Who we are
The Exmouth Gulf Taskforce has been established as a coordinating body by the Minister for Environment; Climate Action, under section 25 of the Environmental Protection Act 1986.
The taskforce is led by an independent Chair, Ms Laine Ashforth-McDonald. It was set up in July 2022 for a term of up to 36 months, to provide high level advice to the Minister on the social, cultural and environmental management of the Exmouth Gulf and its surrounds.
The taskforce met for the first time on 1 and 2 September 2022 in Exmouth.
The taskforce’s members include representatives from Nganhurra Thanardi Garrbu Aboriginal Corporation, the Approved Body Corporate for the Exmouth Gulf, representing the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the Gulf; State, local and Federal government; conservation groups; industry; Exmouth Gulf users; and the Exmouth community. You can view a list of the taskforce members and the terms of reference below.
Background
The Environmental Protection Authority published its strategic advice on the cumulative impacts of proposed development on the environmental, social and cultural values of the Exmouth Gulf in August 2021. The report gave detailed recommendations for the protection of the Gulf, including areas requiring high levels of protection, and improved integrated management of the land and sea environment of Exmouth Gulf.
The State Government announced a commitment to protect the Exmouth Gulf and its surrounds on 3 December 2021. This commitment pinpointed a new marine park, and conservation reserves in the Gulf and action on the Environmental Protection Authority’s recommendations, including the establishment of a coordinating body. This body is now known as the Exmouth Gulf Taskforce.
Scope
Show moreThe taskforce will be responsible for sharing knowledge, monitoring and reporting, with Traditional Owners as partners in conservation, planning and management decisions, providing input on statutory planning and environmental assessment processes, addressing knowledge gaps, and considering the implications of climate change.
The taskforce will provide advice to the Minister, including, but not limited to:
- A report within the first two years addressing knowledge gaps identified by the Environmental Protection Authority in its report, and through consultation
- Options to deliver against high level protection for the Cape Range Subterranean Waterways
- Options to deliver long-term integrated management of land and sea, including the establishment of a secure marine reserve over the wider Exmouth Gulf area that does not adversely impact existing managed fisheries
- Options to inform terrestrial and marine protection planning processes.
You can view a list of the taskforce members and the terms of reference.
Supporting documents
Show moreEnvironmental Protection Authority documents
Potential cumulative impacts of the activities and developments proposed for Exmouth Gulf (Strategic advice)
Protection of Exmouth Gulf is a win for the environment (Media statement)
