On-Country event celebrates Gascoyne conservation milestone
Baiyungu and Yinnigurrura Traditional Owners have celebrated the formal creation of conservation reserves in the Gascoyne region of Western Australia.
The event comes after the signing of the Indigenous Land Use Agreement (ILUA) last year, which enabled the creation of the reserves – these now include the Jarralya National Park and Boologooro Nature Reserve, together covering 380,000 hectares.
Jarralya National Park, located approximately 1.5 hours south-east of Exmouth, encompasses the former Giralia pastoral station and homestead and holds deep cultural significance to the Baiyungu and Yinnigurrura Traditional Owners.
Reserves to be jointly managed
These areas will be jointly managed by the Nganhurra Thanardi Garrbu Aboriginal Corporation and the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA).
“The celebration is about recognising the creation of these reserves and the strong partnership that made it possible. The ILUA is more than an agreement – it’s a foundation for joint management, cultural tourism, and on-Country jobs,” Environment Minister Matthew Swinbourne said.
A Nganhurra Thanardi Garrbu Aboriginal Corporation spokesperson said: “Nyinggulu is the three toes of an emu foot. It is the area that encompasses the Ningaloo Reef, Cape Range, Exmouth Gulf and its surrounds.
“It is an interconnected system. The underground flow of freshwater from the range feeds the reef and the gulf. The gulf is Nyinggulu’s nursery. Winjit, the mangroves, give life to the gulf.
More than 380,000 hectares
“Nyinggulu is a sacred place for the Baiyungu and Yinnigurrura people. The creation of these reserves, including Jarralya National Park, Shothole Canyon Conservation Park, intertidal reserves in the eastern Exmouth Gulf, and various islands in the Exmouth Gulf is a step in the right direction to protecting the balance of this delicate system.
“It allows us to fulfil our cultural obligations to care for this Country, just as our Old People have for thousands of years.
“The reserves are a result of many years of negotiations between NTGAC and the State Government. NTGAC will continue working closely in partnership with DBCA on the joint management of these areas.”
DBCA is continuing to upgrade the homestead precinct, while a detailed planning process to improve road access has now commenced to guide works that will make the new park ready for future visitors.
The on-Country event provided the first opportunity for the State Government and Traditional Owners to celebrate the strong partnership and reaffirm their shared commitment to protecting the area’s biodiversity and cultural heritage.
