Member for the Mining and Pastoral Region Dave Grills MLC has welcomed the creation of two new marine parks at world-renowned Horizontal Falls in the Kimberley.
Lalang-garram/Horizontal Falls and North Lalang-garram marine parks have been created in an effort to continue to protect the region’s important natural assets and marine species.
“The Kimberley region boasts some of the most incredible natural assets and spectacular marine life in the world including coral reefs, dugongs and turtles,” Mr Grills said.
“Horizontal Falls is a renowned tourist site and this announcement will build on the region’s tourism potential, attracting further visitors each year and increasing job opportunities.”
With the inclusion of the two latest marine parks, five have now established by the State Government in the Kimberley.
Mr Grills said a milestone had also been reached with the joint management of the parks between the Government and traditional owners.
“These marine parks will be run in partnership with the Dambimangari people, which will assist with essential conservation and site protection,” Mr Grills said.
Mr Grills said the State Government had been working with the Dambimangari Aboriginal Corporation since 2013, and an Indigenous Land Use Agreement to jointly manage the sea country had been reached.
“This agreement will also assist to provide employment and economic opportunities for Dambimangari people,” he said.
Nationals WA candidate for the Kimberley Rob Houston said the marine parks would assist to create growth in the region and would ensure the region’s future viability.
“The Kimberley has such great tourism potential and I am pleased the State Government is building on this through projects like these, while simultaneously protecting and conserving these important natural environments for future generations,” Mr Houston said.
With the Lalang-garram/Camden Sound Marine Park and the proposed North Kimberley Marine Park, these new parks will form the Great Kimberley Marine Park, extending from Talbot Bay to the Northern Territory border, covering about three million hectares.
“The $103.6 million Kimberley Science and Conservation Strategy is the biggest conservation project ever undertaken in Western Australia. The management plan can be viewed at: http://www.dpaw.wa.gov.au/parks/management-plans/approved-management-plans
For media enquiries contact Dave Grills MLC on (08) 90711 500 or email dave.grills@mp.wa.gov.au
