New members appointed to Western Australia Conservation and Parks Commission

The Western Australia Conservation and Parks Commission has welcomed four new members, including Jo Lanagan as new chair (pictured above) and Mark Webb as deputy chair.

Lanagan, whose 30 years of experience in Aboriginal affairs included working with the State and Commonwealth Governments to progress Native Title issues, has been appointed chair after serving as the commission's deputy chair since 2019.

She replaces Professor Chris Doepel, who held the position for the past five years and retired as the commission's chair in May.

Continuing member Mark Webb (above), who has more than three decades of experience as a director, chief executive and director general in Western Australia's public service, has also been appointed as the commission's deputy chair, with Professor Matthew Tonts and Rod Clark appointed as the commission's newest members.

The Conservation and Parks Commission is charged with conserving WA's biological diversity and ensuring its conservation estate is managed in a sustainable manner.

WA Environment Minister Reece Whitby shared "Congratulations to the commission's new members, who I am confident will be strong advocates for our State's biodiversity and conservation estate.

"I would like to acknowledge the outstanding service of Penny Bond and Chris Doepel, who have helped build a strong foundation for the commission."