- State Government and Rio Tinto commence new environmental partnership
- Pilbara Conservation Project to support targeted regional conservation actions
- National parks and Traditional Owner groups to benefit from $8 million investment
Efforts to protect the Pilbara's unique biodiversity have received a boost through a new strategic partnership between the Cook Government and Rio Tinto.
As part of the Pilbara Conservation Project, Rio Tinto will allocate $8 million over five years to support the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions' delivery of weed management, feral animal control, and bushfire management at Karijini National Park, Millstream Chichester National Park, and other sites in the region.
The partnership will also support the creation of five new full-time jobs, plus training and fee-for-service work for Aboriginal ranger groups.
The Pilbara has high species richness and many endemic plants and animals, including one of the richest reptile assemblages in the world, more than 125 species of acacia, and more than 1000 species of aquatic invertebrates.
Species in the region that are listed by the Commonwealth Government as matters of national environmental significance include the northern quoll, Pilbara olive python, greater bilby, ghost bat, and Pilbara leaf-nosed bat.
On-ground works connected to the Pilbara Conservation Project are currently being rolled out throughout the region by DBCA's Parks and Wildlife Service.
As stated by Environment Minister Reece Whitby:
"Conservation is a shared responsibility, and this new partnership demonstrates how Government, industry, and Traditional Owners can work together to manage biodiversity values through practical, on-ground actions.
"Karijini National Park is the Pilbara's key tourist attraction receiving more than 300,000 visitors annually, with this project ensuring its conservation status well into the future."
As stated by Rio Tinto Vice President, Health, Safety, Environment and Communities Cecile Thaxter:
"This project will enable DBCA and Traditional Owners to continue caring for Country and importantly put Traditional Owner knowledge at the heart of conservation management for this environmentally, culturally, and economically significant region.
"Maintaining Pilbara biodiversity is critical not only for our business today but also for future generations within the region, and we recognise our responsibility to understand and effectively mitigate our impacts on nature through collaborative partnerships.
"Partnerships like the Pilbara Conservation Project are crucial to delivering nature-positive outcomes, with collaboration, resource sharing, innovation, local engagement and collective effort needed to address the complex challenges with environmental conservation and restoration."
As stated by Pilbara MLA Kevin Michel:
"Congratulations to all that have been involved in achieving this partnership.
"The Pilbara Conservation Project will bring new job opportunities to the region, as well as protect this unique and dynamic landscape."
