Budget - development and upgrading of recreation camps

6/5/96

The Government's commitment to develop and upgrade recreation camps has been reflected in this year's State Budget.

Sport and Recreation Minister Norman Moore said $410,000 had been allocated to support the implementation of the Recreation Camps and Reserve Board's Strategic Marketing Plan.

Mr Moore said that the funding would help upgrade facilities at camps and provide a new computer booking system.

He said the camps at Bickley, Point Walter, Hillarys (Ern Halliday), Bateman (Noalimba) and Tone River, near Manjimup. were valuable community resources and the community would continue to benefit from them.

"They provide a range of recreational opportunities which take into account community needs, the expertise and skills of staff and the physical location of camps," he said.

"For example, our Bickley camp offers abseiling in the most beautiful of surrounds, while the Ern Halliday camp at Hillarys is more suited to aquatic activities."

Tone River had been allocated $100,000 to develop it as a wilderness experience camp.

The camp will focus on the provision of recreational activities to complement the current range of activities of the community and family groups which use the centre.

"Part of the development will include nature trails, so that people can get a very positive experience with the local flora and fauna," Mr Moore said:

"Its very location makes it an ideal place for people to interact with the environment. The camp is developing programs which will enable the community as a whole to take advantage of this."

Mr Moore said the funding for the camps provided the community with increased sport and recreation.

"The Coalition's sport and recreation policy aims to increase the overall level of funding and usage of sport and recreation facilities," Mr Moore said.

"The funding is proof that the State Government is committed to providing sport and recreational facilities for all Western Australians."

Media contact: Anabel Gomez 321 1444