Assistant Minister for the Environment the Hon Melissa Price MP today announced the Australian Government is investing more than $2.1 million in WA’s own amazing places.

“I’m pleased that the world-renowned Ningaloo Reef and coastline, Purnululu National Park and the Shark Bay region will all receive $700,000 to help manage these destinations into the future,” she said.

“These are some of the most beautiful places on earth and together we can look after the plants and animals that call these places home.

“From our stunning whale sharks, whales and dolphins off Ningaloo to the East Kimberley’s Bungle Bungles - our famous beehive-striped maze of orange and black sandstone domes - just waiting to be explored via Halls Creek and Kununurra. What an incredible heritage for our state and our families.

“And World Heritage listing is more than just a ‘listing’ – it’s a global brand that helps us to drive tourism in our state.

“It helps make us a destination of choice for international travellers. Tourism delivers $5.5 billion dollars a year to our economy and 72,000 jobs for West Australians.

“Additionally we’re investing more than in Shark Bay. Inducted onto the World Heritage list in 1991, it is a place that contains plants found nowhere else on earth. Of the 26 species of endangered Australian mammals, five are found in the Shark Bay area. From bandicoots to bettongs – we need to protect these animals and this investment will help do just that.”

For more on our World Heritage places go to http://www.environment.gov.au/heritage/heritage-places