The Environmental Protection Authority has recommended an independent scientific enquiry into prescribed burning practices in WA, particularly in the context of climate change. EPA chair Professor Matthew Tonts said an independent review under the 1986 EPA Act would call on the expertise of independent scientists to consider prescribed burning approaches and implementation. This follows Fire and Air Forum: Biodiversity, Environmental Sustainability and Human Health at WA University in May.

Patricia Gill. Ocean Beach will close in February for a sea wall and surf club redevelopment which is estimated to take two years to complete. The closure will coincide with the natural closure of the Wilson Inlet sand bar and the subsequent settling of ocean currents at the beach ... Work would initially start with the demolition of the patrol room and kiosk so the new sea wall could be constructed.

The Denmark Shire Council has backed its decision to award the lease of the former Lions Club building to the Kwoorabup Nature School ... Heritage Precinct Alliance spokesperson Bev McGuinness labelled the council decision as ‘beyond disappointing’ ... "To listen to councillors parrot their support for heritage and community consultation, then turn around and confirm their flawed and unpopular decision to allow a heritage precinct belonging to the whole community to be taken over by a private school."

Patricia Gill. The State Government has stymied local charity Denmark Futures’ bid to buy 31 on the Terrace in rejecting an application for $1.76 million funding. Denmark Futures chair Trevor Hunt said the funding was vital for the $2.3 million project which would have renovated the guest house, formerly Edinboro House, into 10 furnished micro apartments ... "Following significant effort, we have been advised of the government’s decision not to proceed, with priority being given to ‘simpler projects’ in other locations," Mr Hunt said.