❓ A WA parliamentary question seeks detailed information on DBCA's funding, staffing, and responses to public calls regarding wildlife protection, particularly concerning whale separation distances and enforcement of Biodiversity Conservation Regulations. The response indicates data collection limitations and prioritizes education over enforcement in a specific whale sighting incident.
AnsweredQoN 801Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
(1) How much funding is provided by the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) to respond to calls from the public concerning wildlife protection, including marine wildlife protection and the enforcement of the Biodiversity Conservation Regulations (the Regulations) 2018’s prescribed separation distances (regulations 113-114)? (2) Can the Minister provide a breakdown of funding for the Department’s response to calls for wildlife protection for the following years: (a) 2024-2025; (b) 2023-2024; (c) 2022-2023; (d) 2021-2022; and (e) 2020-2021? (3) How many calls for wildlife protection did the Department receive for the following years: (a) 2024-2025; (b) 2023-2024; (c) 2022-2023; (d) 2021-2022; and (e) 2020-2021? (4) How many calls for wildlife protection did the Department respond to for the following years: (a) 2024-2025; (b) 2023-2024; (c) 2022-2023; (d) 2021-2022; and (e) 2020-2021? (5) How many full time equivalent positions have been funded to attend wildlife protection call outs for the following years: (a) 2025-2024; (b) 2024-2023; (c) 2023-2022; (d) 2022-2021; and (e) 2021-2020? (6) I refer to media reports in the week of 1 September 2025 of two mother Southern Right whales and their calves close to the shore at Leighton Beach and City Beach. Did DBCA position any staff on the beaches where the whales were present in the week of 1 September 2025 to ensure compliance with separation distances in the Regulations? (7) If yes to (6), how many staff were present and on which dates? (8) If no to (6), why not? (9) In the week of 1 September 2025, how many people were charged and/or issued infringement notices for breaching the separation distances to protect whales prescribed by the Regulations? (10) How many charges/infringement notices have been issued for breaching Regulations 113-114 in the following years: (a) 2024-2025; (b) 2023-2024; (c) 2022-2023; (d) 2021-2022; and (e) 2020-2021?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
2 December 2025
Responded by
Minister for the Environment
Response time
7 days
1-2. Wildlife matters are routinely reported to the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) local Parks and Wildlife Service offices across Western Australia. Additionally, the Wildlife Protection Branch, based in Kensington, also responds to wildlife related matters. Because these matters are handled across multiple offices and business areas, DBCA cannot provide a single consolidated annual total for each specified year.
3-4. DBCA receives wildlife reports from the public through several channels, including regional offices, the Kensington office and the Wildcare Helpline. Therefore, DBCA cannot provide a single annual total of all calls received. DBCA is also unable to report on specific response actions taken in relation to individual calls or reports.
5. Please see answer 1-2.
6. Yes.
7. DBCA staffing on the dates below included both land-based and vessel patrols.
8. Not applicable.
9. None. DBCA employed an educational approach to inform people about viewing the southern right whales through on-ground activities, while also utilising social and mainstream media to promote adherence to separation distances.
10.
3-4. DBCA receives wildlife reports from the public through several channels, including regional offices, the Kensington office and the Wildcare Helpline. Therefore, DBCA cannot provide a single annual total of all calls received. DBCA is also unable to report on specific response actions taken in relation to individual calls or reports.
5. Please see answer 1-2.
6. Yes.
7. DBCA staffing on the dates below included both land-based and vessel patrols.
8. Not applicable.
9. None. DBCA employed an educational approach to inform people about viewing the southern right whales through on-ground activities, while also utilising social and mainstream media to promote adherence to separation distances.
10.
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