- Plan will guide management of the reserve for the next 10 years
- Protects more than 100,000 hectares of precious wetland and cultural sites
- The reserve is jointly managed by Traditional Owners and the State Government
The Pilbara's largest and most significant wetland, Fortescue Marsh Nature Reserve (Nyiyaparli Country), is now protected under a new joint management plan.
Covering approximately 107,000 hectares between the Chichester and Hamersley ranges, the reserve has rich ceremonial and mythological significance and encompasses one of only three inland wetlands in north-western Australia that can support up to one million waterbirds.
It is also home to the critically endangered night parrot, endangered northern quoll, vulnerable greater bilby and Pilbara olive python.
Protecting and restoring Western Australia's environment is a key priority for the Cook Government, ensuring our unique landscapes and wildlife are safeguarded for future generations.
This significant milestone builds the State Government's Plan for Our Parks initiative which has created more than 6.5 million hectares of new national parks, marine parks and other conservation reserves.
The joint management plan can be viewed on the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions website .
As stated by the Environment Minister Matthew Swinbourn:
"The Cook Labor Government is proud to jointly manage Fortescue Marsh Nature Reserve with Karlka Nyiyaparli Aboriginal Corporation.
"This plan will help keep the reserve healthy to benefit Country and communities, supporting employment and training opportunities for Aboriginal rangers and preservation of traditional knowledge.
"I thank the Nyiyaparli people for their deep commitment to Country and their leadership throughout the process.
"I also acknowledge the collaborative efforts of BHP, Fortescue, Roy Hill and Rio Tinto in the tenure discussions that helped establish the reserve."
As stated by Pilbara MLA Kevin Michel:
"Fortescue Marsh is on the Pilbara's most important environmental and cultural landscape, and this plan ensures it is protected and managed with care for generations to come.
"This plan reflects the Cook Labor Government's strong commitment to protecting the Pilbara's unique environment while respecting the deep cultural connections that Traditional Owners have to this land."
As stated by Karlka Nyiyaparli Aboriginal Corporation chair Leonard Stream:
"For Nyiyaparli this is a good thing, working together with the government to protect and look after the marsh, which is a culturally significant place for Nyiyaparli people.
"We are proud to honour the legacy of our Elders who led the way in looking after Country."
