Protecting Habitats for WA Wildlife

A Community Action Pack  | Practical steps to protect wildlife and local green spaces 

Western Australia’s wildlife is losing habitat at an alarming rate. Clearing for development, infrastructure, and commercial projects continues to destroy bushland, wetlands, reserves, and wildlife corridors — often with little consideration for the animals or the community who live there. 

This pack is designed to help communities take informed, effective action to protect habitats and ensure wildlife are not treated as an afterthought.

Why Habitat Protection Matters 

Protecting habitat is one of the most effective ways to protect wildlife. When habitat is destroyed, wildlife doesn’t simply move elsewhere. Animals are:  

  • Displaced from their homes  

  • Injured or killed during clearing  

  • Cut off from food, water, and shelter  

  • Pushed into roads, backyards, or unsuitable areas  

Step 1: Identify What’s Happening

If you are concerned about a local site, start by clarifying: 

  • Where is it? 
    (Reserve name, street, suburb, or map screenshot) 

  • What is being proposed? 
    (Clearing, rezoning, development, excision, roadworks) 

  • Who is responsible? 
    (Local council, State Government agency, private developer) 

  • What is the land status? 
    (A-Class Reserve, bushland, wetland, public open space) 

You don’t need all the answers — even partial information is valuable.

Step 2: Document Wildlife and Environmental Impacts  

Evidence matters but never put yourself or wildlife at risk to gather it. If safe and legal to do so:  

If animals are in immediate distress or danger, please contact:

Note:  

  • Species observed (or likely) 

  • Presence of nesting trees, hollows, water sources  

  • Proximity to waterways or estuaries 

  • Record dates and times 

Take photos or videos of:  

  • Wildlife present  

  • Trees, bushland, wetlands 

  • Clearing activity or machinery 

Step 3: Engage Decision-Makers    

You have a right to ask questions. Contact:  

  • Your local council 

    • Ask about approvals, community consultation, and environmental assessments  

    • You can find more information here: My council | LGIRS

  • Your local MP 

    • Ask them to represent community concerns and raise the issue 

    • You can find your local MP here: Member List

  • State Ministers  

Strong advocacy is:  

  • Calm 

  • Evidence-based  

  • community-focused  

When writing, emphasise:  

  • Loss of wildlife habitat 

  • Community and environmental value 

  • Cumulative impacts of development 

  • Inconsistency with long-term planning and climate resilience 

Avoid personal attacks, focus on outcomes. A template letter can be found here. 

Step 4: Write Effectively     

Step 5: Join Collective Action    

Community voices are strongest together. You can:  

  • Attend council meetings 

  • Support or form a local action group 

  • Speak with neighbours 

  • Share information responsibly 

  • Engage local media where appropriate 

Collective action increases visibility and accountability. 

How Amanda Dorn’s Office Can Support  

Amanda is working to strengthen habitat protections across WA. Her office can:  

  • Record and track habitat loss cases 

  • Raise concerns with relevant Ministers 

  • Contact local MPs and councils 

  • Use case studies to support legislative reform 

  • Advocate for stronger wildlife protection laws in Parliament .

Looking After Yourself  

It’s important to look after yourself while advocating for animals, you can’t help them if you’re burnt out.

We The Free has a "mental health first aid kit", a compilation of resources tailored for activists, including online courses, support lines, meditation and mindfulness practices, and more. You can access it here.