Worimi conservation lands explained

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 44360NaN0.^[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, north-east along Stockton Beach to just west of the end of the beach at Anna Bay.^[2] They consist of the 1826ha Worimi National Park, 1042ha Worimi State Conservation Area and 1568ha 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 21NaN1 from the shoreline.

Stockton Beach

See main article: Stockton Beach. Stockton Beach, on the Tasman Sea, is 320NaN0 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 11NaN1 wide and has sand dunes over 30m (100feet) high. Each year the dunes move north by approximately 40NaN0.^[6] Approximately 230NaN0 of the length of Stockton Beach is included in the Worimi conservation lands.

History

The creation of the Worimi Conservation Lands occurred in February 2007. 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.^[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.

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]

External links

• Worimi Conservation Lands website

-32.8196°N 151.9218°W

Notes and References

1. Web site: Worimi Conservation Lands Joint Management Agreement. Worimi conservation lands. NSW Office of Environment and Heritage. 14 February 2012.
2. Web site: Plan Your Visit. Worimi Conservation Lands. National Parks and Wildlife Service. 14 February 2012.
3. Web site: Worimi National Park. Worimi National Park. NSW Office of Environment and Heritage. 14 February 2012.
4. Web site: Worimi State Conservation area. Worimi State Conservation area. NSW Office of Environment and Heritage. 14 February 2012.
5. Web site: Worimi Regional Park. Worimi Regional Park. NSW Office of Environment and Heritage. 14 February 2012.
6. Web site: Dunes at Stockton Beach. Port Stephens Council. 12 September 2007. https://web.archive.org/web/20070829001123/http://www.portstephens.org.au/pages.asp?code=230. 29 August 2007.
7. Web site: Lease Agreement Worimi Conservation Lands. Lease Agreement Worimi Conservation Lands. NSW Government. 11 February 2012.
8. Web site: Draft Plan of Management. Draft Plan of Management. Worimi Conservation Lands Board. 11 February 2012.
9. Web site: Stockton dunes to introduce camping fee. Stockton dunes to introduce camping fee. Australian Broadcasting Commission. 11 February 2012.
10. Web site: Tour Operators. worimiconservationlands.com. National Parks and Wildlife Service. 14 February 2012.