Premier Mark McGowan today announced the official creation of the Houtman Abrolhos Islands National Park, located about 80km west of Geraldton.
The creation of the Houtman Abrolhos Islands National Park coincides with the 400-year anniversary of the European sighting of the islands by Dutch explorer Frederik de Houtman.
The Abrolhos is the site of the notorious Batavia mutiny and a popular destination for fishing and nature appreciation.
The national park will be vested with the Conservation and Parks Commission and managed by the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions.
The national park will extend to the high-water mark with curtilages around the jetties at East Wallabi and Beacon islands.
Airstrips on North, East Wallabi and Rat islands are included in the national park.
It covers lands outside of areas leased to rock lobster and aquaculture fisheries.
Over the next two years, the State Government is investing $10 million into tourism and management infrastructure at the national park, including the construction of new jetties, toilets, shade shelters, walk trails and visitor interpretation on East Wallabi and Beacon islands. The airstrip on East Wallabi will also be upgraded.
A further operational budget has been allocated for the ongoing management of the islands, including for the employment of rangers.
Plan for Our Parks aims to create five million hectares of new national and marine parks and conservation reserves over the next five years.
Full media statement: Historic day for WA as Houtman Abrolhos Islands National Park officially created