About this Privacy Notice
This privacy notice explains how Florabase collects, uses, stores and discloses information provided through the Florabase website.
Florabase is managed by the Western Australian Herbarium, Biodiversity and Conservation Science, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA). DBCA is committed to protecting the privacy of individuals and handling personal information in accordance with applicable Western Australian legislation and government policies. Further information about DBCA’s management of personal information is available in Corporate Policy Statement 29 – Privacy of Personal Information.
Information We Collect
Personal Information
We may collect personal information that you voluntarily provide when you:
- register for a Florabase account
- sign in to Florabase
- request assistance or contact the Western Australian Herbarium
- submit feedback or other correspondence.
The personal information collected may include:
- name
- email address
- username
- organisation (where provided)
- correspondence and support requests.
This information is collected only where necessary to provide access to Florabase services, manage user accounts, and respond to enquiries.
Website Visit Information
When you visit Florabase, technical information may be automatically collected, including:
- IP address or server address
- domain name
- date and time of access
- pages viewed
- search requests performed
- files downloaded
- referring website
- browser type and version
- operating system
- device information.
Some of this information may constitute personal information under applicable privacy requirements.
Account and Authentication Information
When you sign in, Florabase may collect and store information relating to authentication and account activity, including:
- username and login identifier
- login dates and times
- failed and successful authentication events
- user preferences and account settings
- security and audit logs.
This information is used to maintain system security, manage access permissions, investigate incidents, and support users.
How We Collect Information
Information You Provide
Most personal information is collected directly from you when you:
- create or manage an account
- sign in to Florabase
- contact the Western Australian Herbarium
- request support or provide feedback.
Providing personal information is voluntary; however, failure to provide requested information may prevent access to account-based features or limit our ability to provide assistance
Cookies and Website Analytics
Florabase uses cookies and similar technologies to:
- maintain authenticated sessions
- remember user preferences
- improve website performance and functionality
- support security and system administration.
You may disable cookies through your browser settings; however, some features of Florabase may not function correctly if cookies are disabled.
Third-Party Analytics Services
We use Plausible Analytics to store and manage Florabase’s usage data. Plausible Analytics stores information about your use of Florabase according to its data policy. This data policy outlines the exact statistics being tracked, but please note that your personal data is not collected, and you cannot be tracked across the Internet through this service.
This service help us understand visitor behaviour and improve the website.
Use of Information
Information collected through Florabase may be used to:
- provide and administer Florabase services
- authenticate and manage user access
- respond to enquiries and support requests
- improve website content, functionality and performance
- monitor website security and investigate incidents
- maintain system audit records
- support scientific, administrative and operational activities of the Western Australian Herbarium
- meet legal, regulatory, audit and reporting obligations.
Information will generally only be used for the purpose for which it was collected or for a directly related purpose.
Disclosure of Information
Personal information may be disclosed:
- where required or authorised by law
- to authorised DBCA employees and contractors
- to service providers supporting the operation, hosting and maintenance of Florabase
- to government agencies where authorised or required
- where consent has been provided by the individual concerned.
DBCA will take reasonable steps to ensure personal information is appropriately protected when disclosed to third parties.
Data Security
DBCA takes reasonable steps to protect information held through Florabase from unauthorised access, misuse, interference, loss, modification or disclosure.
Access to account information and administrative functions is restricted to authorised personnel and protected through authentication and security controls. However, no internet transmission or electronic storage system can be guaranteed to be completely secure.
Access and Correction
You may request access to, or correction of, personal information held about you by DBCA. For privacy enquiries, please contact: Email: privacy@dbca.wa.gov.au.
For Florabase-related enquiries, please contact the Western Australian Herbarium.
This Privacy Statement was updated on 10 July 2026.