Conservation Council WA airs concerns about Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park ‘neglect’

WA’s Conservation Council has added its voice to those concerned about the neglect of the Capes region’s signature national park.

As part of its latest campaign Defend WA’s Nature, the State’s peak conservation lobby group was targeting leaders including Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, WA Premier Roger Cook and WA Environment Minister Reece Whitby.

The multi-channel advertising campaign highlights critical biodiversity threats in the South West, with WA’s most visited Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park also in its sights.

Nature program manager Rhiannon Hardwick told the Times more action was needed from the top two levels of government to protect attractions like the LNPP.

“Our outdoor lifestyle is the envy of the world and the South West of our State is a place so many of us love,” she said.

“Threats to nature jeopardise the lifestyles and livelihoods that are central to our identity as West Aussies, from family camping trips to surfing and hiking, to fishing, farming, and tourism.

“WA’s nature is in crisis. Following our longest, driest summer on record, our precious South West forests are collapsing. This forest die-off comes on top of bushfire emergencies in recent years following record heatwaves.”

The group has already held “snap protests” at Parliament to make their case.

The Conservation Council’s call-out followed concerns raised over the past three years by an alliance of local stakeholders including the Shire of Augusta-Margaret River, Margaret River-Busselton Tourism Association and Nature Conservation Margaret River Region.

The alliance lodged a six-point plan with Mr Whitby and the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attraction but it is yet to gain any traction.

The group wanted ranger numbers doubled in the national park, claiming existing workers weren’t enough to tackle feral weed and animals as well as to control exits into vulnerable habitat and beaches.

During a whistle-stop trip to Margaret River earlier this year, Mr Whitby said the drying of the region’s forests was a key concern.

But while he teased investment moves in the May State Budget, money was allocated to track projects, carpark and campground upgrades across the Capes.

“The State Government has invested close to $4 million in the park over a two-year period,” Mr Whitby said.

“I appreciate local stakeholders have several priorities but my understanding, based on feedback from Jane Kelsbie MLA, is the broader Margaret River community has welcomed this funding.”

DBCA has committed to bushfire mitigation measures.

Meanwhile, joint Aboriginal management of LNPP was under consideration pending work with the Karri Karrak Aboriginal Corporation, Mr Whitby said.