Tributes paid to retiring WA Department of Environment and Conservation Director General

Western Australian Premier Colin Barnett and Environment Minister Bill Marmion have paid tribute to retiring Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) Director General, Keiran McNamara.

McNamara announced this week that he would not be continuing in his role due to a terminal illness.

Commenting on McNamara's retirement, Premier Barnett stated "Keiran has made an outstanding contribution to Western Australia. He has worked tirelessly to conserve and protect the State's environment, to improve our parks and to protect and promote the State's rich biodiversity.

"Keiran has been with the WA Government since 1985, first with the Department of Conservation and Land Management where he went on to become Director of Nature Conservation in December 1991 and CEO in July 2001.

"He was then the inaugural Director General of the Department of Environment and Conservation from July 2006 and has since served in that role.

"His role has been a difficult and demanding one, involving as it does the striking of an appropriate balance between environmental conservation and economic development. He has fulfilled this role with vision, commitment and integrity.

"I am very sorry to hear of Keiran's illness and have spoken personally to him in recent days to convey my and the Government's appreciation of his exemplary service to the people of WA over many years and to wish him the very best.

Minister Marmion said McNamara had been an outstanding leader who had left an enduring legacy in environmental protection.

He added "the environmental and conservation achievements of the Western Australian Government's over the last 10 years could not have been possible without Keiran's contribution as Director General of both DEC and the former Department of Conservation and Land Management.

"Keiran led his agencies and advised Ministers with a level of expertise and professionalism that honoured the best traditions of the public service.

"His energy, drive and passion will be greatly missed."

For more information go to www.dec.wa.gov.au/

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