Media Release | 29 April 2026
Kirrilee Warr MLA
Shadow Minister for Fisheries
Shadow Minister for Fisheries Kirrilee Warr MLA is calling for the Cook Labor Government to ensure history does not repeat itself when it comes to consultation for the Exmouth Marine Park.
Ms Warr said there were lessons to be learnt from the rollout of the South Coast Marine Park, which caused widespread frustration.
“Throughout the process, consultation on the South Coast Marine Park has been nothing short of a disaster, creating anxiety and confusion amongst fishers, small business owners, and the wider community along WA’s south coast,” she said.
“It has been a top-down approach from the Cook Labor Government, where the community hasn’t felt like their voice has been heard.
“I urge the Government to commit to genuine consultation with the people of Exmouth, rather than a box-ticking exercise.
“Listen to what the community wants and work with them on a solution.”
Ms Warr has also questioned why the State Government has quietly paused the Marmion Marine Park.
“The Marmion Marine Park was shelved prior to the 2025 State Election and now appears to have been pushed out until after the 2029 State Election.
“The Cook Labor Government’s decision to pause work raises serious questions — is this an admission the Marmion Marine Park proposal was flawed from the outset?” she said.
“If the Government still supports it, why won’t it commit to progressing it within this term?
“Western Australians deserve honesty and the Cook Labor Government should be upfront about its position, rather than burying it in an announcement.”
ENDS
