$1 million forest drive to be developed in the Karri forest surrounding Pemberton

23/12/99
An innovative forest drive, costing $1 million, is to be created in the Karri forest surrounding Pemberton as part of State Government's plans to develop tourism icons in Western Australia's South-West.
Acting Environment Minister Kevin Prince said the development of the drive, which was part of the Regional Forest Agreement would be tentatively known as the 'Karri Forest Discovery Tour', and would serve to link several major tourism attractions in the area strengthening Pemberton's tourism industry.
"The aim of this self-drive tour is to provide people with a range of activities and attractions that they can do over a number of days in the unique area of Pemberton," Mr Prince said.
He said the self-drive tour was proposed as it would package the premium forest scenic attractions of Pemberton with local tourism businesses to ensure easy access and convenience for visitors to the area.
"It is envisaged that the proposed core route will pass by several private attractions including wineries, a range of accommodation and aquaculture ventures, as well as access popular tourist sites including Big Brook Dam, Beedelup Falls, Warren National Park and the Dave Evans Bicentennial Tree," the Minister said.
"The drive will also feature a section of the new road and picnic facilities in Giblett State Forest next to Beedelup National Park."
Mr Prince said it was anticipated that the road would create a number of things to do for visitors to the areas, as well as making picnic and camping facilities accessible to all the community.
"It will in effect link private tourism ventures with natural attractions and conservation reserves ensuring a whole eco-tourism package for visitors," he said.
"In fact, the marketing of the project will complement and support current tourism industry objectives."
Mr Prince said the Department of Conservation and Land Management (CALM) had developed proposed core routes for the road and had implemented a comprehensive community consultation program.
"A key part of the project's success depends on community consultation and the involvement of private sector tourism operators," he said.
"As such, CALM has produced a leaflet flyer seeking public submissions on the proposed routes and general comments and suggestions. The flyer is to be distributed via a letter-drop to all households in the Pemberton area.
"Advertisements and stories will also run in the local media.
"The deadline for submissions was October 29 and the numerous submissions made to CALM are currently being summarised and will be again presented to the public for comment."
Mr Prince said it was anticipated that the route would be finalised by early January.
"Site redevelopment has already begun at Beedelup Falls and the upgrading of picnic and camping sites will continue over the next six months once the route is finalised.
"The proposed drive is only one of a number of tourism initiatives the State Government has under way to bolster the tourism industry in Western Australia's South-West forest areas."
Media contact: Carole Cowling on 9421 7777