Key milestone reached for protection of Exmouth Gulf

• Indigenous Land Use Agreement between State Government and Nganhurra Thanardi Garrbu Aboriginal Corporation to facilitate creation of Giralia National Park and Boologooro Nature Reserve
• Agreement's signing coincides with Exmouth Gulf Taskforce's interim report

The Cook Government has signed an Indigenous Land Use Agreement with Nganhurra Thanardi Garrbu Aboriginal Corporation, paving the way for the creation of Giralia National Park, and Boologooro Nature Reserve, key parts of the Government's Plan for Our Parks initiative.

The finalisation and execution of an Indigenous Land Use Agreement (ILUA) is also an important step for Traditional Owners and the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions to create a new marine park in the eastern and southern portions of the Gulf, delivering on the State Government's commitment in 2021 to protect areas of high conservation value.

That decision was in response to the Environmental Protection Authority's strategic advice in 2021, that highlighted the area's environmental significance and the need for further protection.

The ILUA's signing coincides with publication of an interim report from the Exmouth Gulf Taskforce, which was established to consider future coordinated protections and integrated management options for the Gulf and its surrounds.

The State Government has noted the report's recommendation for an expanded marine park in the gulf, with any decision to extend the proposed marine park's footprint subject to further consideration of the environmental, social, and economic impacts.

It will also allow the Taskforce to consider and prepare its final report to Government, which will include issues such as the protection management of the Gulf's subterranean waterways.

Further details on the Taskforce's work and its interim report can be accessed via: https://www.wa.gov.au/service/environment/environmental-impact-assessment/exmouth-gulf-taskforce.

Comments attributed to Environment Minister Reece Whitby:

"Exmouth Gulf is recognised globally for its unique environmental, social, and cultural values.

"It's vital we strike the right balance between protecting our natural environment and supporting continued economic diversification for Western Australia's regional communities."