New national park created on Gooniyandi Country

Today the WA Government announced the creation of Warlibirri National Park on Gooniyandi Country in the Kimberley under the Plan for Our Parks initiative.

The new national park will cover 16,000 hectares of area, including the Margaret River to the east of Fitzroy Crossing, protecting unique landscapes like Margaret Gorge and Mueller Ranges, endangered species, and Aboriginal heritage.

The national park will be jointly managed by Gooniyandi Traditional Owners, providing sustainable economic development opportunities, and creating more Aboriginal ranger positions, allowing Gooniyandi people to work on country.

We’re sending a huge congratulations to Gooniyandi Traditional Owners for this milestone achievement, and for working with the government to co-design this national park, which will create long-term benefits for nature and Gooniyandi people.

Gooniyandi Aboriginal Corporation Chair Claude Carter said after the announcement:

“Protecting the river and creating jobs for our people is very important, and the creation of this national park will help that.”

This is the ninth national park created under Plan for Our Parks – that is a huge result and one that you have helped achieve for WA.