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Draft management plan for SW National Parks |
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Wednesday, 16 April 1997 |
Two of Western Australia's most significant southern conservation areas,
the Stirling Range and Porongurup National Parks, are the subject of a
Draft Management Plan released for public comment today.
Two of Western Australia's most significant southern conservation areas,
the Stirling Range and Porongurup National Parks, are the subject of a
Draft Management Plan released for public comment today.
The plan was produced by the Department of Conservation and Land Management
(CALM) on behalf of the National Parks and Nature Conservation Authority,
in close liaison with a planning advisory committee, park users and other
interested parties.
Launching the plan in the Porongurups today, Environment Minister Cheryl
Edwardes said it called for effective management strategies to balance
the parks' conservation needs with recreational visitor use.
"The Stirling Range and Porongurup National Parks are of great natural
and cultural value, particularly as they include the most significant mountain
ranges in the State's southern region," Mrs Edwardes said.
"Stirling Range has five peaks that are over 1,000m high, including the
popular tourist attraction Bluff Knoll, which at 1,073m is the highest
peak. The Porongurups has the rugged `Devil's Slide', which rises to a
height of 670m.
"Stirling Range also boasts a diverse range of indigenous flora and fauna
of international significance, with more than 1,500 species of flora, 82
of which are found nowhere else."
The Minister said the two parks were well used by the local community and
tourists for recreation.
"The impressive landscapes and rugged terrain of the parks make them ideal
recreational spots for people to enjoy in adventure activities such as
rockclimbing, bushwalking, abseiling and camping," she said.
Mrs Edwardes said key issues covered in the draft management plan included
fire management, dieback control, recreational facilities and conservation
of threatened species.
"Both parks are particularly Vulnerable to major wildfires, with Stirling
Range National Park experiencing three major wildfires in the past 12 months,"
she said.
"These fires burnt 40,000ha - almost one third of the park."
Mrs Edwardes said the plan therefore proposed three broad fire regimes
which included the protection of certain areas from fire, patch burning
to break up thick vegetation and fuel reduction.
"These regimes will significantly help in limiting the potential run of
wildfires in the parks," she said.
"The plan stresses the critical importance of close liaison and co-operation
between CALM and local Bush Fire Brigades, local authorities and park neighbours."
The Minister said the draft management plan proposed a number of changes
to better cater to the needs of recreation and tourism while protecting
unique conservation values. These included:
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the introduction of a new system of conservation
and recreation zones;
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the development of a major visitor centre
near Bluff Knoll entrance station;
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the redesign and upgrading of camping and
day-use sites at Moingup Spring and Bluff Knoll
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carpark;
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a new recreation site at Kojaneerup Spring
area;
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the redesign and upgrade of the Tree-in-the-Rock
site in the Porongurups;
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the development of two new recreational sites
at Porongurup, one at Castle Rock and one
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along Scenic Drive; and -
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the sealing of Scenic Drive.
The plan also proposed the continued use of access restrictions to areas
currently free of dieback disease, and the application of phosphonate to
provide temporary immunity to vulnerable populations of threatened plants
species.
Mrs Edwardes said the draft plan aimed to balance the needs of both conservation
and recreation, while protecting the significant values and features of
both parks.
"Protection of the indigenous flora and fauna, as well as the preservation
of park features, are of the utmost importance," she said.
The Stirling Range and Porongurup National Parks Draft Management Plan
will be open for public comment over the next two months. Copies of the
plan are available from CALM offices in Albany, Katanning and Perth Headquarters.
Media contact: Kirsten Stoney on (09) 221 1377 |
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