Plan for Our Parks milestone in South-West for Kalgulup Regional Park
High biodiversity, cultural and community values protected
Part of the biggest expansion of conservation estate in WA history
The McGowan Government's landmark Plan for Our Parks has achieved another significant milestone, with the release of the Kalgulup Regional Park Management Plan.
Delivering on an election commitment, the creation and management of the Kalgulup Regional Park is part of the State Government's $10.5 million investment into the park over four years.
Following extensive community consultation, the management plan has been designed to have a strong focus on the park's high biodiversity, cultural and community values.
Spanning 3,100 hectares in the Greater Bunbury region, the regional park was created in October 2020 and covers the Leschenault Peninsula and lands around the Leschenault Estuary, Inlet and the lower reaches of the Collie, Brunswick and Preston Rivers and south of Bunbury from the Preston River to the ocean.
The management plan has a strong focus on the park's high biodiversity value, protecting the endemic species including three threatened plants, 14 threatened animal species such as the western ringtail possum and black cockatoos, eight threatened ecological communities, including tuart and banksia woodland, and 20 wetlands.
The plan also identifies opportunities for further enhancement or expansion of recreation sites and experiences within the regional park, with planning and design work already progressing for facility upgrades at the Maidens Reserve and Mangrove Cove recreation sites.
The importance of the park to traditional owners is also recognised through the park name, which was chosen in consultation with the Gnaala Karla Booja Native Title Working Group. Kalgulup means 'place of fire' or 'place of burning campfires' in Noongar language.
Land within the regional park is managed by several stakeholders, including State Government agencies and local governments, providing the opportunity for a cooperative management approach.
Read the Kalgulup Regional Park Management Plan at http://www.dbca.wa.gov.au/managementplans
Comments attributed to Environment Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson:
"The official launch of this management plan is a significant milestone for the Plan for Our Parks initiative in the South-West.
"The plan will protect and conserve areas with special and highly significant natural and cultural values, while providing important recreation opportunities for visitors and the community to enjoy.
"Plan for Our Parks is the biggest expansion of conservation estate in WA's history and will create jobs on country and ongoing economic opportunity for traditional owners and local businesses across the State.
Minister's office - 6552 5900
