The protection of the Peel-Harvey estuary was both ecologically sensible and central to maintaining the quality of life enjoyed by local residents, Premier Carmen Lawrence said today.
"The creation of a new regional park - the Peel regional park - will ensure that the estuary is protected for people to enjoy now and in the future," Dr Lawrence said.
"More than 50 square kilometres of land surrounding the estuary and parts of the Serpentine, Murray and Harvey rivers has been earmarked for inclusion in the park."
The Premier said most of the land proposed for the park - about 3,700 hectares - was existing Crown land or local authority reserves.
Other foreshore areas currently in private ownership and proposed for inclusion in the regional park would be progressively obtained through land subdivisions or development processes.
Several strategic areas would need to be reserved and ultimately acquired by the State Government.
The details were announced by the Premier when she released for public comment the Peel regional park report prepared by the Department of Planning and Urban Development.
"The estuary is a main destination point for a high proportion of day-trippers and holiday visitors from the Perth metropolitan region," Dr Lawrence said.
"Over the years the number of visitors has increased substantially and there is now greater demand for both land and water-based activities.
"A regional park in the Peel region will provide recreation opportunities as well as ensuring the conservation of environmentally significant areas."
Dr Lawrence said the Peel-Harvey estuary was the largest natural inland waterway on the coastal plain and one of the most important areas for waterbirds in the South-West.
"At least 70 species of birds, including migratory birds from the northern hemisphere, use the estuary system," she said.
"The estuary is also an important nursery for many commercial fish species."
Dr Lawrence said the local community had played an important role in advising on local issues and opportunities.
"A community consultative committee, chaired by local member Keith Read, was extremely committed to the task and provided advice on all matters pertaining to the park," she said.
The Peel regional park report was available for public comment until April 6 from the Department of Planning and Urban Development, 469 Wellington Street, Perth or its Peel regional office, Pinjarra Road, Mandurah.
