Kimberley environmental group welcomes State Government move to create new national park

A new national park announced in the Kimberley on April 28 has been welcomed by conservation group Environs Kimberley as a historic move by Gooniyandi traditional owners and the State Government.

The first stage of the Gooniyandi Warlibirri National Park protects the Margaret River and its spectacular gorge, which was proposed as a dam site more than 25 years ago.

Traditional owners were central to the creation of this national park, with the area co-designed with the Gooniyandi people.

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 McGowan 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.

Kimberley MLA Divina D’Anna said the new national park was the first step in meeting important election commitments for a national park along the Fitzroy and Margaret rivers.

“It is wonderful to celebrate this milestone on-country with Gooniyandi traditional owners,” she said.

Environs Kimberley founder Pat Lowe said the decision was a vindication of the stand traditional owners took over the last three decades.