Latest news with #DBCA
ABC News
26-05-2025
- Science
- ABC News
WA melon-headed whale stranding investigation findings 'inconclusive'
Marine researchers have been unable to determine why 10 whales stranded themselves on Western Australia's far north earlier this year. The melon-headed whales were found by residents at Crab Creek, east of Broome and about 2,000 kilometres north of Perth, in January. Melon-headed whales are small, toothed whales belonging to the oceanic dolphin family. The Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) collected scientific information from the dead mammals to investigate the incident. But it has since confirmed the cause of the stranding would remain unknown. Marine scientist Holly Raudino said the species had only stranded twice previously in WA, so the incident was unusual and concerning. She said research team members had done everything they could with the samples available. "We hadn't anticipated how quickly the head and the soft tissues would decompose," she said. "By the time we received the head, it appears that decomposition had already set in. "We're always trying to improve on our efforts as much as we can and as funding permits." Findings initially suggested the stranding was caused by intense noise, due to severe damage to the mammals' ears. But because of significant decomposition, results regarding the ears were comprised and deemed inconclusive. "Elsewhere in the world when this species is stranded, it's been suspected to be in relation to exposure to an intense noise source," Ms Raudino said. The species is primarily found in deep water worldwide. The whales travel in pods ranging from 100 to more than 1,000 members. While the ultimate cause of the stranding is undetermined, Ms Raudino said the team's findings would help inform broader global understanding and research into strandings generally. Envrions Kimberley executive director Martin Pritchard said the stranding had shocked residents. He said it was disappointing the cause would not be fully understood. "We have a world-class marine environment here and there's a responsibility on the government to make sure we know what's going on and to manage it properly," he said. "We're a wealthy country; surely we've got the resources to monitor our marine life so we can understand what's been going on in our oceans." Mr Pritchard said at the time of the incident there were reports of "very large noises" in the area cause by "pile drivers". "We were concerned that could have had a direct impact on the whales," he said. "Now we'll never know."
West Australian
13-05-2025
- General
- West Australian
Prescribed burns to continue in South West after firefighting industrial action concludes with new offer
The State's bush firefighters have accepted a new pay offer with members to return to work on prescribed burns and load management in regional areas. Australian Workers' Union and Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions delegates met in Bunbury last week to endorse the agreement to allow more inclusive time off and better pay. It comes after shadow minister for forestry and Warren-Blackwood MLA Bevan Eatts raised concerns about 150 preventative burns would be impacted by industrial action, and he is also pushing for better fire management strategies in the regions. 'I understand why these workers are taking a stand. They're on the frontline of our fire seasons and deserve both respect and resources,' he said. 'I'm committed to working with government, local brigades, forest managers and environmental groups to get this right. 'We need a regional fire strategy that values local input and takes account of environmental as well as community risk.' The bush firefighters undertake controlled prescribed burns and are responsible for frontline bushfire management outside of the metropolitan area. Industrial action was paused on May 8 once the negotiations were nearing conclusion, with workers to return to work for good now the agreement has been accepted. AWU WA branch president Andy Hacking said the crews worked 'work long hours in dangerous conditions' with the landmark pay offer constituting a 'substantial and meaningful increase to their base rate of pay'. 'This new offer means that our members are able to return to undertaking their vital work of prescribed burns and load management to keep our regional communities safe,' he said. 'The AWU's members and delegates from across WA including Manjimup, Margaret River, Busselton, Kirup, Nannup, Collie, Walpole and surrounding areas have strongly endorsed this new enterprise bargaining agreement.' A DBCA spokesperson said with negotiations now settled, prescribed burning would take place when it was safe to do so. 'DBCA values the work of its 344 AWU-represented frontline bush firefighting staff,' they said.
Miami Herald
09-05-2025
- General
- Miami Herald
7 false killer whales are stranded on ‘remote' beach — then help arrives. See it
A rescue mission recently took place on an Australian beach after a group of false killer whales became stranded on the shore. The incident occurred at House Beach, a 'remote' area about 300 miles southeast of Perth, according to a news release from the Parks and Wildlife Service, Western Australia. On the evening of May 5, officials were notified that seven false killer whales had gotten stuck on the beach. In response, a team of more than a dozen expert first responders traveled to the area 'at first light' on May 6. 'Sadly, four of the false killer whales had passed away overnight,' according to the release. But, responders managed to stabilize the remaining trio of survivors and transport them into the open water. Photos show the individuals in action, pouring large buckets of water over one of the whales and carrying them back into the sea. Two of the rescued whales stayed offshore 'swimming freely.' But, one re-stranded and was euthanized 'to avoid prolonging its suffering.' As of May 7, there had been no additional sightings of the two surviving whales, indicating they had not become stranded again. 'A huge thank you to the members of the public who reported the incident to DBCA (the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions) and assisted staff throughout the response,' the release said. False killer whales — which are found throughout all the world's oceans — are distinguished by their dark complexion, slender frame and lack of a beak, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). They can measure up to 20 feet in length, weigh up to 3,000 pounds and live into their 60s. The species is named after killer whales on account of their skull shape, which resembles that of orcas, according to the International Whaling Commission. Several other mass stranding events have been recorded involving the species. Other threats to false killer whales include environmental contaminants, hunting and lack of sufficient food, according to NOAA.
Perth Now
07-05-2025
- General
- Perth Now
WA man catches emus on wild adventure in his backyard
File this in the 'here's something you don't see everyday' folder. Dawesville resident Callum Layton was thrilled when a pair of emu chicks came wandering into his yard on Tuesday before one of them decided to take a cheeky dip. 'I couldn't have felt any more Australian,' Mr Layton laughed. 'Emus in my pool and Taj the border collie watching from the patio.' Mr Layton moved to the area four years ago and was cleaning the gutters when they came wandering in. 'There are a lot of kangaroos in the area, and sometimes they come in, but never emus,' he said. 'It definitely made my day, I'm pretty sure they live down Tim's Thicket ways.' Videos show the curious pair wandering around the yard and drinking from the dog bowl, before one goes hops in the swimming pool. Emus swimming. Credit: Callum Layton The sight of the emus had been delighting residents in the small suburb of Dawesville for days, with sightings of the pair being posted regularly on social media. Unfortunately, the pair were hit by a car on Old Coast Road overnight, but are now in the care of wildlife rescuers. In a post on social media, WA Wildlife shared that one had a broken leg and the other a knock to the head. The pair are now being cared for by vets. 'Thank you to everyone who cared so much for the welfare of these emus and kept track of them yesterday,' an update on the Dawesville Community Facebook page read. 'They are now in good hands and we can only hope for a good outcome for both emus.' DBCA have been contacted for comment.
ABC News
06-05-2025
- General
- ABC News
Concerns firefighters' industrial action could delay burnoffs in southern WA
An ecologist and bushfire management expert says delays to scheduled fuel reduction burn-offs across southern Western Australia may increase the risk of bushfires next summer. The state's prescribed burns have fallen behind schedule due to industrial action by hundreds of firefighters employed by the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA), which manages the program. Unlike Department of Fire and Emergency Services firefighters, the DBCA workers deal with the management of state-owned and operated forests and land throughout the year, which includes bushfire responses. Delays have mounted in recent weeks as the firefighters have been working to rule — meaning no overtime or work on public holidays. Despite the industrial action, the firefighters are committed to responding to any wildfires. Joe Fontaine says further delays to the burning program could increase bushfire risk. ( ABC News: Rhiannon Shine ) Murdoch University ecology lecturer Joe Fontaine said there was less broad-scale burning during autumn, which was usually busy. "That takes a lot of work, a lot coordination … because of the hours and staffing required," he said. "Right now, burning is focusing on high-risk areas closer to where people live." Dr Fontaine said the overall fuel load was likely to mount in fire-prone areas ahead of next summer's bushfire season if the burn-off delays increased. Industrial action is 'mild' The Australian Workers' Union, which represents the firefighters, said the 300 workers had been seeking better conditions and wages for more than two years. Australian Worker's Union DBCA delegates met in Bunbury. ( Supplied: AWU WA ) WA Branch president Andy Hacking said the firefighters were paid between 15 to 20 per cent lower than other government sectors, with many on a yearly salary between $60,000 and $70,000 per year. "They're just not paid well for the type of work they do," he said. " In the fire season they are right in the thick of it. " He said the challenging nature of the work warranted improved conditions. "We need an uplift because if we have a mild fire season, these guys are struggling to pay their bills," he said. The WA government declined to reveal the impact the industrial action was having. ( Supplied: Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions ) Workers will still fight wildfires In response to questions from the ABC, a state government spokesperson declined to detail the direct impact of the industrial action. "We value the hard work of our frontline bushfire staff," the spokesperson said. "The state government continues to bargain in good faith with the AWU and is committed to reaching a negotiated settlement as soon as possible. "The AWU has assured [the] government that industrial action will not affect emergency bushfire suppression."
