Critics have slammed new management plans for the Abrolhos Islands, saying the Western Australian government has missed an opportunity to put the midwest on the map as a serious tourism destination.
Located 60 kilometres off the coast of Geraldton, the archipelago of more than 120 islands was declared a national park in 2019.
The state government last week released its three-part plan to manage the site over the next 10 years.
It outlines activities to monitor wildlife and coral reefs, as well as plans to make the site more accessible for tourists through telecommunications improvements and infrastructure upgrades.
The plan is the culmination of two years of research and consultation, with some stakeholders concerned increased tourism activity would put areas of natural and cultural significance at risk.
Others are worried the established commercial fishing industry would suffer if tourism was expanded at the islands.
It was also suggested existing local operators should get priority for tourism licenses, without being required to undergo competitive expression of interest processes with new entities.
Long-awaited report fails to deliver
But City of Greater Geraldton councillor Victor Tanti said little community and stakeholder feedback had been incorporated into the plans.
"It's hugely disappointing. I don't understand why the state government spent four years preparing and then analysing this study when all they've really come up with is more of the same," he said.
"They talk about marine tourism that already exists and extra moorings and those sorts of things, but they don't talk about real tourism where people can go to the Abrolhos Islands and spend a few days there if they wish.
"There is no timeline at all in the plan and no enthusiasm for land-based tourism."
Cr Tanti said development of the Abrolhos Islands could be the missing link to drawing more people to the Midwest.
"Geraldton has lovely beaches, beautiful weather, great history and the wildflower season's amazing, but other places have those things," he said.
"One thing we do have is the Abrolhos Islands: the southernmost coral reef system in the world."
Eco tourism not ruled out
Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) senior management officer Natalie Moore said land-based experiences such as low-impact camping have not been ruled out.
"At the national park, there is no camping permitted but that could change in the future," she said.
"I think a lot of the tourism opportunities and experiences will potentially be on the water … we will look at some future opportunities for land-based tourism in the reserve in the future."
Ms Moore said the preservation of the islands' wildlife was DPIRD's top priority.
"It's such a unique area in terms of its biodiversity… and it's quite a vulnerable environment, so anything that's tourism based will really be a nature-based experience," she said.
"We will make sure that the natural environment is really enjoyed for generations to come."
Department of Biodiversity, Conservation, and Attractions Murchison district manager Rowan Dawson said the department would be keeping a close eye on the impact of visitors on the islands.
"There's measures in the plan to monitor visitor impacts on things like breeding seabirds, and we're working with some of the long-term bird researchers at the Abrolhos to refine those monitoring techniques," he said.
"Any development in the national park will need to demonstrate minimal impacts to natural values, enhance the visitor experience and really need to be in keeping with the sense of place that's so unique to the Abrolhos.
"The national park's there for everyone to enjoy and while we encourage people to get out there, its really important that people educate themselves before they go."
