Esperance and Recherche parks plan released

The State Government has released a 10-year management plan for national parks and nature reserves in the Esperance region.
  • 10-year guide for conservation, recreation and cultural heritage 

The State Government has released a 10-year management plan for national parks and nature reserves in the Esperance region.

Environment Minister Albert Jacob said the area boasted stunning beaches and numerous recreational opportunities, along with rich plant and animal biodiversity, and Aboriginal heritage.

The plan guides overall management of about 490 kilometres of southern coastline including Stokes, Cape Le Grand and Cape Arid national parks and 62 nature reserves.

"This is an environmentally significant area with high biodiversity in Cape Arid National Park, two internationally recognised wetlands and an archipelago of 105 islands," Mr Jacob said.

"These islands are significant breeding areas for the New Zealand fur seal and Australian sea lion.

"The plan sets out how the Department of Parks of Wildlife will continue to work with the community to manage and enhance the tourism, recreation and conservation values of the area while managing issues such as bushfire, dieback, weeds and introduced species."

Severe bushfires in Esperance during November 2015 burnt up to 20 per cent of the planning area and the Minister said Parks and Wildlife would develop detailed recovery plans.

Mr Jacob said the management plan proposed changes in tenure and additions to conservation reserves to enable greater visitor access to parks and enhance the area's natural values.

"These proposed changes will result in additions to Stokes, Cape Le Grand and Cape Arid national parks, with Stokes National Park almost tripling in size," he said.

"Recreation opportunities in this beautiful part of the world would increase, maintaining natural experiences in the more remote parks and providing excellent facilities in others.

"The State Government, as part of its Parks for People and Royalties for Regions programs, is investing $2.7 million to expand visitor facilities at popular Cape Le Grand National Park."

The Minister said the parks and reserves area was important to Aboriginal people and included a site on Australia's National Heritage List and at least 88 Aboriginal heritage sites.

"The department will continue to work with Aboriginal people, in particular the Esperance Nyungars and the Ngadju native title holders, to protect these heritage sites and values."

Fact File

Minister's office - 6552 5800