Shire of Narrogin rallies neighbours to show support for DBCA/Gnaala Karla Booja management of Dryandra

The Shire of Narrogin will call upon three Wheatbelt shires to join it in formally supporting a joint management initiative of the Dryandra Woodlands National Park by the Gnaala Karla Booja Aboriginal Corporation and the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions. With a combined area of about 28,000ha, the Dryandra Woodland extends across the Shires of Narrogin, Cuballing, Wandering and Williams, and Narrogin is encouraging its neighbours to get onboard. In a motion tendered by Shire of Narrogin CEO Dale Stewart at the June 28 ordinary meeting, council members were asked to consider rallying the four shires to show support for a joint management initiative that would see modern conservation practices and cultural knowledge govern the ecologically and culturally significant park. Mr Stewart proposed that joint governance would bring employment opportunities, economic growth, tourism and improved environmental custodianship to the area as well as better socioeconomic and wellbeing outcomes to the region’s Aboriginal community. The motion passed unopposed. A GKB/DBCA Dryandra partnership would require discussion between the two organisations. It is hoped the Wheatbelt shire alliance will result in WA Government’s confidence in and resourcing of the undertaking.