State Government rejects Ningaloo Reef marina project

4/7/03
The State Government has rejected plans for a resort-style marina development on the Ningaloo Reef coast at Mauds Landing.
Premier Geoff Gallop made the announcement during a visit to Coral Bay this morning.
Dr Gallop said Ningaloo's unique and world-class attractions would be put at risk by a project the size and scale of that proposed by Coral Coast Marina Development Pty Ltd.
He described the 280km coral reef as an environmental icon of State, national and international significance and pledged to fast-track a push for it to be granted World Heritage status.
"Ningaloo Reef is one of the world's great natural wonders and it is our responsibility to protect it for future generations," the Premier said.
"It is Australia's longest fringing reef and home to some of the world's most spectacular sea life and pristine beaches.
"Today, we have drawn a line in the sand and declared that we will not accept developments that threaten this precious and fragile coast."
Dr Gallop said the Environmental Protection Authority chairman had recommended earlier this year that the project not be approved. This was also the conclusion of an independent Appeals Committee, which had considered 79 appeals.
The Premier said the committee's report, which he had received this week, had concluded that the 'environmental risks and management needs for the proposal have not been demonstrated to be environmentally acceptable'.
"It is clear this development would pose an unacceptable risk to Ningaloo and I was simply not prepared to jeopardise its future," he said.
Dr Gallop said the Government was committed to the protection and proper management of the Ningaloo Coast to ensure people from all over the world were able to enjoy the area without damaging it.
He said the Government was considering a range of future management structures, including the creation of a new body along the lines of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority or the Rottnest Island Authority.
"We are keen to create the best marine and national parks possible," Dr Gallop said.
"That is why we are also looking to consolidate the conservation estate by extending the current marine park to the south and north of its present boundaries, as well as some eastward extensions of the Cape Range National Park which stretches along its shores.
"It is also why we are keen for the Ningaloo/Cape Range region to join Shark Bay and now Purnululu National Park in the East Kimberley as outstanding Western Australian attractions on the World Heritage register.
"This would not only provide greater environmental benefits but also significant social, and economic benefits for the region."
The Premier said he would be writing to the Prime Minister with formal notification of the State Government's intention to pursue World Heritage listing and seeking his assistance and support.
It was clear the region had qualities that were of international significance and that a high level of support existed in the scientific and conservation communities for World Heritage to be pursued.
"The Commonwealth Government ultimately has the role of determining and forwarding Australia's nominations for World Heritage listing and we are keen to work together to ensure this occurs as quickly as possible," Dr Gallop said.
He said rejecting the proposed marina was a significant step in developing a comprehensive plan that balanced the need to protect Ningaloo with the need to manage the impact of growing numbers of visitors.
"The State Government is already addressing the region's infrastructure needs with a $10million commitment for new boat launching facilities and a new environmentally-friendly sewerage plant at Coral Bay," he said.
"As well, we are building the capacity of Exmouth and Carnarvon through projects such as the $16.3million Exmouth Marina Village project and the $11million Carnarvon Northwater Residential Precinct."
The Premier said public consultation would be vital in the development of a new land use and tourism plan for the region to be released tomorrow.
Premier's office: 9222 9475