Extension of Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park

5/5/93

The State Government will extend the Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park by more than 200 hectares.

Environment Minister Kevin Minson said today to do this the Government was buying a prime, uncleared freehold property five kilometres south of Cape Naturaliste.

He said the land was surrounded on three sides by the Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park.

The owner had given the Department of Conservation and Land Management first option to buy.

"Because of its position, this property was CALM's highest priority for addition to the Leeuwin-Naturaliste park," Mr Minson said.

"It is a strategic addition in an area where the park is only narrow foreshore reserve."

Mr Minson said the purchase of the property was proposed in the management plan for the park, released four years ago.

"Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park protects sea cliffs, granite headlands and formations such as Canal Rocks, curving beaches, sheltered bays and long rock shorelines," he said.

"It stretches 120 kilometres from Bunker Bay to Augusta."

Media contact: Diana Callander 222 9595