Environment Minister Donna Faragher today announced that a new national park would be created on Western Australia’s largest island, Dirk Hartog Island, part of the Shark Bay World Heritage Area.
Mrs Faragher said the State Government would establish the new national park, covering almost the entire area of the 63,000 hectare island, protecting its unique environmental, cultural and historical assets, and creating a draw card for nature-based tourism.
“Dirk Hartog Island forms the westernmost point of Australia and is an incredibly biodiverse area with outstanding natural values including more than 250 native plant species, three endemic threatened bird species and a number of threatened reptiles,” she said.
“The park is nationally significant as Dutch sea captain Dirk Hartog’s landing on the island on October 25, 1616 is the first evidence of European arrival in Australia.
“The State Government’s vision is to turn Dirk Hartog Island National Park into one of the world’s premier national parks showcasing its significant history and scientific value.
“The park’s declaration will help to create national and international awareness of this amazing location within a World Heritage Area, enabling the tourism industry to market the island as an important attraction alongside the world-famous dolphins of Monkey Mia.
“Creating the national park will open it up to tourists under carefully managed sustainable tourism arrangements.
“It will also provide a pathway for the traditional owners of Dirk Hartog Island, the Malgana people, to engage in the ongoing management and conservation of the region.”
The Minister said management of the national park would also include sheep and feral goat removal from the island followed by a major project to restore its natural values.
“Native animals on Dirk Hartog Island have suffered from feral goats and cats, with 12 of the 15 original native mammal species now believed to be locally extinct on the island,” she said.
A small piece of freehold land will be retained for nature-based tourism facilities by the Wardle family, who have been operating the pastoral lease on the island since 1968.
A reserve will also be created at Tumbledown Point for the use and benefit of the Malgana Aboriginal people.
The Minister's announcement at Shark Bay was also attended by the Netherlands Consulate General of WA, Mr Arnold Stroobach, and representatives of the Malgana people.
Minister's office - 9213 7250