QUOBBA–GNARALOO
ROAD — CARNARVON
1364. Hon ROBIN CHAPPLE to the Minister for Environment:
I refer to Quobba–Gnaraloo
Road in Carnarvon, which the then Department of Parks and Wildlife recommended
remain closed until 2023, DPaW's correspondence with the shire and the
outcomes of the shire meeting.
(1) Is the
minister aware that the shire intends to reopen the road as an adventure track,
without reinforcing or protecting the track or surrounds?
(2) Is the minister aware that the
track runs through national heritage place ID 105881?
(3) Is the minister aware that the
track was closed in the 1960s due to safety concerns?
(4) Is the minister
aware that the surrounding dunes have been damaged as a result of irresponsible
4 x 4 use?
(5) Given that this area is on the National Heritage
List, will the minister ensure that such inappropriate activity will be
rejected by the department?
(6) If no to (5),
why not?
Hon
STEPHEN DAWSON replied:
I thank the honourable member for
some notice of the question.
(1)–(6) The
Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions and the Nyinggulu
coast joint management body have provided
advice to the Shire of Carnarvon regarding the reopening of the road. This has
included a suggested road map to address cultural, safety and
environmental concerns associated with reopening the road and requesting an extension of the road closure period for five
years until these matters are resolved. However, although DBCA has
management responsibility for the adjacent Nyinggulu coastal reserves, the
Shire of Carnarvon has management responsibility for the road.