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"I have asked the senior leadership team to provide certainty to those affected as soon as possible," Mr Kean said.

"Bringing the Energy and Environment portfolios together will help us tackle challenges such as climate change more holistically, whilst continuing the important and complex work we already do."

Anthony Lean, the chief executive of OEH, told staff in a separate email on Friday that he understood "the last few days have been hugely unsettling for many of you".

He reiterated earlier statements that the reorganisation "in no way changes our commitment to delivering on environmental priorities".

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Mr Lean also said he had met Jim Betts - the new secretary of the beefed-up Department of Planning and Industry that will oversee Energy and Environment - and had been assured that it would have a "strong environmental agenda, including climate change".

Having a seat at the table in the bigger ministry "will allow us to have an early influence on issues such as conservation, sustainability, climate change, long-term planning, infrastructure priorities, open spaces and energy", Mr Lean said.

Less clear, though, is the future of staff in the heritage division, who were expected to be shifted to the Arts Ministry headed by Don Harwin. Talks are ongoing with the Department of Premier and Cabinet "to determine the specific functions to be transferred to them", he said.

Mr Lean, who said he will continue as chief executive until the end of June, urged staff to be patient as "a transition as large as this takes time".