State Government land purchase protects declared rare flora in Albany area

11/05/06
The State Government has purchased a property on the south coast region for the conservation of a significant population of a declared rare flora species, Banksia goodii.
The 49ha property, situated on Millbrook Road at King River near Albany, contains the second largest population of Banksia goodii known to occur in the State.
Environment Minister Mark McGowan said more than 200 clumps of B.goodii were scattered over approximately 25ha of the property.
"The plants are generally in good health, containing a number of cones with good seed-set, so the purchase of this land is very significant for conservation of this species," Mr McGowan said.
"Most of the known 24 populations of B. goodii are extremely small and located in vulnerable situations such as road reserves.
"Studies have shown that these small populations produce few, or no, fertile seeds and are unlikely to survive, so it is important that areas like this are protected for future generations."
Albany MLA Peter Watson welcomed the announcement and said the property also included a healthy woodland of common sheoak (Allocasuarina fraseriana) and Albany blackbutt (Eucalyptus staeri).
"Albany and its surrounds are well known for their natural beauty and it is wonderful to see rare flora in our region protected for the future," Mr Watson said.
The land is proposed to be set aside as a nature reserve managed by the Department of Conservation and Land Management (CALM).
More information about B. goodii can be found on CALM's FloraBase website at http://florabase.calm.wa.gov.au
Minister's Office - 9222 9111