State Government to expand Wellington National Park

1/01/02
The Wellington National Park near Collie will be increased nearly six-fold under a decision announced by the Government today.
Environment and Heritage Minister Dr Judy Edwards said an additional 14,500ha would be added to reserves around Wellington Dam, bringing the total area protected to just over 17,500ha.
"This decision is good news for the Collie community because it provides a significant boost to reserves in the park, which is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike," Dr Edwards said.
"The Government's decision represents a balanced approach that takes into account the desire by local conservation groups for an expanded national park as well as the needs of the local timber industry.
"The forest areas earmarked for addition to the national park are Lennard, Gervasse, most of Davis and part of Lowden - which are to the west of the existing park.
"The north-eastern portion of Gervasse block, which falls within the State Agreement Act mining lease held by Alcoa World Alumina Australia, will also be added to the national park, following the company's generous agreement."
Forestry Minister Kim Chance said the decision also provided the timber industry with greater certainty for the future by increasing the potential available yield by up to 9,000 cubic metres per annum.
"This increase could provide resource for another mill in the Collie-Yarloop area, with up to 40 direct jobs in the sawmilling and processing industries and greater protection for other jobs in the South-West native timber industry," Mr Chance said.
The Government imposed a moratorium on logging in the blocks soon after the February 10 election and appointed an independent consultant to assess the scientific, economic and community values of the area.
The expanded park would be nearly double the size of the 10,000ha proposed by the previous coalition Government.
Dr Edwards said the Government had based its decision to expand the park on the consultant's report, which found the additional reserves would contribute to protection of under-represented vegetation complexes heavily impacted by clearing for agriculture.
A further 310ha in Westralia block, immediately west of Collie, will also be set aside from timber harvesting. The proposed Westralia Conservation Park already protects 1,980ha.
Other forest blocks that were reviewed for their conservation values by the consultant would be retained as multiple-use State forest. These included Arcadia, Yabberup and parts of Mungalup, Lowden, Palmer and Leach blocks near Collie.
Helms block near Nannup, which also was reviewed, also would remain multiple-use State forest.
"The consultant reviewed the scientific values of each of the areas with a specific focus on nature conservation values," Dr Edwards said.
"The economic values and the impact of in-forest activities on water resources, tourism and recreation, bee-keeping, wildflower picking and the values and aspirations of local indigenous people were also evaluated."
Mr Chance said appropriate steps would also be taken to ensure the continuing operation as a demonstration forest of the Wellington Discovery Forest, located within Davis block. Final national park boundaries to allow this would be determined by a community consultative group.
Dr Edwards said the consultant's report, which was overseen by the Conservation Commission of Western Australia, would be available on the commission's website at http://www.conservation.wa.gov.au
Minister's office: 9220 5050