Hamelin Pool protective boardwalk nearing completion

3/5/94

The new boardwalk being built at Hamelin Pool to protect Shark Bay's unique stromatolites should be ready for public use next month.

Environment Minister Kevin Minson said the piles and several sections of the boardwalk had already been completed.

He said the 230-metre long jarrah boardwalk would allow visitors a closer view of the stromatolites without damaging them.

The completed structure would cost the Department of Conservation and Land Management $200,000.

"Stromatolites are made by micro-organisms resembling the earliest forms of life on earth," Mr Minson said.

"The microscopic organisms use sediment and organic material to build stromatolites up to 1.5 metres high - up to 10 million times their size.

"They are quite remarkable and Hamelin Pool Marine Nature Reserve is one of only two places in the world with examples of living marine stromatolites."

Mr Minson said BHP Engineering helped CALM design the boardwalk which would have no significant long-term impacts on the stromatolites.

He said it would be able to tolerate Hamelin Pool's high salinity levels and the marked variation in water levels caused by tides and winds.

The boardwalk would also include information boards to enhance visitors' appreciation of the site.

Mr Minson said the boardwalk was just one of a number of developments catering for visitors to the Shark Bay World Heritage area.

He said CALM had also made improvements to Shell Beach Conservation Park, a stretch of coastline about 150 kilometres long formed from billions of tiny white shells deposited almost 10 metres deep.

The shell deposits on the beach formed about 4,000 years ago when large populations of a mollusc flourished in the ultra saline conditions of Lharidon Bight and nearby Hamelin Pool.

"Virtually everyone who visits Monkey Mia by car calls into Shell Beach," Mr Minson said.

"In the past vehicles were often driven on to the beach, breaking and compacting the shells and forming unsightly tracks in this unique landform.

"CALM has rehabilitated the beach and put up barriers to cut off vehicle access.

"A new carpark and toilet have been built and signs and an information pedestal erected."

Media contact:  Diana Callander 222 9595 or 321 2222