The tranquil natural setting at Yanchep National Park is popular with visitors who enjoy picnics, koala viewing, cave tours and being close to wildlife.

The draft plan covers Yanchep National Park, Neerabup National Park and Nature Reserve, a proposed new reserve known as Ridges and smaller reserves adjacent to Neerabup. The area is an important conservation zone and collectively the parks and reserves cover 6,371ha.

Conservation Commission chair, Mrs Pat Barblett, invited Western Australians to have their say on the draft plan.

“The plan outlines strategies to ensure Yanchep remains one of Perth’s premier parks and it also includes guidelines for building upon existing recreational facilities and services that continue to make the area a popular attraction,” Mrs Barblett said.

“Visitors appreciate the peace and quiet at Yanchep, as well as the diverse facilities such as picnic areas, public barbeques, walk trails, wheelchair access and the Yanchep Inn.”

“The plan also outlines measures to protect the area’s natural values, and to address declining groundwater levels, introduced animals, weeds and wildfires.”

Mrs Barblett, said the public comment period would be open for eight weeks.

“This comment period is an opportunity for community members to express their opinion, suggest alternative measures and provide input into how the area will be managed over the next 10 years,” she said.

“The area has a long and valued cultural history, both through Aboriginal occupation and early 20th century settlement and it is a very special place for many people.”

The draft plan was prepared by the Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) on behalf of the Conservation Commission, with extensive input from the Yanchep National Park Community Advisory Committee and Caves Advisory Committee.

The final management plan will replace the Yanchep National Park Management Plan 1989-99.

Copies of the draft plan can be obtained from DEC's Wanneroo district office or Kensington office.

Alternatively, the draft plan can be found on the Commission’s website: www.conservation.wa.gov.au or follow the links on DEC’s website www.dec.wa.gov.au/haveyoursay

< p>Next week, the Sun City News will provide a summary of the draft management plan.