History of Phillip Island
European history | History of Norfolk Island National Park | History and significance of Phillip Island
The Phillip Island Section of Norfolk Island National Park was proclaimed under the Commonwealth Act on 24 January 1996. It is an uninhabited island lying approximately 7km south of Norfolk Island, extending approximately 2km by 2km and rising to a height of 280m.
It has been severely degraded by the grazing of pigs, goats and rabbits released there for food and sport during the early colonial days. The pigs and goats have been gone since the early 20th century, but rabbits were not finally removed until 1988, when the rehabilitation of the island became possible. At this time the Norfolk Island Legislative Assembly wrote to the director of the National Parks and Wildlife Service seeking their assistance in preparing a preliminary management plan that canvases options for future use.
Significance
Like the islands of the Galapagos and Hawaiian groups, Norfolk and Phillip islands are truly oceanic islands and arose from the ocean floor as masses of hot basalt. With the passage of time they were colonised by plants and animals. With few oceanic islands occurring between latitude 25S and 35S this island group are an important link between tropical and temperate environments. There are a number of features which make this area an important asset to Norfolk Island: it has rare and endemic species of flora and fauna and it contains examples of biological evolution at both the species and community levels. It is an outstanding breeding island for 12 species of seabirds, is a significant geomorphological feature and has special recreational and educational features. In recognition of its significance, Phillip Island is included on the Register of the National Estate.