The 21st Annual WA Wetlands Conference 2025 brought together passionate wetland advocates, scientists, policymakers, artists, and community members to explore and address the pressing challenges facing wetland conservation. This year’s conference continued its tradition of providing a platform for knowledge exchange, collaboration, and actionable solutions, ensuring the ongoing protection and restoration of these critical ecosystems.
With the generous support of our sponsors and the invaluable contribution of our attendees and volunteers, the conference once again reinforced its role as a cornerstone of wetlands education and advocacy.
This year’s theme, “Protecting Wetlands For Our Common Future”, underscored the need for collective action in ensuring the resilience of these vital ecosystems in the face of climate change, urbanisation, and ecological pressures.
A significant highlight of the 2025 WA Wetlands Conference was the participation of regional wetland champions, supported by Lotterywest’s RegionaLink initiative, which enabled attendance from communities across Western Australia. By facilitating regional representation, the conference provided an opportunity for deeper engagement with Indigenous knowledge, community-led conservation efforts, and region-specific challenges.
This report provides an overview of the conference’s key highlights, attendance statistics, program breakdown, engagement activities, and initial feedback, offering valuable insights for shaping future wetland conservation efforts and educational initiatives.
Conference
Resolution
Adopted on Day 2
Resolution on Perth Cultural Centre Wetland
– from the WA Wetlands Conference 2025
Whereas, the Conference discussions highlighted the importance of wetlands and it was tabled with dismay that the Perth Cultural Centre wetland is to be removed and not replaced.
This wetland was created by our children, bringing frogs and other wildlife to share and connect with their joy of nature in the middle of the city.
The connection to nature has been scientifically proven to benefit the physical and mental wellbeing of people in the city, to rest and recover during their working day.
Importantly, it pays respect to Noongar boodja and acknowledges the many wetlands that were lost right beneath Perth City.
We urge you to reinstate this green asset for the people of Perth in the new Perth Cultural Centre development.
Let people connect to nature and our heritage in the city and let us respect Country.
Noteworthy Achievements
The WA Wetlands Conference 2025 welcomed a dynamic and engaged audience across both days, fostering meaningful discussions and knowledge-sharing. Participants from diverse backgrounds—including Ministers, MLAs, First Nations Elders and Traditional Owners, local government representatives, intergovernmental organisations, and wetland professionals—brought their expertise, contributing to lively discussions and shared learning.
Who Attended:
| Registration Type | Day 1 Count | Day 2 Count |
|---|---|---|
| Regular Attendees | 139 | 136 |
| Presenters | 42 | 38 |
| RegionaLink Participants | 10 | 9 |
| Volunteers | 14 | 14 |
| Dignitaries | 5 | 0 |
| Students (Sponsored by Mayor Logan Howlett) | 3 | 3 |
| Staff & Contractors | 5 | 5 |
| Total Participants | 212 | 200 |
Participation Statistics:
- Across two days, more than 250 individuals engaged in the conference, including leading experts, community advocates, and emerging voices in wetland conservation.
- The program featured 44 expert presentations, case studies, and panel discussions, ensuring a well-rounded exploration of wetland issues.
- Through Lotterywest’s RegionaLink initiative, 10 regional representatives—including 4 speakers— were able to join and contribute their invaluable perspectives.
- A dedicated team of 18 volunteers played a crucial role in ensuring the conference ran smoothly.
- Thanks to the support of Mayor Logan Howlett, 3 students had the opportunity to participate, gaining valuable insights into wetland conservation.
The Conference website was revamped for the Conference as part of the Centre's community and engagement program. The website featured an interactive Conference program, an intuitive registration system, a new submission portal, and a detailed feedback questionnaire.
On all two days, refreshments, morning tea, lunch, and afternoon tea were catered to by Little Hawk Freo, Beaconsfield.
The Conference was conducted with a focus on environmental sensitivity, green initiatives, and greater sustainability to reduce the environmental impact of this event. Here are a few initiatives and guidelines that were followed:
- E-program: The Conference program was available via email or through the new website. Only limited copies of the program were printed on recycled paper and made available for viewing around the centre.
- Upcycle and Recycle: The name badges were re-used from previous conferences and the names were printed on recycled paper. The name badges were collected at the end of each day of the Conference.
Program Highlights
The conference featured a dynamic and diverse program of keynotes, expert presentations, workshops, nature walks, exhibitions, and panel discussions, providing opportunities for in-depth learning, collaboration, and action-driven conversations.
Key Components of the Program:
- 4 Keynote Speakers: Leading experts sharing their perspectives on wetland conservation and policy.
- 20 Expert & Case Study Presentations: Covering the latest in wetland science, management, and restoration strategies.
- 4 Hybrid Presentations/Workshops: Including 8 special presentations on cutting-edge wetland innovations.
- 1 Panel Discussion: A collaborative space for cross-sector insights on wetland policy, management, and climate adaptation.
- 1 Plenary Session: Focusing on major challenges and future directions for wetland conservation.
- 5 Poster Presentations: Featuring innovative research and projects from emerging professionals and experts.
- 2 Nature Walks: Providing immersive experiences in wetland environments, led by ecologists and Indigenous knowledge holders.
- 2 Exhibitions: Showcasing interactive displays and artistic engagements with wetlands.
- 1 Book Launch: The book launch of A WILD HERITAGE: Reflections on the Anstey-Keane Dampland contributed to wetland literature and storytelling.
The conference’s blend of scientific, cultural, and community-focused content ensured that attendees from all backgrounds had opportunities to engage meaningfully with the topics presented.
Sponsors & Partners
The WA Wetlands Conference 2025 was made possible through the generous support of sponsors, partners, and volunteers, whose contributions helped elevate the quality, reach, and impact of the event.
Conference Sponsors & Supporters:
- Community Bank Fremantle – Bendigo Bank
- DBCA (Department of Biodiversity, Conservation & Attractions)
- Harry Butler Institute – Murdoch University
- DWER (Department of Water and Environmental Regulation)
- City of Cockburn
- Conservation Council of WA
- Urbaqua
- PHCC
- Water Technology
- SERCUL
- Perth NRM
- Lotterywest (RegionaLink Sponsorship)
A special note of thanks to Mayor Logan Howlett played a key role in supporting student participation, ensuring that the next generation of wetland stewards had the opportunity to learn, connect, and contribute.
Regional Representation
The RegionaLink initiative, supported by Lotterywest, allowed 10 regional participants, including 4 presenters, to attend the WA Wetlands Conference 2025.
These attendees brought critical perspectives from across Western Australia, representing diverse landscapes, conservation challenges, and community-led wetland restoration efforts. Their contributions enriched discussions by highlighting local challenges, Indigenous land management knowledge, and grassroots conservation projects.
We are grateful to Lotterywest for enabling regional attendees to attend the conference, ensuring a diverse range of voices from across WA were represented.
Engagement & Participation
Attendee engagement was exceptional, with interactive sessions, workshops, and immersive experiences providing multiple opportunities for learning and discussion.
Key Engagement Highlights:
- Nature Walks: Two guided walks through wetland environments provided first-hand experiences of restoration efforts.
- Workshops & Special Presentations: Hands-on sessions encouraged skill-building in wetland restoration, citizen science, and policy action.
- The Wetlands Poetry Challenge: Participants crafted a collaborative wetland poem, with the final version available here: Coming Soon.
- Panel & Plenary Sessions: Lively discussions on climate resilience, policy advocacy, and innovative conservation strategies.
The conference’s holistic approach, blending science, culture, art, and activism, created a space for meaningful dialogue and inspiration.
Verses from the WetlandsFrom The Mega Wetlands Poem Challenge
Feedback & Insights
Initial feedback from attendees has been overwhelmingly positive, with strong praise for:
✔️ High-quality presentations & expert speakers
✔️ Diverse program structure, balancing science & community engagement
✔️ Opportunities for networking & collaboration
✔️ Successful integration of Indigenous perspectives
✔️ Lotterywest RegionaLink’s impact in supporting regional participation
Further detailed feedback will be consolidated in the final survey results, which will help shape future Wetland Symposiums and the next WA Wetlands Conference.
