• More than 100,000 hectares of precious wetland protected in new Fortescue Marsh Nature Reserve (Nyiyaparli Country)
• Reserve created through Cook Labor Government's Plan for Our Parks
• More than four million hectares of new conservation areas created in WA through historic policy
   

The Pilbara's largest wetland will be protected following the creation of Fortescue Marsh Nature Reserve (Nyiyaparli Country).

The newly created Class A nature reserve in the Fortescue River valley between the Chichester and Hamersley ranges is home to one of only three inland wetlands in north-western Australia and can support up to one million waterbirds

It includes areas of cultural significance to the Nyiyaparli people, with several important ceremonial and mythological sites located within and near the marsh.

The reserve also provides habitat for several conservation-significant wildlife species, including the critically endangered night parrot, endangered northern quoll, vulnerable greater bilby and vulnerable Pilbara olive python.

Fortescue Marsh Nature Reserve has been created as part of Plan for Our Parks, through which the State Government is securing an additional five million hectares of new national parks, marine parks, and other conservation reserves throughout Western Australia.

This represents a 20 per cent increase in WA's conservation estate, which is the single biggest increase to the State's conservation estate in its history.

Fortescue Marsh Nature Reserve's creation means the Cook Labor Government has now created more than four million hectares of new jointly managed national parks and conservation reserves throughout WA since 2019.

Traditional Owners will be employed by Karlka Nyiyaparli Aboriginal Corporation through the Nyiyaparli ranger program to manage Fortescue Marsh Nature Reserve alongside the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions.

Comments attributed to Environment Minister Reece Whitby:

"The Nyiyaparli people bring more than 40,000 years of on-Country leadership, knowledge and vibrant culture to this new conservation area.

"I'm proud that our partnership will protect the outstanding values of Fortescue Marsh for current and future generations.

"I also want to recognise the collaborative approach taken by BHP, Fortescue, Roy Hill and Rio Tinto in tenure discussions.

"Today's on-Country announcement brings the total area of new conservation areas created under Plan for Our Parks to four million hectares.

"This is an unprecedented achievement as we move towards our five-million-hectare target."

Comments attributed to Pilbara MLA Kevin Michel:

"This is an historic step to have the unique cultural, spiritual and natural values of Nyiyaparli Country recognised, and ultimately protected and jointly managed.

"I congratulate the Karlka Nyiyaparli Aboriginal Corporation on this great achievement which has been many years in the making."

Comments attributed to Karlka Nyiyaparli Aboriginal Corporation Chairperson Keith Hall:

"The Marsh is very important to us as Nyiyaparli people. Important stories and knowledge of our people are connected to the Marsh and many of our old people worked on the pastoral stations around the Marsh back in the day.

"It is a good thing for us as Nyiyaparli people that the Marsh will be looked after. It is good to be working together with the State Government to do this.

"It is a proud moment for us to see the Marsh protected and to see more employment and training opportunities for our young people, and more opportunities for young people to learn on Country."