Conservation groups have applauded the establishment of new national parks in Gathaagudu (Shark Bay), in Western Australia's Gascoyne region.
Edel Land National Park, the Malgana section of Nanga National Park, along with Yaringa and Pimbee Nature Reserves, were declared on Malgana Country on Tuesday, adding more than 180,000 hectares to WA's conservation estate.
The parks will be co-managed by the Malgana Aboriginal Corporation and WA's Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, creating new Aboriginal ranger roles to help the Malgana people safeguard and manage their Country.
Malgana Elder Pat Oakley emphasised that young people now have limitless opportunities in conservation and land management, especially when it comes to caring for Country.
"What I'm really happy about is that this organisation, this Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Land Management, they're actually listening to us," she said.
"They're listening to us as knowing a little something about how to care for country, country that we've cared for for 40,000 years plus. Because it's not our country. We're custodians of this beautiful paradise that we live in. We're just passing through."
Malgana Traditional Owner, Jeff Farrell, said he is happy that there's now a recognition that past methods didn't respect Indigenous cultural beliefs and knowledge.
"I think what made me happiest about today was the fact that we've come together to understand that the old ways of doing things haven't worked or haven't factored in our cultural belief systems and our cultural knowledge protocols," he said.
Partnership for the Outback spokesperson, acting director of Pew Charitable Trusts Australia Tim Nicol, said it was fantastic to see increased protection for the unique natural and cultural heritage of the World Heritage-listed Gathaagudu/Shark Bay area.
"Shark bay is a unique place that so many Western Australians care for, and now more of the unique natural environment and Malgana cultural values and sites will be protected for future generations," Mr Nicol said.
"Plan for Our Parks has been a successful initiative by the WA government that has seen more protection for special places across Western Australia, while also creating jobs and supporting regional communities."
The new parks will safeguard ancient stromatolites, over three billion years old, along with endangered species such as the boodie (burrowing bettong), mala (Rufous hare-wallaby), Banded hare-wallaby, djoongari (Shark Bay mouse), and marl (Western barred bandicoot).
They will also enhance protection for Aboriginal heritage sites and culture. Mr Nicol noted that these additions bring the total protected area under the Plan for Our Parks to over 4.3 million hectares.
"I congratulate Malgana Aboriginal Corporation, Malgana Traditional Owners and the WA government on this new partnership that will see more positive outcomes for both people and nature in Western Australia," he said.
"Shark Bay attracts tens of thousands of visitors from across the world each year. These parks will provide more opportunities for nature-based tourism and cultural tourism in the area, boosting the local economy and raising awareness for the natural environment."
