A new $2.5 million campground will be built at the historic Jarrahdene mill site in Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park to meet increasing demand for camping in the region.
Environment Minister Albert Jacob said preliminary site works were about to start at the Jarrahdene campground, near the Boranup forest about 20km south of Margaret River.
The campground, to be built by the Department of Parks and Wildlife, is being developed through the Liberal National Government's $21.05 million Royalties for Regions Parks for People Caravan and Camping initiative, which is part of the Western Australian Caravan and Camping Action Plan 2013-2018.
"This exciting campground development will deliver 45 individual camp sites and two group camping areas in a jarrah, marri and peppermint forest setting," he said.
"There is a need for more high-quality camping experiences in the Margaret River region and, in particular, Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park. At peak times, the recently expanded Contos campground is full so it's important to meet the demand with more high-quality camping sites."
Mr Jacob said the new campground would be built on Jarrahdene Road adjacent to the remains of the old Jarrahdene mill, built in 1896.
Regional Development Minister Terry Redman said Royalties for Regions investment in the Parks for People Initiative was helping West Australians and visitors experience affordable caravan and camping holidays.
"Providing essential infrastructure at campgrounds in our regional national parks creates greater recreational opportunities and encourages more people to get out and experience regional WA," Mr Redman said.
"I look forward to seeing more people exploring our regions through affordable caravan and camping holidays."
The Jarrahdene campground is expected to be completed by mid-2017. It will be managed under a Community Partnership model in which a private or community sector partner organisation is contracted by Parks and Wildlife to undertake the day-to-day management of the campground on a fee-for-service basis.
Fact File
Environment Minister's office - 6552 5800
Regional Development Minister's office - 6552 6700
