- Public feedback encouraged on two Yawuru conservation estate draft management plans
- Yawuru Nagulagun/Roebuck Bay Marine Park is one of five marine parks to be created under the $81.5 million Kimberley Science and Conservation Strategy
Planning for the future management of Broome's world renowned coast has reached a significant milestone with the release of draft management plans for public comment.
Releasing the plans in Broome today, Environment Minister Albert Jacob said the proposed Yawuru Nagulagun/Roebuck Bay Marine Park, which covers most of the bay itself, and the Yawuru Birragun Conservation Park were two of Broome's natural jewels.
"The plans set out how these areas will be jointly managed by the Department of Parks and Wildlife and Yawuru native title holders," Mr Jacob said.
"The natural and cultural values of these areas are globally significant and the plans will help to enhance Broome's standing as an internationally renowned tourism destination and gateway for experiencing the Kimberley."
The Minister said the release of the plans for public comment underlined the State Government's commitment to working with traditional owners in jointly managing natural areas and the significant progress under the Kimberley Science and Conservation Strategy.
"For thousands of years Yawuru ngarrungunil people have lived along the foreshores of Roebuck Bay and these plans detail how the areas will be jointly managed to conserve and promote Yawuru culture and heritage," he said.
"The Yawuru conservation estate's natural rugged beauty, semi-remote environments, spectacular turquoise waters and abundant wildlife offer a variety of attractions and opportunities for cultural use, nature-based tourism and recreation, as well as a range of compatible commercial uses."
Mr Jacob said the Liberal National Government had invested $81.5 million in the Kimberley Science and Conservation Strategy to protect the region's unique natural assets.
More than $9 million has been allocated to Parks and Wildlife in the 2015-16 State Budget to continue establishing a five million hectare network of Kimberley marine and national parks as well as other major conservation measures.
The draft plans are open for public comment until Friday, September 25, 2015 and are available at http://www.dpaw.wa.gov.au/yawuru
Fact File
- The $81.5m Kimberley Science and Conservation Strategy is the largest ever targeted investment in the Kimberley, creating WA's biggest system of marine and terrestrial parks and providing opportunities for nature-based tourism and Aboriginal employment
Minister's office - 6552 5800
