KALAMUNDA will hold an environment and climate forum on Wednesday, April 30 with federal candidates for the seat of Bullwinkel to come and discuss how policy will protect the environment.

The discussion will feature Bullwinkel’s Labor candidate Trish Cook, The Nationals candidate Mia Davies and Liberal candidate Matt Moran which will be held at Kalamunda Community Centre.

They will be joined by environment and conservation experts in an effort to explore how protections for forests and urban canopy can be strengthened, how to secure the area’s water future and address climate impacts on land and oceans.

This is aimed to inform planning in areas where nature and community intersect by dissecting what commitments candidates are bringing forth, asking what policies will safeguard landscapes and seascapes and how residents can stay engaged with their representatives to make their voices heard.

This Conservation Council of WA (CCWA) event will be co-hosted by the WA Forest Alliance, and the Australian Marine Conservation Society.

A CCWA spokesperson said there will be opportunities for attendees to ask questions and interact with the candidates and experts.

“Following opening statements and a facilitated panel discussion, attendees will have the opportunity to submit questions and upvote the questions of others, and the emcee will direct the most upvoted questions to the candidates,” they said.

The spokesperson said beyond this discussion, local community had other methods available to protect the environment.

“There are so many different ways to take action on nature and climate - no matter who you are, if you’re interested in protecting the environment there’s a way to get involved that’s right for you,” they said.

“From getting your hands dirty with planting and community clean-ups through to volunteering with local campaigns or making a donation, it’s really about finding something that fits your passion and capacity.

“Head to the ‘get involved’ page on CCWA’s website for more information.”

The spokesperson said at this federal election, the environment and climate will be crucial issues.

“People in the Perth Hills are in a seat that really matters to the national outcome,” they said.

“Now’s the time to get informed, get involved, and speak to the people around you about which parties are committed to protecting the natural environment we all love.”