Fulker to chair new authority

Committee for Perth chief executive Marion Fulker has been appointed chair of the state government’s new Conservation and Parks Commission.

The new authority, which will manage Western Australia’s lands and waters, replaces the Conservation Commission of Western Australia and the Marine Parks and Reserves Authority.

Environment Minister Albert Jacob said the creation of the new commission would enable a holistic approach to planning the management of land and marine reserve areas, ensuring greater flexibility and focusing planning considerations in the one body.

“This will especially be the case in the coastal and intertidal areas where both previous bodies played important roles,” he said.

“Having a new single body will directly benefit traditional owners by streamlining the reserve planning and establishment process, enabling them to liaise with one body over the management of these areas.

“The management of national and marine parks, conservation areas, state forest and timber reserves will remain with the Department of Parks and Wildlife.”

Mr Jacob said Ms Fulker was greatly experienced in senior executive and board roles.

She is a director of Rugby WA, and has recently stepped down as chair of the Heritage Council of WA.

She was also previous an executive director of the Urban Development Institute of Australia WA.

Other members of the new commission include Ingrid Cumming, Regina Flugge, Kim Colero, Brian Middleton and Ross Dowling.

“The new body brings together a blend of former and new members with a wide range of relevant experience,” Mr Jacob said.