New era in tourism development at Karijini National Park

11/07/06
A new commercial campground and eco-safari style accommodation will be developed at Savannah Camp in Karijini National Park, as a result of a unique lease agreement between the State Government and Aboriginal Corporation Gumala Enterprises Pty Ltd (GEPL).
Announcing the agreement in the Pilbara today, Environment Minister Mark McGowan said the first stage of the development would be complete by November, meeting a growing need for tourism accommodation in the area.
Mr McGowan said the agreement would see large-scale eco-based accommodation developed in a national park owned by an Aboriginal corporation representing local Aboriginal people.
"Not only will the venture provide much-needed accommodation, including 82 camp sites and 50 eco-cabins, it will also provide employment for local Aboriginal people," he said.
"The lease has been developed after negotiations between the department and the Gumala Aboriginal Corporation and incorporates a range of key performance indicators to ensure the park's natural and cultural values are protected."
A working group, with representatives from Department of Environment and Conservation, Tourism Western Australia, and Gumala Aboriginal Corporation, has been established to ensure the development meets the high environmental and cultural requirements of the lease.
An independent auditor will assess compliance on an annual basis.
"An important feature of the development is the creation of an amphitheatre facility within the campgrounds, which will be a focal point for cultural tours and activities," the Minister said.
"Local Aboriginal groups and individuals will be able to conduct a variety of business enterprises from this facility, including tours into the Karijini gorges and bushland.
"There will be a strong focus on Aboriginal interpretation of the local environment that is consistent with the aspirations of the Karijini Park Council."
Central Kimberley Pilbara MLA Tom Stephens welcomed the announcement and said the agreement would bring important economic and social benefits to the local Aboriginal population.
"It is also great news for tourists to the area, as they will be given a greater insight into the cultural values of the region," Mr Stephens said.
"The Savannah Campground provides a remote camping experience where you can truly marvel at what nature has created, experience the world's oldest living culture, safely visit the gorges and highly acclaimed visitor centre.
"The signing of the lease and construction of the facilities is yet another step in developing the world renowned drive trail 'The Warlu Way' which links Ningaloo and its whalesharks, to Broome and its famous beach."
The Warlu Way traverses WA's Pilbara region encompassing about 1,800km of renowned cultural, natural and landscape values.
These include Karijini National Park with its geological features and gorge experiences, Millstream-Chichester National Park, a billabong oasis and the Burrup Peninsula with the world's largest, most diverse and oldest collection of petroglyphs.
Minister's office: (08) 9222 9111