The Commission’s purpose is to act as an independent and trusted community steward and government advisor for the protection of Western Australia’s biodiversity and conservation estate while fostering its appreciation and sustainable use. The following summarises the functions of the Commission as outlined in section 19 of the Conservation and Land Management Act 1984.

Vested land and waters:

- to have vested in it land and waters either solely or jointly with an Aboriginal body corporate;

- to have the care, control and management of relevant land placed with it, either solely or jointly with another person or body; and

- to consider any cancellation or change of purpose, or boundary alteration of land vested in or under the care, control and management of the Commission, whether solely or jointly with a joint responsible body.

Advice to the Minister:

- on the development of policies:

• for the preservation of the natural environment of the State and the provision of facilities for the enjoyment of that environment by the community;
• for promoting the appreciation of flora and fauna and the natural environment;
• to achieve or promote the objectives of management plans in accordance with the CALM Act; and
• for the conservation and management of biodiversity and biodiversity components throughout the State.

- in relation to proposals for marine reserves;

- on the application of the principles of ecologically sustainable forest management in the management of State forest and timber reserves and forest produce throughout the State;

- on the production and harvesting, on a sustained yield basis, of forest produce throughout the State;

- upon request, to provide advice on matters relating to land and waters vested in or under the care, control and management of the Commission, whether solely or jointly with an associated body, to any body or person, if to do so is in the public interest and it is practicable for the Commission to provide it.

Management Plans: 

- prepare and deal with proposed management plans for land and waters vested in or under the care, control and management of the Commission, whether solely or jointly with a joint responsible body;

- in relation to management plans:

• to develop guidelines for monitoring;
• to set the performance criteria for evaluating; and
• to conduct periodic assessments of, the implementation of the management plans by those responsible for implementing them, including the CEO and, if the land is State forest or a timber reserve, the Forest Products Commission.