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keynotes
At the centre of the WA Wetlands Conference, keynotes drive the shared daily dialogue that connects the wetland professionals and stakeholders in attendance from around WA. These presentations run for one hour each, showcasing some of our most inspired thinkers as they tackle the most timely topics of today and tomorrow.
We have included two keynotes each of the first and second days of the Conference, one each for the morning and afternoon sessions. These will be conducted in the main hall and are accessible to all delegates.
Explore some of our recently-announced Keynote speakers for the WA Wetlands Conference below and stay tuned for additional programs. For more sessions by inspiring creatives, browse through our Program webpage.
Professor Anne Poelina PhD, PhD, MA, MEd, MPH&TM
Chair of Indigenous Knowledges – Senior Research Fellow,
Nulungu Research Institute, University of Notre Dame Australia
Professor Anne Poelina is a Nyikina Warrwa grandmother and a globally respected advocate for environmental justice and Indigenous knowledge systems. As Chair of the Martuwarra Fitzroy River Council, she leads efforts to protect the Martuwarra (Fitzroy River) and promote sustainable futures for her community, blending traditional ecological knowledge with contemporary conservation practices.
In 2024, Anne was honoured with the prestigious Bessie Rischbieth Conservation Award by the Conservation Council of Western Australia, recognising her exceptional contributions to conservation in Western Australia. She also co-led the Martuwarra Living Waters Heritage Story Map project, which earned the WA Heritage Council Award for Interpretation, highlighting her dedication to culturally significant and innovative environmental initiatives.
Anne serves as Chair and Senior Research Fellow at the Nulungu Research Institute, University of Notre Dame Australia, and holds multiple academic positions, including as Adjunct Professor at Charles Darwin University. Her work spans diverse roles as a researcher, filmmaker, and advocate, uniting Indigenous and non-Indigenous perspectives to foster reconciliation, sustainability, and the preservation of living waters.
Through her leadership and multifaceted contributions, Professor Poelina continues to inspire collaborative approaches to caring for Country and protecting some of Australia’s most critical ecosystems.
Knowing Living Water – Ecological Wetlands
Yi-Martuwarra people of Martuwarra Fitzroy River share an alternative understanding to the scientific hydrogeological knowledge to share their deep-time wisdom and practice in understanding ‘ecologically and culturally’ significant wetlands as living water systems. Our duty of care is the protection and wellbeing of everyone and everything around us. The senior elders believe this approach can inform extractive and exploitative interests in the Martuwarra Fitzroy River.
In this alternative view, developed on a foundation of ancestral personhood, we tease out the entangled skeins of Martuwarra knowledges, languages, deep histories, and stories, to propose a just and equitable approach to groundwater extraction and the importance of co-governance in water planning, extraction, and management for the region. In developing this vision for place-based River governance, we highlight the critical role that Martuwarra Indigenous worldviews and ancient knowledges and practices have in shaping understandings of the River ecosystem. Importantly, this intergenerational knowledge is vital to protecting and caring for these living water systems and their connectivity to the wellbeing of Country, people, biodiversity, and our non-human kin.
Keynote | Day 1 | First Session
Dr. Jane Chambers
Senior Lecturer, Environmental and Conservation Sciences | Director
Murdoch University | Nature Link Perth
Dr. Jane Chambers is a Senior Lecturer in Environmental and Conservation Sciences at Murdoch University, with over 30 years of expertise in wetland ecology. Her research is dedicated to the management and restoration of wetlands, rivers, and estuaries in South Western Australia. As the Director of NatureLink Perth, she leads initiatives to integrate nature into urban spaces, promoting biodiversity and enhancing the liveability of Perth.
Dr. Chambers has spearheaded significant projects focused on conserving native species and habitats. Notably, she oversaw the ‘Saving our Snake-Necked Turtle’ project, a community engagement initiative aimed at conserving Western Australia’s declining turtle populations. This project was made possible by a Lotterywest grant and has mobilized communities to protect these iconic turtles.
In addition to her research and conservation efforts, Dr. Chambers has contributed to academic literature, co-authoring resources such as "A Guide to Emergent Wetland Plants of South-Western Australia," which provides valuable insight into the region’s wetland flora.
Through her research, leadership, and community involvement, Dr. Chambers continues to make a lasting impact on the conservation of Western Australia's wetlands and waterways.
Wetlands under urbanisation and climate change: the way forward
The combined effects of climate change and urbanisation are serious stressors on wetland ecosystems of the Swan Coastal Plain. With a 15% reduction in rainfall, 80% reduction in runoff and competition for their sustaining groundwaters for human use, permanent wetlands have become seasonal, while seasonal wetlands display reduced water depths and increasing duration of dry periods. Throw clearing, habitat modification, invasive species, polyphagous shot-hole borer into the mix and the prognosis looks bleak for wetland biodiversity.
The history of wetland loss in Perth is one of changing human attitudes to these essential ecosystems, and it is social values that provide hope for the future. Now with desalination importing 38 GL of water per day from the ocean, urban greening a hot topic to reduce the urban heat island effect and with increasing community interest in conservation of endangered species, we have capacity to sustain our remaining wetlands with innovative thinking and novel approaches. This talk outlines a brief history of our urban wetlands and then looks at our capacity to sustain them using a flagship species, the southwestern snake-necked turtle (Chelodina oblonga) to highlight the perils and hopes ahead.
Keynote | Day 1 | Second Session
Dr. Tim Storer
Manager River Science - Principal Scientist (Aquatic Ecology)
Department of Water and Environmental Regulation
Dr. Tim Storer is a dedicated advocate for the health and resilience of Western Australia's rivers and wetlands. With over 15 years of expertise in aquatic ecology, Tim has played a critical role in leading programs that assess and monitor the health of vital waterways across the southwest and south coast regions. His work examines essential indicators such as riparian vegetation, water quality, and native aquatic species, helping shape effective conservation and restoration efforts across the region.
Beyond scientific research, Tim collaborates closely with local communities, landholders, and Indigenous groups, integrating traditional knowledge with rigorous science. This community-driven approach fosters a shared commitment to protecting ecosystems and engaging citizens in river health monitoring and restoration projects.
Tim’s contributions also include developing the South West Index of River Condition (SWIRC), a key assessment tool used to evaluate river health comprehensively. His dedication to understanding genetic diversity in native species, such as freshwater crayfish, further underscores his commitment to long-term ecosystem vitality.
Through his work, Tim Storer continues to drive meaningful, evidence-based approaches to managing Western Australia’s unique and precious waterways.
Building resilience of river ecosystems to a dryer and hotter climate
Western Australia’s south-west has dried at one of the fastest rates on the planet. Since the 1970s, rainfall has declined by over 20% and average temperature has increased by around 1°C. During this period, flow in some streams has dropped by more than 50%, input to water supply dams has fallen by around 80%, and the steady decline in groundwater levels has resulted in drying of previously permanent pools and seen some perennial streams become seasonal. Climate predictions show that the threats to wetland ecosystems are rapidly increasing even in the wettest climate scenario.
The presentation will provide a synthesis of the current condition and ecological requirements of river ecosystems of south-west WA, as well as predicted impacts from declining rainfall and rising temperatures. This will include examples of natural resilience and sensitivities of local systems, an examination of some of the science and monitoring programs aimed at understanding and mitigating changes, and showcase new work to characterise, prioritise and enhance ecosystem resilience. The presentation will cover the state government's standard methods for assessing river health — the South West Index of River Condition, the department’s long-term river monitoring program supporting water resource management — the Healthy Rivers program, and introduce a new project to prioritise and evolve our management efforts — Creating Climate Resilient Rivers.
Keynote | Day 2 | First Session
Luke Bentley
Executive Director | Parks and Visitor Services
Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions
Luke Bentley is the Executive Director of Parks and Visitor Services for the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA). With a career spanning remote locations across Western Australia, Luke has cultivated extensive expertise in leadership, land management, fire management, and visitor services. His work reflects a deep commitment to fostering partnerships with Traditional Owners to enhance the management of land and sea Country.
Luke’s experience encompasses strategic planning, project management, and the establishment of national parks and reserves. He is particularly focused on promoting accountability and transparency in decision-making processes, ensuring sustainable management practices for Western Australia's unique natural landscapes. His passion lies in encouraging people to connect with the state's extraordinary natural places, fostering appreciation and stewardship of these environments.
Through his leadership and collaborative approach, Luke Bentley continues to play a pivotal role in safeguarding Western Australia’s parks and reserves, creating a legacy of conservation and connection for future generations.
Plan for our Parks
The "Plan for Our Parks" initiative aims to expand Western Australia's conservation estate by five million hectares, enhancing biodiversity protection and fostering partnerships with Traditional Owners through joint management of these new parks.
Note: Further details about this presentation will be provided soon.