A 10 year management plan has been released to help protect South West national parks.
The state government released the plan on Friday by environment minister Albert Jacob.
He said South West was internationally recognised as one of 35 international biodiversity hotspots so it was important to ensure a balance of conservation, recreation, tourism and cultural values.
“The plan guides the overall management of six national parks and eight nature reserves as well as parts of state forest and other small reserves, covering 37,400 hectares,” he said.
The Department of Parks and Wildlife will work with the community on nature based recreation, tourism, conservation, fire management and management of introduced species.
The plan also shows how cultural and heritage values will be kept in high priority with the state government’s commitment to engage and collaborate with Noongar people.
The Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park is WA’s most visited with more than 2.7 million people a year.
“Stretching across the Leeuwin-Naturaliste Ridge and Scott Coastal Plain, the plan covers significant natural assets including important wetlands and significant conservation species and communities,” Mr Jacob said.
A priority for this area is the creation and upgrade of camp sites and caravanning options for families under the Parks for People initiative, with work already under way in Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park.
“The development of infrastructure such as this is vital as the region continues to grow as a tourism hub. This plan will guide how we work with the community into the future to manage these important natural assets to ensure we achieve the right balance,” Mr Jacob said.
