Way cleared for joint management of two national parks

Discussions between the Government and traditional Aboriginal landowners in the north of the State have cleared the way for the joint management of two of Western Australia's major national parks.

Environment Minister Bob Pearce said Aboriginal groups would be given a key decision-making role in managing the Karijini and Purnululu national parks.

"During recent meetings with representatives of the Purnululu and Karijini Aboriginal Corporations, an agreement in principle was reached which will give park councils decision-making powers in any future management of the parks," Mr Pearce said.

At the weekend, Mr Pearce, Aboriginal Affairs Minister Judyth Watson and North West Minister Ernie Bridge met representatives from the Purnululu Aboriginal Corporation.

Mr Pearce held discussions with the Karijini Aboriginal Corporation two weeks ago.

The role of park councils had now been clearly defined and would serve as a model for the joint management of other national parks in Western Australia.

"The Government strongly supports the idea of management plans which give park councils real decision-making powers over how national parks are managed," Mr Pearce said.

"We do not see the park council as a token body, it will report to me directly and comprise equal numbers of Aboriginal representatives and officers from the Department of Conservation and Land Management.  It will play a major role in managing the national park.

"Park operations will be conducted by CALM officers and public input will continue.

"The success of these recent negotiations means that work can now proceed on completing draft management plans for both the Karijini and Purnululu national parks," Mr Pearce said.