WA Government Seeks Public Input on Critical Western Swamp Tortoise Habitat Protection Policy

Public Comment Invited on Critical Tortoise Habitat Policy

The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has officially opened a public comment period for the draft Environmental Protection (Western Swamp Tortoise Habitat) Policy 2026, a move that signals a significant commitment to protecting one of Western Australia's most vulnerable native species.

What happened

The EPA has released a draft policy, the Environmental Protection (Western Swamp Tortoise Habitat) Policy 2026, for public consultation. This policy aims to establish formal protections for the remaining critical habitats of the Western Swamp Tortoise. The public has until August 10, 2026, to submit their feedback and comments on the proposed measures. This consultation period is a key step before the policy can be finalised and implemented.

What this means for you

For West Australians, particularly those living in or near known tortoise habitats, this policy could mean changes to land use and development in specific areas. If you own land or are involved in development projects within these identified critical habitats, you will need to be aware of the new regulations. The policy aims to prevent further habitat loss, which could impact future development plans. It also offers an opportunity for community members concerned about biodiversity to have their say on conservation strategies, influencing the future protection of this species.

What this means for WA

This draft policy represents a proactive stance by the Cook Labor Government, through the EPA, to address the critical conservation needs of the Western Swamp Tortoise. It signifies a move towards more targeted environmental protection measures for critically endangered species. The success of this policy will depend on robust public engagement and the effective implementation of proposed habitat management strategies. It underscores a broader trend in Western Australian environmental policy towards species-specific conservation planning and the integration of public input into regulatory frameworks.

The numbers

The key date for public engagement is August 10, 2026, by which all comments on the draft policy must be submitted. This specific deadline, derived from the gazetted notice, provides a concrete timeframe for community and industry input. The policy itself, the Draft Environmental Protection (Western Swamp Tortoise Habitat) Policy 2026, highlights the urgency associated with the species' conservation status. The Environmental Protection Authority, as the entity responsible for this initiative, is driving the process, inviting comments on this medium urgency policy proposal.

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