Date: 19th February 2006

The Conservation Council of WA has announced its support for progress with inscription of the Ningaloo region on the World Heritage List.

Conservation Council of WA director Chris Tallentire said, “Environment Minister Mark McGowan is moving world heritage listing along, and that’s good news.”

“But the Minister needs to confirm that scientific recommendations will be adhered to.

“Exmouth Gulf and its eastern coast and hinterland must be included in any World Heritage nomination.

“World Heritage listing lets the world know of our exceptional environmental assets, and how much we care about them.

“Clearly the proposed 45,000 hectare salt mine would be inconsistent with World Heritage listing.

“The World Heritage Consultative Committee has rightly recognised the international significance of the region, and presented its findings in the Report on a proposal to nominate the North West Cape – Ningaloo Reef area.  The nomination should be progressed using the report’s ‘Optimal Boundary’.

“This means protecting much of Exmouth gulf, and most importantly, all of the gulf’s eastern coastline and hinterland.

“The Minister needs to clarify that the report’s ‘Optimal Boundary’ will be respected so that the proposal meets World Heritage List inscription criteria,” said Mr Tallentire.