Historic moment for national parks

30/11/04
History was made today in Western Australia when legislation was passed to create 30 new national parks and nature reserves.
Environment Minister Judy Edwards said it was the first time that such a large number of national parks were created in one term of government.
"These parks expand the conservation estate by more than 500,000ha and include more than 180,000ha of old-growth forest," Dr Edwards said.
"This is an important landmark in our 'Protecting Our Old Growth Forest' policy.
"The Gallop Government believes strongly that national parks and reserves are an invaluable asset for communities, regional economies and tourism."
The Minister said the legislation included seven new nature reserves, 29 new national parks and 10 new conservation parks, which was a great conservation outcome.
"Nature reserves are afforded greater protection than national parks, because they aim for the highest level of conservation, minimising the impacts of tourism and development," she said.
Dr Edwards thanked the individuals and communities that took part in the consultation process to create the parks and reserves, which began when the Gallop Government was elected in February 2001.
"The community's involvement began with calls to stop old-growth logging, and almost straight away we started working on our Forest Management Plan and a policy to significantly increase the conservation estate," she said.
"This Government has invested heavily in our parks and reserves. Four balanced Budgets and strong economic management have produced record levels of funding to the Department of Conservation and Land Management for fire management and capital works.
"The passage of these bills is a significant moment for the environment, for conservation and for the Western Australian community."
The new national parks are:
Blackwood River, Boorara-Gardner, Boyndaminup, Bramley, Butler, Canning, Dalgarup, Easter, Forest Grove, Greater Beedalup, Greater Dordagup, Greater Hawke, Greater Kingston, Greater Preston, Helena, Hilliger, Jane, Lake Muir, Milyeannup, Mt Frankland North, Mt Frankland South, Mt Lindesay, Mt Roe, Mundaring, Pickering Brook, Wandoo, Wellington, Whicher and Yelverton.
Dr Edwards said the new parks would come into effect when the three bills were given Royal Assent.
Minister's office: 9220 5050