Margaret River-Busselton Tourism Association’s Capes Foundation loses Ben Tannock to his old job

The Margaret River-Busselton Tourism Association has announced the loss of its star hire. Just nine months after the fanfare around securing former Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions veteran Ben Tannock as its new conservation and heritage manager, Mr Tannock has opted to return to Parks and Wildlife. In news leaked last week, it was revealed Mr Tannock was on a leave of absence from the State Government department the whole time. The news caught MRBTA workers by surprise, given the tourism body’s board had anointed the 28-year natural resource management veteran to co-ordinate its new Capes Foundation and help liaise on projects with his former employers. Through the MRBTA, the Capes Foundation is locked in protracted discussions with DBCA about a range of projects — including its star conservation attraction known as the Karri Bowl earmarked for the Boranup Forest — amid concerns of inadequate funding and support for the region’s beleaguered Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park. DBCA is the agency which manages the park. Ms Kearney told the Times Mr Tannock’s leave of absence was known all along. “We understood when we employed Ben that he was on a leave of absence from DBCA and we have been very grateful to benefit from his considerable knowledge and expertise over the last year,” Ms Kearney said. “We remain optimistic about a State Government commitment to safeguard the Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park, and look forward to continuing to work closely with Ben when he returns to DBCA.” MRBTA would now likely need to negotiate on its prospective projects with its former employee around the table. No reason was given for Mr Tannock’s departure, but a DBCA spokesperson confirmed the leave arrangements. “Ben Tannock is on approved leave without pay from the department to pursue a professional opportunity with the MRBTA, with the option of returning to DBCA employment following his leave,” they said. Information provided previously said Mr Tannock started with the former Department of Conservation and Land Management in 1994 and had worked Statewide in national and marine park management, wildlife protection, and fire management, including 10 years in the Kimberley, before moving to Margaret River in 2012 where he and wife Kellie run Walk Talk Taste tours. Mr Tannock was most recently in charge of the Parks and Visitor services program in the Blackwood District.