New $360,000 campground to be created within iconic Dryandra Woodland
Upgrade part of State Government's $21.05million Parks for People initiative
Visitors to WA's national parks can enjoy free entry over WA Day long weekend
Construction is under way on a new campground within Dryandra Woodland, 170km south-east of Perth, to provide additional camp sites and facilities for a growing number of visitors.
Environment Minister Albert Jacob said the upgrade, made possible by the State Government's Royalties for Regions program, was part of the $21.05million Parks for People initiative and one of six projects to commence this year as part of the initiative.
"The State Government wants people to get out and enjoy the State's spectacular national parks and Parks for People will provide West Australians and tourists with more low-cost, high-quality holiday options," he said.
"The upgrades come as visitors to WA's national parks will enjoy free entry to 30 popular parks over the WA Day long weekend."
Dryandra Woodland is a popular camping destination that offers a range of activities including bushwalking, cycling, and drive trails. It also has a nocturnal viewing facility at Barna Mia, which was expanded last year to provide a second enclosure.
"The new Koongk-a-maya campground has been designed to accommodate the increasing number of visitors travelling to the area with caravans, camper trailers and campervans as well as catering for tent-based camping. It includes new access roads, toilets and a sheltered camp kitchen, and will eventually be able to accommodate about 90 campers at 34 new camp sites," Mr Jacob said.
Regional Development Minister Terry Redman said through Royalties for Regions, the State Government was making regional WA a better place to work, live and invest.
"Funded through the State Government's Royalties for Regions program, the goal of the Parks for People initiative is to give people more opportunities to get out into the regions and discover all the great things they have to offer," he said.
Mr Redman said the project's planning and development was being assisted by the local Noongar community, regional tourism groups and Shire of Williams.
"Primarily, local businesses and contractors are being used to build the campground," he said.
Fact File
Dryandra Woodland project expected to be completed by September 2014
Entry fees waived at 30 parks from Saturday, May 31 to Monday, June 2; Parks for People initiative complements the State Government's Caravan and Camping Action Plan, which is a total investment of $40.72m over four years
Environment Minister's office - 6552 5800
Regional Development Minister's office - 6552 6700
