Proposed 'prehistoric park' to protect stromatalites

11/9/93

The Western Australian Government is considering creating its own 'prehistoric park' to protect the fossilised remains of the earliest life form known on earth.

A site of prehistoric stromatalites in the remote North-West of Western Australia is under threat from scientific researchers, rock hunters and tourists.

Located at a site of arid land known as North Pole, near Marble Bar in the remote Pilbara region of Western Australia, the stromatalites are the oldest examples of life found on the planet.

The fossilised stromatalites - some estimated to be about 3.5 billion years old - are created by micro-organisms similar to those that constructed Shark Bay's column like structures.

Western Australian Heritage Minister Richard Lewis said today that the North Pole area was in danger of being permanently damaged by over-zealous collectors or visitors unaware of the area's significance.

"The Pilbara region has become world famous for its examples of these prehistoric life forms," Mr Lewis said.

"Although it is a remote part of the State, people have been visiting the area and taking the stromatalites.

"The site is in generally good condition, but there have been cases of extensive damage to some outcrops."

Mr Lewis said the State Government was in the process of implementing a plan to protect significant geological features such as the stromatalites of the North Pole.

He said Land Act reserves were being created to cover the more vulnerable sites, making it illegal to remove the stromatalites without permission.

"These sites will be vested with the Minister for Mines, ensuring that the site is properly managed and protected," he said.

"Because of the remoteness of the North Pole area, special consideration will be given to its protection."

Living stromatalites - some resembling large mushrooms - can still be found in a number of lake and coastal areas throughout Western Australia.

Media contact: Paul Plowman 222 9595 : 221 1377