State's plan for Fitzgerald River gets further support

Premier Colin Barnett has welcomed $20million in matched funding from the Federal Government to complete a tourist road through the Fitzgerald River National Park.

The announcement follows the State Government's concept in January and a commitment of $20million in November for the full length of the road from Hopetoun to Hamersley Inlet and associated car-parks; day visit facility upgrades (lookouts, barbecues, shelters and walkways); and camping facilities at the inlet.

Part of the project will include a tourist walk trail.

"I am pleased the Federal Government has joined the State to help deliver this significant project," Mr Barnett said.

"It will allow the building of a similar stretch of road from Bremer Bay on the western side.  It is intended the project will have a 40km hiking trail connecting the two, which will be great for ecotourism.

"Equipment will arrive soon and work will begin by the end of January next year - just under six weeks away.

"With the closure of BHP Billiton's nickel operations and the loss of 1,500 jobs, Ravensthorpe has had a year that that community will never forget.  This Government has stood by the community and looked at ways to improve its fortunes.

"We maintained services, and Government employment in the local school and in health care.  We allocated $5million to the Shire of Ravensthorpe so they could maintain some of their programs and some of the investments and infrastructure they had responsibility for.

"The ministers for Regional Development and  Energy announced a $3million project to build a new independent power supply for Ravensthorpe and that is already having an effect on the expansion plans of businesses which can now undertake work with a reliable power supply."

Construction along the route from Hopetoun to Hamersley Inlet and other facilities is expected to be completed by mid-2011.