‘World First’ resilience plan for Ningaloo welcomed, but more action needed according to conservationists

The State Government has announced a “world first” plan for the Ningaloo reef to prepare for the impacts of climate change. The plan, which emphasises working with the local community, has been welcomed by conservationists, but they have also said there were more steps that needed to be taken. The Ningaloo Coast Resilience Strategy was launched last week by the State Government and the Great Barrier Reef Foundation, as part of the Global Resilient Reefs Initiative. According to, Peter Barnes, Marine Park Co-ordinator for the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, the Ningaloo is under serious threat from climate change, and hazards which comes with it such as warmer ocean temperatures, increased ocean acidification, and increased frequency and strength of natural disasters such as storms and cyclones. The plan sets out five pillars and 34 actions, to be carried out, focusing not only on the environment but also on the local community and businesses which depend on the Ningaloo.. These include protecting local species, establishing an “optimal” population for the region and level of development for the region, improving communication with the local community, and supporting businesses impacted by climate change. Mr Barnes said the plan, with its holistic approach, was a first for a heritage-listed coral reef in the world. “A lot of management plans might focus on the environment and look at how corals can survive climate change for instance, but this is a world first because it takes into account not only building resilience in the environment, but also in communities and in governance structures,” he said. Up to $1 million in seed funding will initially be available from the Great Barrier Reef Foundation, but the plan does not include continuous funding from the State Government. Cape Conservation Chairperson Denise Fitch supported the plan and its focus on the local community, but said the Government needed to move quicker, and devote more resources to protecting the Ningaloo. “The one thing missing from this is funding. So, let’s hope the Government brings something concrete to the table to match the passion and hopes of the community,” she said. Maggie Wood, Programs Director at the Conservation Council of WA, said long-term planning to protect the Ningaloo was crucial and welcomed an approach which encouraged co-operation between various groups. However, Ms Wood said the Government needed to do more about fossil fuels if it was serious about protecting the Ningaloo from climate change. “WA is home to one of the fastest growing fossil fuel sectors in the world and no amount of mitigation will be sufficient unless we first get our State’s emissions under control,” she said.