- More than 380,000 hectares of new conservation estate created in the Gascoyne
- Reserves to be jointly managed with Baiyungu and Yinnigurrura Traditional Owners
- Part of the State Government's Plan for Our Parks initiative, which has expanded WA's conservation estate by 6.5 million hectares
The Environment Minister has joined Baiyungu and Yinnigurrura Traditional Owners to celebrate the formal creation of conservation reserves in the Gascoyne region.
The event follows the signing of the Indigenous Land Use Agreement (ILUA) last year, which enabled the creation of the reserves - these now include theJarralya National ParkandBoologooro Nature Reserve, together covering 380,000 hectares.
Jarralya National Park, located approximately 1.5 hours south-east of Exmouth, encompasses the former Giralia pastoral station and homestead and holds deep cultural significance to the Baiyungu and Yinnigurrura Traditional Owners.
These areas will be jointly managed by the Nganhurra Thanardi Garrbu Aboriginal Corporation and the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA).
DBCA is continuing to upgrade the homestead precinct, while a detailed planning process to improve road access has now commenced to guide works that will make the new park ready for future visitors.
The on-Country event provided the first opportunity for the State Government and Traditional Owners to celebrate the strong partnership and reaffirm their shared commitment to protecting the area's biodiversity and cultural heritage.
As stated by the Environment Minister Matthew Swinbourn:
"Today's celebration is about recognising the creation of these reserves and the strong partnership that made it possible. The ILUA is more than an agreement - it's a foundation for joint management, cultural tourism, and on-Country jobs."
"I congratulate the Baiyungu and Yinnigurrura Traditional Owners and thank them for their leadership and vision in protecting this extraordinary landscape.
"I'm excited to see what the future will bring for these new parks and reserves."
As stated by Gascoyne Minister Hannah Beazley:
"The Cook Labor Government is committed to expanding Western Australia's conservation estate, and by partnering with Traditional Owners, we can ensure that cultural heritage values are maintained within the area.
"The creation of these reserves is significant for the Gascoyne region and will support ongoing conservation jobs and cultural tourism opportunities while empowering Traditional Owners to care for Country."
As stated by Nganhurra Thanardi Garrbu Aboriginal Corporation spokesperson:
"Nyinggulu is the three toes of an emu foot. It is the area that encompasses the Ningaloo Reef, Cape Range, Exmouth Gulf and its surrounds. It is an interconnected system. The underground flow of freshwater from the range feeds the reef and the gulf. The gulf is Nyinggulu's nursery. Winjit, the mangroves, give life to the gulf.
"Nyinggulu is a sacred place for the Baiyungu and Yinnigurrura people. The creation of these reserves, including Jarralya National Park, Shothole Canyon Conservation Park, intertidal reserves in the eastern Exmouth Gulf, and various islands in the Exmouth Gulf is a step in the right direction to protecting the balance of this delicate system. It allows us to fulfil our cultural obligations to care for this Country, just as our Old People have for thousands of years.
"The reserves are a result of many years of negotiations between NTGAC and the State Government. NTGAC will continue working closely in partnership with DBCA on the joint management of these areas."
