Almost 50,000 hectares of new conservation and recreation reserve has been created along the Ningaloo Coast.
The newly established conservation land is part of the McGowan Government’s Plan for Our Parks initiative, which aims to increase the conservation estate by five million hectares over five years.
Through a Joint Management Agreement, the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions’ Parks and Wildlife Service and traditional owners from Nganhurra Thanardi Garrbu Aboriginal Corporation (NTGAC) will together manage approximately 215km of Ningaloo Coast.
The land includes the southern extent of the Cape Range formation from Winderabandi Point to Janes Bay, and a conservation and recreation reserve south of Janes Bay adjacent to Ningaloo Marine Park.
The joint management plan includes the new reserves, as well as the existing Ningaloo Marine Park, Cape Range National Park and proposed eastern additions to Cape Range National Park.
Under the joint management plan, short to medium term efforts will focus on rehabilitating tracks and degraded areas around camping spots, as well as implementing strategies to ensure cultural sites are protected and monitored.
This announcement comes after the signing of an Indigenous Land Use Agreement (ILUA) with traditional owners from NTGAC and native title representative body Yamatji Marlpa Aboriginal Corporation earlier this year.
As stated by Environment Minister Stephen Dawson:
“Today’s announcement and the addition of these new conservation and recreation reserves is a real milestone for the Ningaloo Coast World Heritage Area, which is one of the State’s premier tourism destinations.
“These new reserves are the culmination of work done by successive State Governments since the 1970s, and it’s wonderful to celebrate this achievement and commitment to protect this coastline today in 2020.
“As well as being a tourist destination, the coastline is brimming with diverse marine and terrestrial wildlife, as well as countless cultural sites that must be preserved and protected.
“With this historic ILUA and joint management agreement, the McGowan Government is committed to working closely with traditional owners to manage the reserves while maintaining cultural significance, protecting wildlife and providing tourism and recreational opportunities for all Western Australians.”
