WKSN condemns racist protests

WKSN stands with Esperance Traditional Owners and Aboriginal people who have been subject to appalling racist, threatening and vicious comments by people opposed to the South Coast Marine Park.

Following the release of draft joint management plans for the four marine parks that will make up the South Coast Marine Park, there has been a surge in racist and conspiracy-led rhetoric.

WKSN’s chairperson, Jeanice Krakouer, responded to the recent calls from Esperance Tjaltjraak Native Title Aboriginal Corporation (ETNTAC) for leaders to speak out against the racist comments.

“Last year’s referendum loss was quite devasting for Aboriginal people, especially for those of us living in regional communities.

“It was hard knowing that so many of the people you share a town with didn’t want Aboriginal people to be involved in decision-making on policies that affect us.

“It was a big contrast to how the state government worked so respectfully with the community during the marine park consultations to ensure everyone’s perspectives were carefully considered, to have the best possible plan come out of that process.”

The draft marine park management plans are the culmination of more than two years of work between Traditional Custodians and the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA), following extensive engagement with stakeholders, and is now open for an extended public consultation until June 16.

Jeanice Krakouer said that Traditional Custodians understand the importance of fishing and other industries to the state’s economy, and have already worked with them to protect places of cultural significance without causing disruption to business.

“These consultations went for a number of years, and while we didn’t get everything we wanted, we know that the draft plan carefully balances different needs.

“We support the good faith work that the department put into this, and we’re asking the public to recognise and support that too.

“But some of the park’s opponents want more than just their say, they’re trying to tear down the whole process because they didn’t get everything they wanted.

“They’re using misinformation, myths and outright lies to get people angry, and that anger is too often being expressed in racist ways.”

We encourage every member of the community to find out more about the marine park plan and the enormous benefits it will bring to the region – including for the long-term health of the fishing industry.

Find out more at southcoastmarinepark.com.au.