Worimi conservation lands

The Worimi conservation lands are located on and adjacent to Stockton Beach in New South Wales, Australia. They were created in February 2007 when Crown land at Stockton Bight was granted to the Worimi Local Aboriginal Land Council. The lands were then leased back to the NSW Government as three conservation reserves covering an area of 4,436 ha (10,962 acres).[1] Day-to-day management of the Worimi conservation lands is undertaken by the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service.

Geography

The Worimi conservation lands stretch from south-west of the wreck of the MV Sygna, north-east along Stockton Beach to just west of the end of the beach at Anna Bay.[2] They consist of the 1,826 ha (4,512-acre) Worimi National Park, 1,042 ha (2,575-acre) Worimi State Conservation Area and 1,568 ha (3,875-acre) Worimi Regional Park.[3][4][5] The lands include scrub land to the north-west of Stockton Beach and reach almost to Nelson Bay Road, about 2 km (1.2 mi) from the shoreline.[2]

Stockton Beach
Main article: Stockton Beach

Stockton Beach, on the Tasman Sea, is 32 km (20 mi) long and stretches from Stockton, in an approximate north-easterly direction to Anna Bay in Port Stephens. In some areas it is as much as 1 km (0.6 mi) wide and has sand dunes over 30 metres (98 ft) high. Each year the dunes move north by approximately 4 m (13 ft).[6] Approximately 23 km (14 mi) of the length of Stockton Beach is included in the Worimi conservation lands.[2]

History

The creation of the Worimi Conservation Lands occurred in February 2007.[1] Its creation was the result of extensive efforts by the Worimi people to have this area reserved to ensure the protection of their cultural heritage, and recognition of their communities association with the area for thousands of years.[1][7]

The Worimi Conservation Lands are overseen by a Board comprising a majority of stakeholders from the Worimi Community, plus representatives from the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, Port Stephens Local Council, nearby landholders, and a conservationist representative.[1]

The Worimi Conservation Lands will be managed according to a Plan of Management prepared by the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service. As at early 2012 the Plan of Management is still undergoing drafting.[8][9]

Tourism

Commercial tourist operators provide access to the Worimi Conservation Lands.[10]

References
  1. "Worimi Conservation Lands Joint Management Agreement". Worimi conservation lands. NSW Office of Environment and Heritage. Retrieved 14 February 2012.
  2. "Plan Your Visit". Worimi Conservation Lands. National Parks and Wildlife Service. Retrieved 14 February 2012.
  3. "Worimi National Park". Worimi National Park. NSW Office of Environment and Heritage. Retrieved 14 February 2012.
  4. "Worimi State Conservation area". Worimi State Conservation area. NSW Office of Environment and Heritage. Retrieved 14 February 2012.
  5. "Worimi Regional Park". Worimi Regional Park. NSW Office of Environment and Heritage. Retrieved 14 February 2012.
  6. "Dunes at Stockton Beach". Port Stephens Council. Archived from the original on 29 August 2007. Retrieved 12 September 2007.
  7. "Lease Agreement Worimi Conservation Lands". Lease Agreement Worimi Conservation Lands. NSW Government. Retrieved 11 February 2012.
  8. "Draft Plan of Management". Draft Plan of Management. Worimi Conservation Lands Board. Retrieved 11 February 2012.
  9. "Stockton dunes to introduce camping fee". Stockton dunes to introduce camping fee. Australian Broadcasting Commission. Retrieved 11 February 2012.
  10. "Tour Operators". worimiconservationlands.com. National Parks and Wildlife Service. Retrieved 14 February 2012.

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