Draft management plan released for Barrow Island nature reserves

Environment Minister Bill Marmion today released the Barrow Group Nature Reserves Draft Management Plan for a two-month public comment period.

The draft plan for Barrow Island nature reserve covers about 24,070ha of land down to the low water mark on Barrow Island and three nearby smaller islands - Boodie, Middle and Double islands - off the coast of Dampier.

"Barrow Island is especially valued for its 22 threatened fauna species, extensive cave ecosystems and nesting beaches for marine turtles and migratory shorebirds," Mr Marmion said.

"The diversity of Barrow Island's fauna can be attributed to the range of habitats available, the island's relative isolation, and the petroleum industry's stringent quarantine system.

"This has led to Barrow Island being the largest land mass in Australia that does not contain any introduced vertebrates.

"Looking after the island's natural values is very much a collaborative process, which is why I'm pleased that throughout the planning process the Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) has consulted extensively with key stakeholders.

"These include Chevron Australia (on behalf of the Gorgon Joint Venture, Barrow Island Joint Venture and the Barrow Island Coordination Council), the Department of Mines and Petroleum and the Department of State Development."

The Minister said the draft management plan would be implemented alongside existing environmental management documents produced by industry that provide guidance for the operator of each joint venture. 

Copies of the draft management plan are available at DEC's Kensington or Karratha offices, or online at http://www.dec.wa.gov.au/haveyoursay

Minister's office - 9220 5000