Badimia Bandi Barna Aboriginal Corporation and partner conservation bodies are inviting the public to have their say on the future management of almost 293,000 hectares of land in the Midwest and northern Wheatbelt.

The Badimia parks and reserves draft joint management plan focuses on culturally significant places, improved visitor and staff facilities at Thundelarra Conservation Park, and building biodiversity knowledge.

Corporation Chairperson and Badimia Elder, Mr Darryl Fogarty has welcomed the opportunity for on-ground management of the overall area to be delivered through six Badimia Rangers working alongside Parks and Wildlife Service staff from the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions. 

“Out here our people can be on Country, learn a bit about their Country, and feel proud,” Darryl said. 

The Badimia parks and reserves were formally created in 2021 as part of the State Government’s landmark Plan for Our Parks initiative. 

Conservation and Parks Commission Chairperson Jo Lanagan said the reserves have many significant cultural places, pastoral heritage and spectacular spring wildflower displays.

“The reserves are home to four threatened animal species–the Australian painted snipe, malleefowl, western spiny-tailed skink and Lake Goorly shield-backed trapdoor spider–and two threatened plant species, the native foxglove (Dasymalla axillaris) and shining triggerplant (Stylidium scintillans), and a number of priority species,” she said.

“There is also potential to establish nature-based and cultural tourism opportunities in the future while ensuring the unique values of the land are preserved for current and future generations.”

The public comment period is open until Friday 8 November 2024. 

Online submissions can be made at dbca.wa.gov.au/have-your-say

Hardcopy submissions can be sent to: 

Planning Unit, Aboriginal Engagement, Planning and Lands Branch 

Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions 

Locked Bag 104, Bentley Delivery Centre, WA 6983.