Swan River Trust to fold into Dept of Parks

The state government will abolish the Swan River Trust and amalgamate its functions into the Department of Parks and Wildlife in a move it says will provide better protection for the Swan and Canning river systems.

Environment Minister Albert Jacob said the amalgamation would combine the expertise and capacity of the two agencies in conservation services.

He said the new joint body would bring together scientists, conservation and ecosystem management experts with project managers with expertise in delivering major capital works.

"This will greatly improve the capacity for conservation action to benefit the rivers and reduce duplication," Mr Jacob said.

"The new arrangements will improve resources for the management and protection of the Swan and Canning rivers and their catchment."

Legislation to bring the changes into effect is currently being drafted. 

Tourism Council WA chief executive Evan Hall said the merger would boost the state's eco-tourism.

"The amalgamation will streamline red tape for new tourism operators while raising the environmental standards for tourism on the river," he said.

"These Swan River reforms will encourage new tourism experiences for locals and visitors alike."

Opposition leader Mark McGowan said conservation efforts would suffer as a result of the merger and accused the governmen of downgrading the importance of the Swan River.

"After five years of ignoring the deteriorating health of the Swan and Canning river system, the Barnett government has axed the key agency that was formed to save it," he said.

"Axing an award-winning environmental agency should not be included in Mr Barnett's cost-saving measures."