National Park History
Rich forest growth of Christmas Island National Park.
Since the first exploration of Christmas Island, there has always been interest in its unique natural history. John Murray (one of the partners in the original Christmas Island Phosphate Company), recognised that phosphate mining would have an impact, and commissioned C.W. Andrews to study the natural history of the Island prior to the start of mining. This study has served as a baseline for later natural history investigations.
The prevailing view until the late 1960's was that mining would not cause excessive damage to the natural environment, because it was planned to mine only limited areas of the island. However, the impact of mining became a matter of general concern when the Phosphate Hill and South Point phosphate deposits were worked out and mining activities commenced in the western sector of the Island. It affected the Abbott's booby, whose last remaining nesting habitat was the inland forest of Christmas Island. In 1973 the Island Administrator formed an environmental advisory committee to report and advise on general environmental topics, and in 1974 the British Phosphate Commissioners appointed a conservation officer.
In 1974 the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Environment and Conservation examined the effect of mining and other activities on the flora and fauna of Christmas Island, one of the Standing Committee's recommendations was that an area be reserved for conservation. A reconnaissance team of scientists visited Christmas Island in 1975 and broadly endorsed the recommendations of the Standing Committee. In 1977 a Government Conservator was appointed to advise and assist the Administrator on conservation, the initiation of a comprehensive program monitoring the breeding success and conservation problems of Abbott's booby and the declaration of Christmas Island National Park.
Declaration of the National Park followed extensive discussions between the then Australian National Parks and Wildlife Service, and interested parties. Christmas Island National Park was declared on 21 February 1980 (Gazette No. S29). The reserve area included the entire south-west corner of the Island, including Murray Hill.
The 1983 Senate inquiry, The Preservation of the Abbott's Booby on Christmas Island, recommended investigation of the 'possible extension of the Christmas Island National Park to include Block 22 A and Smithson's Bight Terraces'. Stage Two of the Park, including the shore terraces around North West Point, and Stage Three, on the eastern side of the existing Park, were proclaimed in 1986.
In 1989 the Park was further extended to include areas of freshwater mangroves and other unique vegetation, as well as most of the remaining undisturbed rainforest, plus crucial areas of habitat for species such as Abbott's booby, the Christmas Island frigatebird and blue and red crabs. The Park was also extended off-shore for 50 m beyond low water, wherever the terrestrial zone of the National Park reached the coastline.
Before the extensions of 1986 and 1989, Australian and international public opinion was sought on the proposals. On both occasions many representations (mostly non-residents) were received in favour of the proposed extensions and also that further areas be incorporated into the National Park.
In response to this expression of concern for the preservation of Christmas Island and its unique environment the, Minister instructed the Australian Nature Conservation Agency (now Parks Australia) to prepare a proposal for further extensions to the National Park. Opposition to this action was received from the local community and as yet the proposed extensions have not been initiated. However, the current Park boundaries are generally in the process of being reviewed.
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