The Government of Western Australia acknowledges the traditional owners throughout Western Australia and their continuing connection to the land, waters and community. We pay our respects to all members of the Aboriginal communities and their cultures; and to Elders past, present and emerging.
In particular, DBCA and DPIRD acknowledge the traditional owners and native title holders in the study area for the proposed south coast marine park; the Esperance Nyungars, Wagyl Kaip Southern Noongar, Ngadju People, and WA Mirning People.
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Community Reference Committee for the
Proposed South Coast Marine Park
Meeting Two Communique
2-3 March 2022, Esperance Civic Centre
The Community Reference Committee for the proposed South Coast Marine Park (CRC) held its second meeting on 2-3 March in Esperance. The meeting was attended by Traditional Owner joint management partners Esperance Tjaltjraak Native Title Aboriginal Corporation (ETNTAC), Sector Advisory Group (SAG) Chairs, and staff from the Departments of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DCBA) and Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD).
The focus of the second meeting included:
- a presentation from ETNTAC on the approach that will be taken to collect and incorporate cultural values;
- fisheries science information;
- how spatial use information will be collected using a newly developed marine values mapper tool;
- discussions on the proposed outer boundary of the marine park;
- discussion on various elements of the management plan including vision, strategic objectives, and values; and
- management tools under the CALM Act and regulations.
CRC members undertook an on-country trip to Cape Le Grand National Park, led by Dabungool Cultural Experiences to gain a better understanding of the cultural values and importance of the area to the Kepa Kurl Wudjari people.
SAG chairs presented to the CRC to provide their final position on the proposed marine park boundary. The CRC considered the feedback provided from the SAGs, other community feedback, information on the ecological values of the area, and marine park design criteria in developing their boundary advice. While the majority of members supported the boundary as proposed, after robust discussion the CRC did not reach consensus on this issue. Some members would like to see the boundary extended westward to Augusta, however, given the scope of the current proposal, it was flagged that the waters between Bremer Bay and Augusta should be considered in the future and not during this planning process. Some members also supported a variety of boundary contractions and excisions to allow for recreational and commercial fishing, however it was determined that these concerns can be considered during development of the zoning scheme.
I confirmed with the CRC that the planning process will proceed with the marine park boundary extending from Bremer Bay in the west to the South Australian border in the east; extending offshore to the limit of State Waters; extending onshore to the high-water mark wherever possible; and including estuaries along the coast where these are available for inclusion.
Based on this proposed boundary, the CRC will commence their discussion on management arrangements for the marine park at their next meeting in May 2022.
Hon Fran Logan
Chair, Community Reference Committee
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Above: CRC members on the on-country trip to Cape Le Grand National Park led by Dabungool Cultural Experiences. Photo credit: L-A Shibish
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Photos in header image:
Top: Southern right whales by Dave and Fiona Harvey
Left to right: Sea star by Peter Nicholas. Boat by Black Jack Charters. Snorkelling at Woody Island by Tourism WA. Leafy seadragon by Peter Nicholas. Fishing on the south coast by Tourism WA
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