similar fates due to increasing threats from climate change, deforestation, land clearing, fossil fuel expansion, industrialisation, and pollution,” Ms Beckerling listed. 

“In the midst of the climate and biodiversity crisis, there is an attack on nature laws by powerful corporate interests. 

“We must act now to defend WA’s nature and ensure that our nature laws are protected and strengthened.” 

Protected 

The campaign launch comes after the Cook government gave the green light to a wave park in banksia woodland in Jandakot earlier this year and an Alcoa mine in December last year, despite departmental warnings about the impact. 

Notably, these are the two elements that the budget appears to outline as focus points for the Cook government. 

According to a press release from Defend WA’s Nature, the advertising campaign is aimed to attract attention from both the state and federal government. 

It is funded by conservation organisations who have “contributed substantial and in-kind” financial support, and will appear in newspapers, social media, and a mobile billboard. 

More information can be found at the organisation’s website, DefendWAnature.org.au. 

by KATHERINE KRAAYVANGER