Community to have input into future management of Tuart Forest National Park

18/10/06
A group of 12 local representatives will help develop a management plan for the 2,049ha Tuart Forest National Park - home to the tallest and largest specimens of tuart trees on the Swan Coastal Plain.
Environment Minister Mark McGowan said the Tuart Forest National Park Community Advisory Committee was established by the Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) to provide input and advice into the plan.
"The Tuart Forest National Park is known for its beauty and its variety of flora and fauna," Mr McGowan said.
"The park protects the State's largest remaining wild population of the endangered western ringtail possum in a reserve.
"This is largely because old tuart trees contain many hollows, while the dense secondary storey of peppermint supplies their major source of food.
"The forest is also home to the densest population of brushtail possums ever recorded in the State, as well as brush-tailed phascogales, bush rats, kangaroos, quendas (also known as the southern brown bandicoot), and at least 11 species of birds of prey and nocturnal birds.
"As it is also part of the internationally significant Vasse-Wonnerup Ramsar wetland site and has high scenic quality and cultural heritage values, it is vitally important that we have strong community involvement and input into the future management of the park."
South-West MLC Adele Farina said the management plan would guide future decisions about the park and it was pleasing to hear that the local community would be represented in the decision-making process.
Ms Farina said the Tuart Forest National Park Community Advisory Committee would advise the department about issues and matters of public concern referred to them by the park manager or the general community.
"All members of this group of people have their areas of expertise and community involvement that will be invaluable during the development of the plan," she said.
"Their input will be used by the department while preparing the management plan."
The committee members include DEC South-West district manager Greg Mair, Shire of Busselton environmental planner Will Oldfield and Capel Shire Councillor Ken Caratti. A member from the South West Aboriginal Land and Sea Council will also be on the committee representing the relevant native title claimants.
Community members are Michael Cassanet, Martin Pritchard, Rob Breeden, Hal Scott, Jack Bradshaw, Des Donnelly, Bethwyn Hastie and chairperson Bernie Masters.
An issues paper for Tuart Forest National Park has also been released online for public information.
Mr McGowan said the paper identified key values and issues within the planning area.
"It will guide the development of management objectives, strategies and key performance indicators for the management plan," he said.
The issues paper is available online at:http://www.naturebase.net/national_parks/management/man_have_your_say.html
To register interest in the plan and to receive further information, Have Your Say brochures are now available from the department's Bunbury and Busselton offices and the State operation headquarters in Kensington. An online brochure is also available at the above-mentioned web address.
Minister's office - 9222 9111