- Internationally renowned carbonate stromatolites to be protected by Purungunya Conservation Estate
- Park's creation means four million hectares of conservation estate has been created through Plan for Our Parks
- Joint management to support six full-time jobs in the Pilbara region
Internationally renowned carbonate stromatolites that reveal details about the evolution of early life will be protected following the creation of Purungunya Conservation Estate through the Cook Labor Government's Plan for Our Parks.
The park's creation marks a major milestone for Plan for Our Parks, with four million hectares of new conservation estate created under the ambitious policy.
Located near the majestic Nullagine River, Purungunya Conservation Estate encompasses 163,000 hectares of new national park and 39,000 hectares of new conservation park.
The area has been home to the Nyamal People for tens of thousands of years and is internationally renowned for the 2.7-billion-year-old Meentheena carbonate stromatolites.
The permanent deep pools of the Nullagine River are also important for a range of wildlife species, with the river's large fringing gums providing bird nesting and roosting areas.
Purungunya Conservation Estate will be jointly managed by the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions and Nyamal Aboriginal Corporation, with five full-time equivalent ranger positions created to manage the reserves and one full-time equivalent position funded at NAC.
The area was a pastoral station running sheep and cattle from the early 1900s before being purchased by the State Government for conservation in 1999.
Comments attributed to Environment Minister Reece Whitby:
"Plan for Our Parks has now delivered four million hectares of new conservation areas across WA following the creation of Purungunya Conservation Estate.
"This part of the Pilbara has been used by the Nyamal People for tens of thousands of years and the newly created reserves will protect its rich cultural and natural heritage.
"It's a breathtaking area that we have protected while enabling future opportunities for cultural and nature-based tourism among the 460 species of wildlife that can be found locally."
Comments attributed to Nyamal Aboriginal Corporation CEO Troy Eaton:
"Caring for the Country is at the heart of all Nyamal People.
"The recognition of the Purungunya is a step towards ensuring that our land, animals, plants, water, and culture are safeguarded for Nyamal's future generations.
"Purungunya is a beautiful and significant part of our Country, and we look forward to looking after it in partnership with the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions."
