THE Cape Range National Park issues paper, part of the public consultation process to prepare a management plan for the area, has been released.
The issues paper looks at the management of the coastal strip, including access along the coast; the development of facilities along the coastal strip – particularly camping and other forms of accommodation – and the management of feral goats, weeds and fire.
Environment Minister Judy Edwards said discussions with stakeholders would continue for up to six months before the release of a draft management plan, which would invite public submissions on the proposal.
Copies of the issues paper are available at www.naturebasenet/haveyoursay or from CALM’s Exmouth, Karratha and Cannington offices.
The national park extends over 50,581 hectares of the Cape Range Peninsula near Exmouth and fringes Ningaloo Marine Park.
It comprises a heavily dissected limestone range, a fringing coastal plain and supports significant flora and fauna, habitats and landscapes.
The Department of Planning and Infrastructure, with input from the Department of Conservation and Land Management and other stakeholders, is looking at the development options for the coastal strip south of the park.
Kalbarri Blue Holes draft plan released
A DRAFT management plan has been released that proposes the establishment of a fish habitat protection area over Kalbarri’s popular Blue Holes.
The plan was developed by the Department of Fisheries after extensive consultation with local groups, including recreational and commercial fishing interests, in response to the community’s desire to protect the area.
The proposed protected area is relatively small – about 150 metres by 400 metres.
Tailor fishing can still take place to the north and south.
The boundaries have been created to follow easily recognisable geographical features.
Members of the public have until June 30 to provide written comment on the draft plan to Manager Marine Planning, Department of Fisheries, 168 St Georges Terrace, Perth WA 6000.
Copies of the draft plan can be downloaded from www.fish.wa.gov.au which is the department’s website.