WA’s ‘Great Barrier Reef’ under threat: Government set to break Premier’s promise to protect whales

The Wilderness Society WA Inc.
Joint Media Release
19 March, 2010

Safety for one of the world’s most important humpback whale breeding areas on the Kimberley coast is at risk following signals from the government that it may break the Premier’s promise to protect them “forever”.

WA conservation groups today warned that the internationally significant humpback whale nursery ground on the Kimberley coast between Broome and Camden Sound was vulnerable to irreversible damage.

Negative signals from the Government indicate it may back away from the Premier’s commitments – given in election promises and subsequent media statements, the Wilderness Society, WA Conservation Council and Environs Kimberley said today.

“Only the Premier’s promise stands between real safety for the whales in sanctuary areas or exposure to threats such as pollution from industrial development and boat strikes,” Martin Pritchard from Environs Kimberley said.

Mr Pritchard said the government instead looked set to go for a small marine park around Camden Sound that had little to no meaningful protection for whales and other marine life.

“Protecting the Humpback’s migratory routes and breeding areas requires a network of large sanctuary areas extending from south of Broome to Camden Sound where marine life can feed, breed and migrate through, away from industrial development and commercial fishing.”

Marine campaigner for the Wilderness Society, Dr Jill St John, said the marine park appeared to be a case of the Premier opting for spin over substance.

“A broken promise would spell disaster for the Kimberley and the whales. WA cannot have a healthy economy without a healthy environment and this government’s decision on Camden Sound will demonstrate to all West Australians just how responsible it intends to be about protecting what is unique and special about WA.

“If the Premier’s election promise is broken, then it is very clear that the Fisheries Minister Norman Moore, not the Premier, rules the roost when it comes to setting environment policy in Western Australia.”

Conservation Council of WA Director Pier Verstegen said, “The Kimberley whale coast is our equivalent of the Great Barrier Reef in terms of its tourism potential and environmental values.

“It is appalling that despite being home to an amazing diversity of marine life, less than 1% of marine areas along the Kimberley coast is protected and the government will continue to support this.”