• Bunuba Traditional Owners from the west Kimberley have signed a joint management agreement with the State Government
  • Jalangurru Manyjawarra Bunuba Muwayi Yarrangu Joint Management Plan released

A formal joint management partnership has commenced between the Bunuba Dawangarri Aboriginal Corporation and the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) that recognises and protects the cultural heritage values of the existing conservation reserves within the Bunuba native title lands.

The agreement, signed by DBCA and the corporation, is an important part of the newly released Jalangurru Manyjawarra Bunuba Muwayi Yarrangu Joint Management Plan 2019.

The plan will guide the management of several conservation reserves in the west Kimberley. This includes Geikie Gorge National Park and Geikie Gorge Conservation Park, Windjana Gorge National Park, Tunnel Creek National Park, part of the King Leopold Ranges Conservation Park and the Devonian Reef Conservation Park.

Comments attributed to Environment Minister Stephen Dawson:

"These reserves are of immense cultural and environmental significance, providing protection for one of the oldest known Aboriginal habitation sites in northern Australia.

"The signing of the joint management agreement is an important milestone for both the State Government and the Bunuba people, and we are pleased to formalise this partnership so that together we can ensure the area is protected and enjoyed into the future.

"The McGowan Government is working closely with traditional owner groups across Western Australia to create an additional five million hectares of national and marine parks and conservation reserves over the next five years."

Authority
PWS