Cape Range National Park issues paper

01/04/04
Environment Minister Judy Edwards today released the Cape Range National Park issues paper, part of the public consultation process to prepare a management plan for this distinctive area on the State's north-west coast.
"Cape Range National Park was gazetted as an A-class reserve in 1971 and a management plan for the park was approved in 1987," Dr Edwards said.
"The Conservation Commission of Western Australia is now reviewing the plan, as well as proposed additions to the park.
"A community-based advisory committee on the Coral Coast Parks has been formed by the Department of Conservation and Land Management (CALM) to give input to the planning process.
"It provides advice to the Marine Parks and Reserves Authority, which is also conducting a review of the Ningaloo Marine Park management plan, looking at integrated planning and management for both marine and terrestrial environments."
Cape Range National Park extends over 50,581ha of the Cape Range Peninsula, near Exmouth, comprises a heavily dissected limestone range, a fringing coastal plain and supports significant flora and fauna, habitats and landscapes.
The park also fringes Ningaloo Marine Park, which is the major focus for recreational activities for most visitors to the area.
"Research has shown that while more than 80 per cent of visitors listed Ningaloo Reef as a reason to go to the region, almost 60 per cent also listed Cape Range," Dr Edwards said.
"While Ningaloo Reef is still the major drawcard, increasing numbers of visitors are interested in exploring the rugged Cape Range, which means that access and the limited facilities there will be reviewed.
"The number of visitors to the park has increased from approximately 87,000 to 137,000 a year in the past 10 years.
"Tourists contribute more than $85million to the Exmouth economy a year, so it is extremely important that visitors can continue to enjoy this area and that it is sustainable in the long term."
The Department for Planning and Infrastructure, with input from CALM and other stakeholders, is looking at the development options for the coastal strip south of the park.
"A coastal strip between two and three kilometres wide along the length of the marine park will eventually be managed for conservation and recreation," the Minister said.
"The scale and level of any development is still to be determined, but will be resolved with community input.
"The issues paper looks at the management of the coastal strip including access along the coast; the development of facilities along the coastal strip - particularly camping and other forms of accommodation - and the management of feral goats, weeds and fire."
Dr Edwards said discussions with stakeholders would continue for up to six months before the release of a draft management plan, which would invite public submissions on the proposals therein.
"Community input plays a key part and I urge people to have their say in how the area should be managed," she said.
Copies of the issues paper are available from CALM's website NatureBase at http://www.naturebase.net/haveyoursay or from CALM's Exmouth, Karratha and Cannington offices.
Minister's office: 9220 5050