Tamala Conservation Park plan available for public comment

Proposals for the future management of Tamala Conservation Park - between Burns Beach and Mindarie - have been released for public comment by the State Government.

Planning Minister John Day said the release of a draft report for public comment provided an opportunity for people with an interest in the park's future to have their say on the report and its recommendations.

"The coastal bushland between Burns Beach and Mindarie, comprising about 380ha of high quality coastal vegetation and almost the size of Kings Park, has long been recognised as a special natural area with significant environmental, cultural and recreational values," Mr Day said.

"The draft report, prepared by a Community Advisory Committee and a Technical Advisory Group, proposes to establish the park as a Class A conservation reserve."

The committee was chaired by Ocean Reef MLA Albert Jacob and membership comprised representatives from the cities of Joondalup and Wanneroo; community organisations including environmental groups; the South West Aboriginal Land and Sea Corporation; and developers of nearby landholdings.

The Minister said this cross-section of expertise and input ensured a broad base of interests had been reflected..

"Future management of the reserve is expected to be shared between Joondalup and Wanneroo, and the Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) as the lead agency.  The cities would manage the coastal recreation strips and DEC would look after the core conservation area," he said.

"Conservation efforts would include completion of comprehensive flora and fauna surveys, and identification of strategies to enhance ecological linkages from the park to other conservation areas inland.  Prevention of unauthorised vehicle access is also a priority."

Proposals to improve recreation opportunities in the area include identification of a recreational swimming area off Long Beach Promenade, with supporting public infrastructure, and a proposed study to determine the best alignment for a shared coastal path between Mindarie and Burns Beach.

"This will be a significant addition to the North-West corridor, with the suggested path and swimming beach infrastructure offering much improved public access along the coast," Mr Day said.

Copies of the report are available from the Western Australian Planning Commission and the cities of Joondalup and Wanneroo.  Public comment is open until September 2.

Minister's office - 9213 6600