• Abstract and Figures
• Public Full-text

Leeuwin-Naturaliste Capes Area Parks and Reserves Draft Management Plan 2010 R N V E M E O N G T E O H F T W A E I Our environment, our future S L T A E R R N A U S T Leeuwin-Naturaliste Capes Area Parks and Reserves Draft Management Plan 2010 Department of Environment and Conservation Conservation Commission of Western Australia VISION By 2020, the Leeuwin-Naturaliste Capes Area Parks and Reserves will be recognised for their significance in contributing to the way of life, sense of identity and enjoyment of the natural environment by visitors and the local community alike. The complexities in managing such a highly fragmented, linear and geographically isolated set of reserves, and the importance of protecting these areas from intensifying pressures will be understood and accepted. The Leeuwin-Naturaliste Capes Area Parks and Reserves will continue to be recognised as a biodiversity hot spot for flora, particularly on the Scott Coastal Plain, and for its very high scenic quality, including exceptional coastal scenery along the Leeuwin-Naturaliste Ridge. The unique cave ecosystems, nationally important wetlands and other natural values will be in better condition than present. This will be achieved by improving ecosystem resilience and facilitating sustainable visitor and resource use. In particular, those values that are unique or of special conservation significance will be conserved. The local community and visitors will have a greater awareness about the function of ecosystems and the means to protect them. Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park will continue to be regarded as one of the primary coastal recreation destinations within the State, adding significantly to the regional economy. It will support a wide range of carefully considered and sustainable nature-based recreational activities predominantly based on coast, forest and cave settings. Visitors will continue to find inspiration in, and enjoyment of the area, mostly from day visits to a number of high-quality recreation sites. Management will focus on preserving current visitor experiences and retaining the natural qualities of the area. The community will identify with the Leeuwin-Naturaliste Capes Area Parks and Reserves, and recognise its conservation, social and economic values are of national significance. A greater understanding of these values will be gained through the Margaret River Eco Discovery Centre and improved interpretative facilities whilst an increasing number of people will support and want to be involved in reserve management. The importance of the Indigenous heritage of the area, dating back thousands of years, will be promoted by active and ongoing involvement with Aboriginal people. The vision of this plan is derived from State legislation and policy, and community input. The vision also reflects the key values of the planning area and the importance of sustainably managing those values (see Key Values in Section 4). ii INVITATION TO COMMENT This draft management plan is an opportunity to provide information, express your opinion, suggest alternatives and have your say on how the Leeuwin-Naturaliste Capes Area parks and reserves will be managed during the next 10 years. What to consider This plan includes issues which may have a number of management options over the life of the plan or where the department has developed a proposal and wants to gauge public opinion. In making a submission, it is important to understand that legislation and policy clearly stipulate the responsibilities and obligations of the department and in some instances this may predetermine how some issues are addressed (e.g. in relation to visitor safety). Nevertheless, it is important to hear from the public about the management of these issues. Issues and proposed actions that the department and the Conservation Commission would particularly like to seek feedback on during the public comment period of this draft management plan include the proposed: key performance indicators mentioned through various sections of the plan access and recreation management in the planning area fire management control of weeds and problem animals How to make effective comments It is important to indicate those strategies and recommendations you agree with as well as those with which you disagree. Each submission is important, but those that give reasons for concern, give support where appropriate and offer information and constructive suggestions are most useful. If you prefer not to write your own submission you could make a joint submission with others. To ensure your submission is as effective as possible: Make it clear and concise. List your points according to the subject sections and page numbers in the plan. Describe briefly each subject or issue you wish to discuss. Say whether you agree or disagree with any or all of the aims or strategies within each subject or just those of specific interest to you - clearly state your reasons (particularly if you disagree) and provide supportive information where possible. Suggest alternatives to deal with issues where you disagree with the proposed actions. Where to send your comments Submissions are welcome for two months after the release date of the draft management plan and can be made online at: http://www.dec.wa.gov.au/haveyoursay or by writing to: Planning Coordinator Leeuwin-Naturaliste Capes Area Parks and Reserves Draft Management Plan Department of Environment and Conservation Locked Bag 104, Bentley Delivery Centre BENTLEY WA 6983 Alternatively, submissions can be sent to: [email protected] iii How your comments will be considered All submissions will be summarised according to topics. The management plan will be reviewed in light of submissions according to established criteria (see below). A summary of the submissions will be prepared along with the final management plan, including an indication of how the plan was amended or not amended in response to the submissions: 1. The draft management plan will be amended if a submission: (a) provides additional information of direct relevance to management (b) provides additional information on affected user groups of direct relevance to management (c) indicates a change in (or clarifies) government legislation, management commitment or management policy (d) proposes strategies that would better achieve management objectives (e) indicates omissions, inaccuracies or a lack of clarity. 2. The draft management plan will not be amended if a submission: (a) clearly supports proposals in the plan (b) makes general statements and no change is sought (c) makes statements already in the plan or were considered during the plan preparation (d) addresses issues beyond the scope of the plan (e) is one amongst several widely divergent viewpoints received on the topic but the text/strategies in the plan are still considered the preferred option (f) contributes options that are not feasible (generally because of conflict with existing legislation, government policy, lack of resource capacity or lack of research knowledge to make decisions) (g) is based on unclear, factually incorrect information (h) provides details that are not appropriate or necessary for inclusion in a document aimed at providing management direction over the long term. iv EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The Department of Environment and Conservation (the department) manages reserves vested in the Conservation Commission of Western Australia (Conservation Commission) and prepares management plans on its behalf. The Conservation Commission issues draft plans for public comment and provides proposed (final) plans for approval by the Environment Minister. The process of preparing this management plan began as a response to changing community expectations, intensified land use within the region and the need to review the existing Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park Management Plan 1989-1999. The opportunity was taken to expand the planning area to include other national parks and nature reserves along the Leeuwin-Naturaliste Ridge, including those that were created as a result of recommendations in the Forest Management Plan 2004-2013 (FMP). Important conservation reserves on the Scott Coastal Plain that are not covered by a specific area management plan have also been included in this management plan. As specified in the CALM Act, this plan provides a statement of policies and guidelines proposed to be followed and a summary of operations proposed to be undertaken. Once finalised, this management plan will provide effective and relevant guidelines to conserve the values of the parks and reserves of the Leeuwin-Naturaliste Ridge, and guide the management of any additions to the conservation estate that may occur over the life of the plan. This management plan should not be viewed in isolation but as an integral part of management regimes that occur in adjacent and related areas (e.g. D‘Entrecasteaux and Blackwood River national parks, adjacent Crown reserves and surrounding private property). This management plan will replace the Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park Management Plan 1989-1999. The FMP will complement this plan. Where there is conflict between the FMP and this plan, this management plan takes precedence. This will ensure a more comprehensive approach to managing the area. The department and Conservation Commission recognise that effective management of the planning area depends on the support, cooperation and participation of the community and therefore seek to ensure there is ample opportunity to be involved - in the

Load more

  223

Copy Link