- Karijini National Park being upgraded as part of Royalties for Regions investment
- Improvements to gorge safety, access roads and visitor facilities
One of Western Australia's most popular tourism attractions is set to become more accessible, following upgrades to Karijini National Park as part of a four-year, $1.8million Royalties for Regions investment.
Environment Minister Bill Marmion said the upgrades would help cement Karijini, in the State's Pilbara region, as a world-class nature-based tourism destination.
"As part of stage one of the project, a 750-metre section of road between the lower carpark and upper viewing area at Hamersley Gorge has been widened, stabilised and sealed with bitumen," Mr Marmion said.
Stage one will also include new toilets, a new walk track and improvements to existing walk tracks, a new viewing platform, an entry station with visitor information and upgraded safety features in the gorge.
"Upon the project's completion, the three-kilometre access road into the gorge will be improved and world-class visitor facilities will be developed at the gorge's lower and upper day-use areas. Importantly, driving hazards will be removed and parking congestion will be reduced," Mr Marmion said.
"The Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) is working closely with the Shire of Ashburton to provide these improvements and I am confident the majority of stage one works will be completed by the end of 2012."
Regional Development Minister Brendon Grylls said the improved infrastructure and services at Karijini National Park would boost the local tourism industry and economy.
"The Royalties for Regions program is designed to support regional communities by putting money back into local projects, and this investment is ensuring tourists seeking a true wilderness experience will look to Western Australia and its national parks as an attractive option," Mr Grylls said.
"Tourism operators will also be encouraged to grow their regional businesses as a result of better quality infrastructure across regional WA and a higher profile for the State's landmark national parks."
As well as the $1.8million in Royalties for Regions funding, DEC is supporting the project with additional capital works funds of $90,000 over 2011-12.
Fact File
- Karijini National Park attracts more than 200,000 visitors annually
- Infrastructure upgrade works commenced in 2010
- The ideal times to visit the park are late autumn, winter and early spring
Environment Minister's office - 6552 6800
Regional Development Minister's office - 6552 5500
Photo supplied by: Tourism Western Australia - Dales Gorge in Karijini National Park.
Photo supplied by: Tourism Western Australia - Mandrail Pool in the the Weano Gorge, Karijini National Park.
