• Draft management plan for Houtman Abrolhos Islands released for public comment
• Release marks milestone for McGowan Government's Plan for Our Parks initiative

The public is now invited to provide comment on the draft management plan for the Houtman Abrolhos Islands National Park.

Located about 60 kilometres west of Geraldton, this park was the very first to be created under the McGowan Government's innovative Plan for Our Parks.

The draft management plan was developed following extensive community consultation across a wide variety of stakeholders and will be open for comment for two months.

It focuses on the park's natural, cultural heritage, economic and visitor values and explores how these will be protected and used sustainably to ensure it is preserved for future generations.

The Houtman Abrolhos Islands are home to diverse and rich wildlife, as well as several shipwreck survivor camps including the National Heritage listed areas associated with the Batavia.

The draft management plan is available to read online at https://www.dbca.wa.gov.au/haveyoursay and the public consultation period closes on July 26, 2021.

Comments attributed to Environment Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson:

"This public consultation period is an important step in the process of establishing the national park in this amazing part of WA.

"These islands have a rich history and provide important habitat for vulnerable wildlife including the Australian Lesser Noddy, Fairy Tern and Australian Sea Lion.

"The McGowan Government is committed to preserving this unique island archipelago while also promoting a sustainable tourism model for visitors to enjoy.

"I encourage interested members of the community to take part in this public comment opportunity and have their s