Centenary celebration for Western Australia's oldest national park

30/11/00
John Forrest National Park - the State's oldest national park - celebrated its centenary today.
Environment Minister Cheryl Edwardes launched the Centenary of National Parks celebration in tandem with marking John Forrest National Park's 100th birthday.
Mrs Edwardes said John Forrest National Park was recognised as a people's park.
"To make it a better experience for the more than 100,000 people who visit here each year, the State Government has earmarked $50,000 to upgrade the historical tearooms to become an interactive Discovery Centre," she said.
"The Discovery Centre will direct local and international visitors to the many activities in the park and enhance their experiences of nature and history."
The park was created in November 1900 when 1,500ha of land 'too rough, too rocky and too steep to settle' was set aside to become Western Australia's first national park.
"But it's the ruggedness of this land - which has been added to and is now 2,676ha - and rare flora and fauna that provide much of its attraction," Mrs Edwardes said.
She said the future of national parks as a community resource was secure.
"It's a lovely coincidence that we're celebrating 100 years of national parks at the same time as the State Government is putting in place conservation strategies with the new Conservation Commission overseeing the preservation and conservation of parks and forests for future generations," the Minister said.
She said John Forrest National Park began from a recommendation to set aside land for future conservation by the Western Australian Government in the 1890s, a trend continued particularly by this State Government.
"This year the State Government created five new national parks," she said.
Today is the fifth day of public events celebrating John Forrest National Park's birthday.
Since last Sunday the centenary has been marked by free rides, bush bands, tram tours along the old railway line and guided walks to interpret Aboriginal history, European history, vegetation and wildlife.
Displays featuring European and Aboriginal historical points, children's school work and art by Sir John Forrest's wife Margaret were on show.
Entry today is free.
"John Forrest National Park is as familiar as the backyard barbie or the beach and is recognised as a family icon," Mrs Edwardes said.
"National parks protect and conserve native flora and fauna for our children and grandchildren to enjoy. This is a wonderful day to celebrate our pioneers' gift to the community."
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