Warlibirri National Park created through Western Australian Government Parks initiative

The Western Australian Government has announced the creation of the Warlibirri National Park, a milestone under the State’s Plan for Our Parks initiative with Traditional Owners being central to the creation of this national park, co-designed with the Gooniyandi people.

The national park spans close to 16,000 hectares, covering areas of the Margaret River east of Fitzroy Crossing and on Gooniyandi country.

It's the first step in the establishment of a series of national parks in the Fitzroy Valley, which will start at the banks of the Danggu (Geikie Gorge) National Park and head east along the Margaret River, and also north winding along the Fitzroy River.

Freshwater places on Gooniyandi country, including the Margaret River are important places for Gooniyandi people. The totems of many families are connected to these freshwater places as are the diverse range of flora and fauna found along the river.

The river and waterholes that are now protected by the national park include many special cultural sites for Gooniyandi with associated stories and traditions.

Gooniyandi Aboriginal Corporation will jointly manage the national park with the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions.

The park creation is part of the State Government's plans to create five million hectares of new national parks, marine parks and other conservation reserves under the Plan for Our Parks initiative.

WA Environment Minister Reece Whitby notes "as a Government we are committed to protecting and enhancing our State's environmental heritage values and assets, investing in strong and vibrant regions and to ensuring positive outcomes for Aboriginal people and communities.

"For the Gooniyandi people, the River is a living ancestral being and has important cultural, environmental and economic values.

"Plan for Our Parks is delivering new conservation reserves across our State as well as creating on-country jobs for Aboriginal people."

Aboriginal Affairs Minister Tony Buti added "Congratulations to the Gooniyandi Traditional Owners on their work in creating the Warlibirri National Park.

"This new national park is a welcome addition to the spectacular Kimberley region, an area rich in cultural history.

"This is the first step in the process of creating the broader Fitzroy River National Park under the Plan for Our Parks initiative."

Image: Fitzroy River WA