- 170,000 hectares of land to be added to WA's conservation estate
- Indigenous Land Use Agreement enables creation and expansion of Miriuwung Gajerrong conservation reserves
- Part of the State Government's Plan for Our Parks, which has created more than 6.5 million hectares of new conservation estate
The Cook Government has signed a landmark Indigenous Land Use Agreement with the Miriuwung Gajerrong Corporation, securing the protection of Country with outstanding biodiversity conservation and cultural values in the East Kimberley.
The agreement paves the way for 170,000 hectares of land to be added to Western Australia's conservation estate, with 85,000 hectares reserved immediately and an additional 85,000 hectares to follow.
These areas hold significant cultural importance for the Miriuwung Gajerrong and include the newly created Revolver Falls National Park, Packsaddle National Park, new reserves near Lake Argyle, proposed additions to the North Kimberley Marine Park, and the proposed Cape Domett National Park.
Packsaddle in the Carr Boyd Ranges and mountain ranges around Lake Argyle were first identified for reservation in 1976 for their spectacular landscapes and extraordinary natural values.
The newly protected areas will enhance the region's appeal to visitors and complement existing tourism attractions such as Mirima National Park and local sites like Andy's Chasm and Packsaddle Springs.
The inclusion of extensive intertidal zones into the North Kimberley Marine Park will nearly double its size between Cape Domett and the Northern Territory border, protecting vital habitats for threatened species such as sawfish, barramundi, threadfin salmon, and mud crabs.
This milestone agreement is part of the State Government's Plan for Our Parks initiative, which has created more than 6.5 million hectares of new conservation estate.
As stated by the Environment Minister Matthew Swinbourn:
"The Indigenous Land Use Agreement recognises the biodiversity conservation value and cultural significance of these lands to the Miriuwung Gajerrong people and supports their aspirations for land management, employment, and economic development.
"This means real jobs and training for Miriuwung Gajerrong people to care for their Country.
"The new parks and reserves will help unlock tourism potential and drive economic diversification across the East Kimberley."
