Park plan for Albany’s rugged coastline

Albany’s coastline is world renowned for its breathtaking beauty, rugged shores and majestic marine life and now the State Government is seeking public comment on its future management.

The Albany coast draft management plan 2016 was released by Environment Albert Jacob at a ceremony at The Gap in the Torndirrup National Park on Friday morning.

The plan covers 56 parks and reserves, including nine islands, which cover 32,457ha, bounded by the Hay River in the west and Pallinup River to the east.

Mr Jacobs said the government wanted the public to have its say on the management of the coastline over the next decade.

“The planning area incorporates some of Western Australia’s most stunning coastal landscapes, important recreation and tourism destinations and significant conservation reserves,” he said.

“This includes the Torndirrup, West Cape Howe, Gull Rock, Waychinicup and Hassell national parks; the Two Peoples Bay and Mount Manypeaks nature reserves; and island nature reserves such as Bald and Breaksea.

“Some of these large, intact reserves are key refuges for threatened animals including the critically endangered Gilbert’s potoroo, and protect areas of high plant species diversity and threatened flora and ecological communities.

“The planning area is also rich in history, with 11 registered significant Noongar heritage sites and other cultural heritage sites associated with early exploration, whaling, settlement, convicts and shipping.”

The plan will include environmental, historical and cultural aspects.