WWF applauds Governments on new policy approach to Kimberley coast
06 Feb 2008
WWF today welcomed the announcement by Federal Environment Minister, Peter Garrett and WA’s Acting Minister for State Development John Kobelke that their Governments would undertake a joint strategic assessment to protect the iconic Kimberley coast from uncoordinated development.
The prospect of multiple large gas plants being developed in sensitive Kimberley ecosystems like coral reefs, whale and turtle breeding grounds, and around important cultural heritage sites, is a contentious issue in Western Australia and is fast becoming a major national concern.
The Kimberley is one of the least-studied parts of Australia’s coast so WWF is hosting a large scientific workshop in Broome this week in an effort to map ecological ‘hotspots’ and processes, and identify research priorities. It is hoped this will inform conservation planning and any development decisions.
WWF CEO, Greg Bourne said, “The joint assessment as proposed by the Ministers is significant because it signals the end of the model of assessing individual developments in isolation, without managing cumulative impacts and without looking at how infrastructure could be shared to minimise the overall ecological footprint.”
“This new policy approach must reduce the threat to the magnificent Kimberley from unbridled industrial development and should provide for a conservation plan and sensible development vision that has been lacking for the coast between Karratha and Darwin.”
For more information
Paul Gamblin, WWF-Australia Senior Policy Advisor, 0410 221 508
Paula Schibeci, WWF-Australia Communications Officer, 0406 381 137
