AusLeisure

The Western Australia Government is seeking public comment on a new 10-year management plan proposed for more than a million hectares of parks and reserves in the Wheatbelt region.

The Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions has prepared the proposed management plan on behalf of the Conservation and Parks Commission.

The proposed plan covers 728 existing reserves of natural vegetation and is bounded by Dalwallinu, Cranbrook, Ongerup, York, Wandering, Darkan, Yellowdine and Lake King.

The reserves include valuable conservation areas such as Dryandra Woodland which is home to Western Australia's mammal emblem, the numbat.

Western Australian Environment Minister Stephen Dawson stated "the Wheatbelt is one of Australia's 15 national biodiversity hotspots, and remnant vegetation pockets and nature reserves support a remarkable diversity of wildlife and natural vegetation.

"The area is home to 23 threatened animal species, including the woylie, black-flanked rock wallaby, arid bronze azure butterfly and Yorkrakine trapdoor spider. It also contains 130 threatened plant species, the highest amount in the State, including the critically endangered lemon spider orchid and granite tetratheca.

"Conserving this special area's parks and reserves is a priority under the proposed management plan.

"I encourage people to provide their comment on the plan, which will help guide the management of the reserves within this unique and diverse biodiversity hotspot for many years to come."

Almost half of the reserves are less than 100 hectares. The two largest reserves, Karroun Hill and Jilbadji nature reserves within the Great Western Woodlands, together make up more than half a million hectares.

Public comment for the draft management plan is open until 5th April, 2019 at www.dbca.wa.gov.au/haveyoursay

Image: Dryandra Woodland

Related Articles

8th February 2019 - More mountains to climb with plans for development of new National Park

20th January 2019 - Research highlights the destructive impact on Papuan National Parks from road construction

13th January 2019 - Major parties make funding commitments to revive Kakadu’s tourism industry

6th January 2019 - NSW National Parks rangers highlight the need for care around wild bird nesting sites

22nd January 2019 - New walking trail opens in Wellington National Park

23rd October 2018 - 4,500 hectares added to NSW national parks estate

13th July 2018 - Western Australia looks to develop trail town tourism

16th May 2017 - Rock wallabies released into Kalbarri National Park

6th July 2013 - Guided walks and experiences on the Bibbulmun Track

12th July 2012 - Bruce Rock recreation centre upgrade complete

23rd September 2010 - WA Premier opens major community centre in Dalwallinu

Asking a small favour
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

The news we publish at www.ausleisure.com.au is independent, credible (we hope) and free for you to access, with no pay walls and no annoying pop-up ads.

However, as an independent publisher, can we ask for you to support us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine - if you don't already do so.

Published bi-monthly since 1997, the printed Australasian Leisure Management differs from this website in that it publishes longer, in-depth and analytical features covering aquatics, attractions, entertainment, events, fitness, parks, recreation, sport, tourism and venues management.

Subscriptions cost just $90 a year.

Click here to subscribe.