The Latest Breaking News from DBCA

In 1939, a Royal Commission found burning forests leads to more bushfires. But this cycle of destruction can be stopped

Every year, government workers around Australia start fires in the bush. The idea behind these prescribed burning programs is that removing dry leaves and branches reduces the chance of bigger, more dangerous fires. Over many decades, prescribed burning has settled into a dogma – an unquestionable good.

The Conversation · Dec 2, 2025

Emperor penguin that travelled 3,000km to West Australian beach begins long journey home

Gus gained 3.5kg during his 20-day stopover before being released back into the Southern Ocean on Wednesday

The Guardian - AU · Nov 23, 2024

Whale dies days after video shows it being stroked by swimmers near beach

Ecologists raise concerns about whale’s deteriorating health after it beached over weekend

The Independent UK · Dec 12, 2023

Kimberley national park closures due to flood damage leave tourism operators high and dry

January's record-breaking floods destroyed key infrastructure and washed away significant portions of one of the Kimberley's most visited destinations.

ABC News · Mar 20, 2023

Shacks, crayfish and holding on for dear life: How four villages north of Perth stayed put despite the odds

Shack life and crayfish defined four villages 220 kilometres north of Perth for more than five decades. But 2020 delivered a double whammy that nearly spelled the end.

ABC News · Jan 14, 2023

Western Australia looks for ways to protect its share of nation's 30pc land conservation target

Western Australia supports the country's 30 per cent land conservation target by 2030, but it has no target to meet the goal within its own borders, with the head of national parks management admitting it will be difficult.

ABC News · Jan 11, 2023

Indigenous owners seek joint management over WA parks before private developers move in

The head of a south coast Indigenous corporation believes the state government should formalise joint management agreements over national parks before developers are invited to start businesses within their boundaries.

ABC News · Nov 14, 2022

Crocodile involved in Kimberley attack destroyed as authorities warn tourists to be croc-wise

Authorities say the population of humans and crocodiles becoming higher than ever is leading to more frequent encounters.

ABC News · Nov 1, 2022

More whales get stuck in fishing gear as marine scientists seek new ways to rescue them

The latest annual report from the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions says there has been an increasing trend of entangled whales becoming tethered to the sea floor, prompting changes to rescue strategies.

ABC News · Oct 23, 2022

Man 'bitten on the head' in vicious crocodile attack as friend fends off reptile with knife

The two men were crabfishing in Horizontal Falls, a popular tourist hotspot in Western Australia, when the beast "leapt" from the water and bit one of the men on the head

Daily Mirror · Oct 18, 2022