Management plan released for new Kalgulup Regional Park with biodiversity, community and cultural focus

Biodiversity and cultural and community values are at the core of the management plan for the newly-created Kalgulup Regional Park. The park, which was established late last year comes with a $10.5 million investment over the next four years. It spans more than 3000 hectares and covers the Leschenault Peninsula, lands around the Leschenault Estuary and the lower reaches of the Collie, Brunswick and Preston Rivers. The new management plan will prioritise the protection of three threatened plants, 14 threatened animal species, eight threatened ecological communities and 20 wetlands. The plan also identifies opportunity for expansion of recreation sites at two popular locations in the heart of Bunbury — Mangrove Cove and the Maidens Reserve. Environment Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson unveiled the plan today, which she says will bring with it opportunity for economic development as well as its conservation focus. “The official launch of this management plan is a significant milestone for the Plan Our Parks initiative in the South West,” she said. “Plan for Our Parks is the biggest expansion of conservation estate in WA’s history and will create jobs on country and ongoing economic opportunity for traditional owners and local businesses. “The plan will protect and conserve areas with special and highly significant natural and cultural values, while providing important recreation opportunities for visitors and the community to enjoy.” Conservation efforts will include the protection of both the black cockatoo and the western ringtail possum, which are both endemic species of the region. The name, Kalgulup, was chosen by the Gnaala Karla Booja Native Title Working Group and means “place of fire” or “place of burning campfires” in Noongar Language.