Yalgorup National Park: State Govt buys 980ha to add to park

The park was established in the late 1960s to protect the coastal lakes, swamps and tuart woodland between Mandurah and Myalup Beach.

It stretches from 25km south of Mandurah to north of Myalup and covers 12,888 hectares, including 10 lakes.

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The park protects a wetland system that has achieved international recognition as an important area for migratory waterbirds and supports several threatened plant and animal species.

The park includes the ancient Lake Clifton thrombolites – rock-like structures that are one of the earliest known forms of life on Earth.

Dawesville MLA Kim Hames said it was a significant environmental investment that had saved land in the park from being cleared for residential development and a wind farm.

He said the park contained important habitat for a range of wildlife, including the western ringtail possum, chuditch, Carnaby’s cockatoo, forest red-tailed black cockatoo and the western brush wallaby, which were now protected.

Dr Hames said he had kept in regular contact with Hilary Wheater, the chairwoman of Fragyle, the community group that had been dedicated to protecting the Yalgorup Lakes environment for more than eight years.

“Over that time, we have continued to work towards how the State Government can protect this valuable and irreplaceable asset and we are thrilled with the outcome,’’ he said.