Stakeholders and community members interested in the future of the Exmouth Gulf will have an opportunity to directly engage with the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) at a community meeting in March.
The EPA is currently putting together strategic advice for the Minister for Environment on the potential cumulative impacts of the proposed activities and developments on the environmental, social and cultural values of Exmouth Gulf.
The meeting, to be held in Exmouth on 22 March, will be the final opportunity for members of the local community and interested stakeholders to provide feedback to the strategic advice, following a three-week public submission period in October last year.
EPA Chair Professor Matthew Tonts said the EPA was keen to hear from people interested in the future management of the Exmouth Gulf.
Professor Tonts said feedback from the public consultation would help shape the EPA’s final strategic advice.
“The EPA received 321 submissions during the initial three-week consultation in October and we were impressed with the level of detail, research and insight included in many submissions,” he said.
“So far, feedback provided through the consultation has reflected the values associated with the natural environment and the region as a whole by a wide range of interested stakeholders, including a large number of submissions from local Exmouth residents.
“The EPA remains focused on delivering to government strategic advice that reflects the clear theme that Exmouth Gulf is an area recognised by Western Australians and many further afield for its environmental, social and cultural values.
“This community meeting is an important opportunity for further engagement with stakeholders and the community.”
The EPA has partnered with the Western Australian Marine Science Institution (WAMSI) to help deliver its strategic advice. The EPA has also been meeting regularly with an Exmouth Gulf Perspectives Group and expects to deliver its advice to government in June 2021.
People interested in attending the meeting are invited to register by 2 February 2021 via the EPA website here. Attendance at the March 22 meeting is by advance registration.
EPA Media Contact: Jayne Rickard on 0400 866 450
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