Our role
We unlock and guide economic opportunities for these sectors and regions, balanced with the stewardship of our land and aquatic resources.
In everything we do, we take the approach of:
- Protect through stewardship of our people, land and aquatic resources.
- Grow our primary industries and regions through balancing social, economic and environmental drivers.
- Innovate through a culture of inquiry and adaptation
Our strategic outcomes
We draw on our grow, protect, innovate approach to deliver priorities under 3 outcome areas:
- Management and stewardship of WA’s land and aquatic resources
- Capable and empowered communities
- Dynamic regions and primary industries
Ministerial portfolios
- Agriculture and food
- Fisheries
- Regional development
Management and stewardship of WA's land and aquatic resources
We are focused on keeping our land and aquatic assets healthy and productive, now and into the future. We help build buoyant primary industries and a community that enjoys Western Australia’s natural resources responsibly, understanding that everyone has a role to play.
Management of a robust biosecurity system for the State supports our industries and businesses, our land and aquatic resources, and our enviable environment and lifestyle.
We help position our primary industries and regions to adapt to the challenges of climate change, staying productive and viable amidst changing conditions.
Underpinning all that we do is a dedication to the health and longevity of the land and sea through a monitoring, management and compliance program that’s risk based and research driven.
We protect WA every day
The department minimises the risks and impacts from biosecurity threats to WA’s people, environment, and economy.
We are the frontline defence to incursions related to exotic animal and plant pests and diseases.
Our sophisticated biosecurity prevention, detection, response and recovery services play an important role in maintaining market access for WA’s food industry.
We support WA’s diverse agricultural industries by facilitating sustainable management of the unique soil and water resources on which they rely.
We work with key government, industry, and community stakeholders and draw on our research outcomes to support ecologically sustainable development and balance competing uses.
Through our work we conserve, sustainably develop and share the use of WA’s aquatic resources for the benefit of current and future generations.
We undertake assessment and monitoring of fish stocks, manage fisheries and aquatic ecosystems, licence commercial and recreational fishing activities and provide compliance and education programs.
Our ecologically sustainable approach to the management of WA’s fisheries is recognised globally, lifting the reputation of the state.
Capable and empowered communities
We pull the levers that drive bustling, vibrant and sustainable regional communities where families and businesses can prosper. Each region’s strength is in their uniqueness, and we help to capitalise on their points of difference.
Our vision for Western Australia’s future is one where Aboriginal businesses are flourishing, empowered by their place in the economy and the ability to drive their direction.
Our work is undertaken in partnership and collaboration with the 9 Regional Development Commissions and key government, industry and community stakeholders.
We are driven by shared success
We work across government and with industry to deliver initiatives that build business capability and meet the workforce needs of regions, including our primary industry sectors.
Our work facilitates opportunities, creates connections and builds capability for local businesses to prosper and local people to thrive.
We partner with Aboriginal people to deliver economic and social outcomes that result in tangible change.
We identify opportunities within our primary industries and regions and provide support to ensure they can be capitalised on.
We are the first responder to incursions and emergencies related to exotic animal and plant pests and diseases.
We play an important role responding to shark incidents, aiding in economic recovery from natural disasters, and managing animal welfare in emergencies.
Dynamic regions and primary industries
Through strategic planning and economic initiatives, we foster sustainable growth of regional economies and primary industries. This includes supporting small and medium enterprises, creating employment opportunities, and facilitating infrastructure development to support the diversification of regional economies.
Our people are curious and our research is future-focused, helping Western Australia’s primary industries to leverage the state’s unique export opportunities and move confidently into the future.
Our technological innovations support digital solutions in the regions, helping remove barriers to success.
We connect opportunities to outcomes
We facilitate regional telecommunication and infrastructure initiatives that support the diversification of regional economies and sustainability of primary industries.
Our partnerships with Regional Development Commissions and key government, industry, research, local government and community stakeholders drive regional growth.
We join the dots across government and industry to open trade and export opportunities for businesses, identify opportunities for growth, build local capability and help unpick sticky issues.
Our programs support the competitiveness of the food and agribusiness sector including:
- trade development
- capital investment
- capacity building
- market access.
Our work in research, development and innovation boosts international competitiveness of our aquaculture, horticulture, grains and livestock industries.
We support the creation and application of new knowledge and technology across primary industry sectors. Our energy comes from seeing our trials turn into practice.
Our programs boost industry capability enabling international competitiveness, profitability and sustainable practices.
Our values
Our values guide our business, our interactions with one another and our engagement with our stakeholders and the community. They help fuel our purpose and strategic outcomes.
- Working together
- Acting with integrity
- Responding with purpose
- Embracing curiosity and creativity
- Aspiring for a better future
Our structure
Our department's organisation structure allows us to deliver on our priorities for WA's primary industries and regions.
Our footprint
- Our staff are located at more than 60 locations across Western Australia, including Kununurra, Eucla and Albany. More than 35% of the agency’s employees are located regionally.
- We work with the 9 Regional Development Commissions to help build sustainable, vibrant and liveable regional communities.
- We administer the Royalties for Regions (RfR) program to support economic, business and social development in regional WA.
- Our department administers a broad range of legislation, including Animal Welfare, Aquatic Resource Management, Biosecurity and Agriculture Management, Regional Development Commissions, Royalties for Regions and Soil and Land Conservation.
- Our Director General is the Hazard Management Agency for animal or plant pest or disease emergencies.
Contact us
Get in contact with us. We welcome enquiries and feedback to make our services accessible.
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