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More protection for west coast wildlife

21 November 2008

New conservation areas will be established between Streaky Bay and Venus Bay to help protect rare and endangered wildlife such as the white-bellied sea eagle, osprey and Australian sea lion.

Releasing the CoastLinks report into protection of coastal land, Environment and Conservation Minister Jay Weatherill says the State Government is looking at purchasing several West Coast properties to enhance conservation in the area.

"The area between Streaky Bay and Venus Bay is widely recognised for its spectacular coastline and unique biodiversity," Mr Weatherill says.

"It's important that we protect this area, not only for the sake of the rare and endangered wildlife that call it home, but also for our children and grandchildren to be able to enjoy the outstanding scenic qualities of the region.

"Coastal residential development, industry, tourism and recreation activities in the area are placing pressure on this sensitive coastal environment.

"We also suspect that some people may deliberately want to harm the region's wildlife.

"Two white-bellied sea eagles and one juvenile osprey recently were found dead or dying and a fourth bird also is believed to have been killed.

"The CoastLinks report is a major step towards providing greater protection for these birds, by adding critical areas of habitat to the parks and reserves system."

In addition to the purchase of freehold land, it is proposed to add the following high-quality unallotted Crown land into the conservation estate over the next two years:

  • land on the western coastline of Calca Peninsula will be added to Point Labatt Conservation Park.
  • land surrounding Baird Bay will be joined with Baird Bay Islands Conservation Park to form a 'Baird Bay Conservation Park'.
  • land north-west of Venus Bay Conservation Park will be added to the park.

"I would like to thank the Friends of Sceale Bay for their support in the development of the report," Mr Weatherill says.

"The Department for Environment and Heritage also sought input from the District Councils of Streaky Bay and Elliston and the Eyre Peninsula Natural Resources Management Board.

"We will now consult local landholders and communities about the recommendations and work with councils and the Department of Planning and Local Government to promote appropriate coastal development and sustainable tourism.

"The Eyre Peninsula Natural Resources Management Board will be a key partner in developing an integrated approach to land use and management in the region.

"DEH also will be looking at opportunities for private land conservation to complement conservation on government land to increase habitat for the region's wildlife.

"Ultimately, we hope to link all the region's parks and reserves together by expanding the parks and reserves, purchasing some private properties and entering into agreements with private landholders to restore and maintain natural habitat."