Press Release

Ningaloo pastoralists with the full support of the hundreds of visitors to this wilderness coastline, have won their battle to exclude pastoral land from the recently announced World Heritage inscription of Ningaloo.

“The decision by UNESCO to maintain the existing 40 meter boundary of the Ningaloo Marine Park is not only a win for the rights of the WA pastoral industry, but a win for common sense,” Pastoralists and Graziers’ Association President Rob Gillam said.

“The PGA has been fighting for the exclusion zone to remain at 40 meters above the high water mark, despite the Federal Government proposing a far greater terrestrial component which would of taken in some of the prime grazing areas in the Ningaloo area.”

“For over 120 years, pastoralists have been the primary guardians of this pristine coast line, and this decision will allow them to continue their custodial activities in the years to come.”

“This is a clear example of pastoralists, international and domestic visitors, and conservationists working hand in hand to achieve a mutually beneficial end.”