- Fitzroy River fully protected through ILUA with Yurriyangem Taam Traditional Owners
- National park now covers 260,000 hectares in the Kimberley region
- More than 3.8 million hectares of conservation estate now created under Cook Labor Government's Plan for Our Parks
The Fitzroy River and its 20 tributaries will be forever protected following implementation of an Indigenous Land Use Agreement (ILUA) with Yurriyangem Taam Traditional Owners.
Recognised as one of the world's most pristine and free-flowing river systems, the Fitzroy River supports an array of wildlife, including the critically endangered freshwater sawfish, which is found nowhere else in the world.
Now covering 260,000 hectares, the expanded Fitzroy River National Park will now include Yurriyangem Taam, Warlibirri, and Bunuba national parks, with the latter's stunning vistas likely to position as a major Western Australian tourism destination in the coming years.
The expanded national park will also protect Sir John Gorge and other areas important to Kija people, who will jointly manage the Park with the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions.
As part of the ILUA, a new ranger depot has been established in Halls Creek, with rangers and a full-time management officer employed to care for Country.
The completion of Fitzroy River National Park means more than 3.8 million hectares of new conservation areas have been created throughout Western Australia under the Cook Labor Government's Plan for Our Parks.
As stated by Environment Minister Reece Whitby:
"The completion of Fitzroy River National Park is a celebration of our shared journey to protect an area of immense cultural and environmental significance.
"As a direct result of the Cook Labor Government's ambitious Plan for Our Parks, we have paved the way for this area's rich biodiversity, Dreaming sites, and storylines of Kija people to be protected."
Comments attributed to Lands Minister John Carey:
"The Cook Labor Government has now delivered more than 3.8 million hectares of conservation under the Plan for our Parks.
"This important Indigenous Land Use Agreement with the Yurriyangem Taam Traditional Owners will deliver more jobs and training opportunities for Kija people living in and around Halls Creek.
"Together with Gooniyandi and Bunuba Traditional Owners, we're working together to protect the Fitzroy River for current and future generations."
Comments attributed to Kimberley MLA Divina D'Anna:
"I am proud to be part of a Government that listens and works with First Nations Traditional Custodians to keep culture and Country strong for current and future generations.
"Protecting our mighty Fitzroy River and its many sacred and Dreaming sites, including Sir John Gorge, is so important for the health and well-being of Kija people.
"The journey to get here has not been easy and I congratulate the Yurriyangem Taam Traditional Owners for achieving this outcome for the Fitzroy River and the Kija community."
Comments attributed to Yurriyangem Taam Aboriginal Corporation CEO Zainel Bin Busu:
"The creation of the Yurriyangem Taam National Park has been a difficult but rewarding journey.
"I believe that we have achieved something that will lead to a true partnership which protects Country, now and for future generations.
"The creation of this national park is about walking together to help close the gap in a spirit of reconciliation."
