10-year plan for Albany’s conservation reserves

The Western Australian Government has released a comprehensive plan for the management coast parks and reserves around Albany.

The plan replaces the Two Peoples Bay Nature Reserve Management Plan 1995, West Cape Howe National Park Management Plan 1995 and the South Coast Regional Management Plan 1992.

Albany coast parks and reserves are well known for their high conservation, recreation and heritage values and include several large, intact conservation reserves that protect high plant species diversity and important habitat for threatened flora and fauna such as the critically endangered Gilbert's potoroo.

The area is important to Noongar people and is rich in cultural heritage.

A total of 17 Aboriginal sites have been recorded on parks and reserves including seven mythological sites that feature in Noongar stories about the creation of features of the Albany landscape.

Commenting on the management plan Western Australia Environment Minister Stephen Dawson

"Albany is a much loved destination and a drawcard for tourists with its spectacular coastline providing a range of popular recreational opportunities.

"With attractions such as the internationally renowned Bibbulmun Track and the breathtaking Gap and Natural Bridge, the coastline's parks and reserves are significant for the local tourism industry and the wider community.

"Many heritage sites are located on parks and reserves, and the cultural heritage of the area is important to Noongar people and the people of Albany and Western Australia.

"The plan's area includes key refuges for threatened animals including the critically endangered Gilbert's potoroo as well as high plant species diversity and threatened flora and ecological communities."

Albany was the first official colonial settlement in Western Australia; the first Federal military base; the State's principal port before the development of Fremantle Harbour; and the last Australian port of call for First World War ANZAC ships on their way to Gallipoli and the Western Front, and several heritage sites relate to these historical periods.

The Albany coast draft management plan 2016 was released for public comment from 6th May to 8th July 2016, resulting in 27 submissions. 

Image: West Cape Howe National Park

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