Dryandra Woodland, located between Narrogin and Williams, is set to become the Wheatbelt’s first ever national park.
Dryandra Woodland is recognised as one of WA’s most important wildlife conservation areas.
Member for Wagin Terry Waldron MLA has welcomed today’s announcement.
“This is exciting news. I’m thrilled that Dryandra will become a national park, as its new status will help ensure it remains a safe haven for important wildlife conservation and builds on its reputation as an important tourist destination,” Mr Waldron said.
“Dryandra is an important nature-based tourism destination and recognising Dryandra as a national park will go a long way towards conserving this natural asset and the native flora and fauna that call Dryandra home.”
The woodland is the largest remaining remnant of Wheatbelt woodland that provides a sanctuary for 10 threatened species, including one of the few remaining wild populations of woylies, numbats and tammar wallabies.
Mr Waldron said work was already underway to protect the woodland’s natural values, with a 1000-hectare feral predator-proof enclosure due to be completed by the end of the year.
This will safeguard threatened species, alongside cat and fox baiting under the Department of Parks and Wildlife’s flagship Western Shield wildlife recovery program.
Nationals WA candidate for Roe Peter Rundle said the Gnaala Mia campground also opened at Dryandra mid-year as part of the four-year, Royalties for Regions-funded $21.05 million investment in the Parks for People initiative.
“The local woodland is also home to the Barna Mia sanctuary where visitors are able to interact with wildlife up-close, at night,” Mr Rundle said.
“In 2015-16, there were 52,000 visitors to Dryandra, although I’d expect this announcement will encourage even more people to visit this already popular local spot.”
The State Government is committed to protecting and conserving our natural assets, including through the recent introduction of the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016.
Dryandra Woodland is home to about 100 bird species, 50 reptile species and 24 mammal species.
For media enquiries contact Terry Waldron on 9881 1225 or email terry.waldron@mp.wa.gov.au or Peter Rundle on M: 0418 959 810 or E: peter.rundle@nationalswa.com
