The Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions is proposing an amendment to the Murujuga National Park Management Plan aimed at improving access to its culturally significant areas.
Announcing the proposed amendment, now open for public comment, Minister for the Environment, Reece Whitby said it would allow for the construction of a new access road to Conzinc Bay, in the northern part of Murujuga National Park, where visitor facilities would be built.
Mr Whitby said that, currently, access was available only by four-wheel drive over very rough terrain, which restricted visits to the area.
He said the amendment, prepared by the Murujuga Aboriginal Corporation (MAC) and the Department, included measures to manage and mitigate any potential environmental and cultural risks associated with the construction of the road and visitor infrastructure.
Mr Whitby said Murujuga was home to the world’s largest concentration of rock art.
“Our aim is to collaborate with the traditional custodians, who are our joint management partners, to protect and promote the cultural and natural values of the park, in particular its National Heritage and potential World Heritage values,” he said.
“The construction of an access road will not only ensure the creation of local jobs, but will also provide a tourism boost to the wider region, while showcasing the area’s significant cultural heritage.”
The Minister said responsible visitation and tourism were a major focus of management for Murujuga.
“In partnership with the MAC, the Department is developing a visitor services plan to identify culturally and environmentally appropriate recreation and tourism options,” he said.
Chief Executive Officer of the MAC, Peter Jeffries said the proposed tourism precinct, which included a Living Knowledge Centre, would allow the traditional custodians to build a shared sense of pride in the ancient history of Australia and the responsibility to care for Country.
The nine-page Murujuga National Park Joint Management Plan No. 78 2013 Draft Amendment 2022 can be accessed at this PS News link and submissions, which are open until 8 April, can be made at this link.
