Exmouth Marine Park development enters second phase with State sacrificing Marmion plans to ‘support’ planning

Plans for the development of the Exmouth Gulf Marine Park are entering a new phase — at the expense of another planned reserve. The Exmouth Gulf plans were first announced in September last year, designed to protect the “globally significant” marine habitat off the WA coast, with community and stakeholder engagement progressing ever since. With that initial phase of engagement now concluded, the Government says the draft zoning scheme will now be progressed. Targeted consultation is expected to start in late 2026 in Exmouth and Onslow. However, the State Government has said that in order to “support” the continued development of the Exmouth plans, the process for the expansion of the Marmion Marine Park — announced in the Mark McGowan-era as part of the Plan for Our Parks initiative — have been shelved “for this term of government”. Environment Minister Matthew Swinbourn said they recognised that Marmion Marine Park was an important asset for many people living in the northern suburbs of Perth. “However, consideration of the review and potential extension of the marine park will occur at an appropriate time in the future and will not be progressed during this term of government,” he said. “The Exmouth Gulf deserves careful protection and management to preserve its outstanding values. Its diverse marine ecosystems not only enrich the Gulf but also sustain the nearby Ningaloo Reef. “The Cook Labor Government’s goal is to strike the right balance between protecting critical habitats and cultural sites, while allowing sustainable fishing, tourism, and economic activity for the region to continue.” Shadow minister for fisheries Kirrilee Warr urged the government to commit to genuine consultation with the people of Exmouth, rather than a box-ticking exercise to avoid repeating the “disastrous” rollout of the South Coast Marine Park. She also questioned why they had “quietly” paused the Marmion Marine Park, asking it was “an admission the . . . proposal was flawed from the outset”. “Throughout the process, consultation on the South Coast Marine Park has been nothing short of a disaster, creating anxiety and confusion amongst fishers, small business owners, and the wider community along WA’s south coast,” Ms Warr said. “It has been a top-down approach from the Cook Labor Government, where the community hasn’t felt like their voice has been heard. “Listen to what the community wants and work with them on a solution.” At the time of the announcement of the Exmouth Gulf Marine Park in September last year, Recfishwest praised the mooted eight-step process for its creation. “Importantly, after strong community feedback during the South Coast Marine Park process, this one looks different,” they said. “The process is more staged, more transparent and provides clearer points where recreational fishers can shape the outcome.” Planning for the Exmouth Gulf Marine Park is being led by the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions with the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development and the park’s future joint managers, Nganhurra Thanardi Garrbu Aboriginal Corporation, as planning partners. The State Government said this week that engagement so far had included community information sessions in Onslow and Exmouth, along with targeted briefings and meetings with a number of stakeholders including local governments, development commissions, government agencies, industry representatives, tourism operators, conservation organisations, research institutions, and relevant peak bodies. In addition, comprehensive marine surveys were continuing across the Gulf to gather critical baseline data to inform marine park planning and long-term monitoring, with the work including field surveys, species monitoring and habitat assessments focused on key species, critical habitats and environmental conditions, alongside collaborative research and ongoing ecological monitoring. The eight-step process for the Exmouth Gulf Marine Park development: Stage 1: (2025–26): Community and stakeholder engagementStage 2: (2026): Draft zoning scheme preparedStage 3: (Late 2026): Draft zoning released for targeted consultationStage 4: Amendments to draft zoning and preparation of draft management planStage 5: Draft management plan released for public submissions (minimum three months)Stage 6: Plan amended following submissionsStage 7: Ministerial approval and gazettalStage 8: Zones come into effect one year after gazettal