Community-based advisory committee appointed for Kalbarri National Park

29/6/99
A community-based advisory committee has been appointed to help prepare a management plan for Kalbarri National Park.
Environment Minister Cheryl Edwardes said committee members had been drawn from a wide cross section and included people with expertise in tourism, interpretation, recreational fishing, conservation and natural and cultural heritage.
"Members have been appointed to give the committee as broad a range of interests and expertise as possible," she said.
"Members do not represent specific interest groups but rather will consider all aspects of park management."
Department of Conservation and Land Management (CALM) Mid West Regional Manager Kelly Gillen will chair the advisory committee and members include Kalbarri residents Frank Seidler, Howard Gliddon, Ron Allen and Cr. Peter Davidson from the Shire of Northampton.
Clinton Wolf from the Yamatji Land and Sea Council has also been appointed to the advisory committee and the Nanda Working Group will provide their nominee in the next two weeks.
The advisory committee also includes four Perth-based members - Marian Blackwell, Dr Phillip Playford, Peter Russell and Les Rochester.
Mrs Edwardes said the committee would provide advice on management issues for the park. These issues would form the basis of a draft management plan to be prepared by CALM on behalf of the National Parks and Nature Conservation Authority.
Kalbarri National Park covers 183,004 ha along the lower reaches of the Murchison River. It is noted for its magnificent red and white banded gorges that extend for 80km.

The park is also famous for its wildflowers, most of which bloom from late July through spring and into early summer. Twenty one species are endemic to the Kalbarri area, including the Kalbarri catspaw, a small yellow or red plant that is usually found in recently burnt country between August and September.
There are also several orchids that can only be seen in and near the park, including the Kalbarri spider orchid and the Murchison hammer orchid.
Mrs Edwardes said the draft management plan would recommend strategies for conserving these and other natural values as well as the park's cultural heritage.
The draft plan will be released for public comment.
Media contact: Nicole Trigwell 9421 7777