Proposed conservation park boundaries released

5/7/04
The process to create two new conservation parks in the South-West native forests has progressed, with the release of indicative boundaries for Kerr and Hester.
Environment Minister Judy Edwards said the proposed parks were part of the Government's commitment under its Protecting Our Old-Growth Forests policy.
"Already we have developed indicative boundaries for 30 new national parks and undertaken public consultation for each of them," Dr Edwards said.
"Kerr and Hester are the final two new conservation parks to be presented for consultation.
"A Bill to create six new nature reserves, the first nine of the proposed 30 new national parks, six new conservation parks and significantly expand Wellington National Park, has been introduced into Parliament. Legislation to create the other reserves will be introduced in the spring session."
The Minister said the proposed Kerr Conservation Park would cover 130ha of the Kerr State forest block south-east of Kirup.
The proposed Hester Conservation Park, north of Bridgetown, would extend over a total of 3,370ha. It includes areas foreshadowed for reservation in the Government's Protecting Our Old-Growth Forests policy, some areas proposed through earlier processes as well as a small area of unallocated Crown land and a timber reserve.
"There has been a strong local community attachment to these areas for many years," Dr Edwards said.
Information and park maps will be available shortly and sent to a range of interest groups. They will be available on the Department of Conservation and Land Management's website - http://www.naturebase.net
Maps and information also can be ordered from the department's offices at Manjimup and Bunbury.
Public submissions on the indicative boundaries close on August 6.
Minister's office: 9220 5050