Launch of Kimberley Tourism Manual in Broome

18/10/99

Environment Minister Cheryl Edwardes today released a comprehensive guide to the great natural attractions of Western Australia's Kimberley region for use by tourism operators.
Launching the Kimberley Tourism Manual in Broome, Mrs Edwardes said the manual would enable tourism operators to give visitors an insight into the wonders of this remote part of Australia and its heritage and environmental values.
"Several of the most frequented sites and widely acclaimed tourist 'icons' of the Kimberley region are on land managed by the Department of Conservation and Land Management (CALM)," she said.
"As such, CALM recognised the inherent need to provide tourism operators with information on plants, animals and geology in order to balance recreation and tourism with conservation."
Mrs Edwardes said with the co-operation of the Kimberley Tourism Association and the WA Tourism Commission (WATC), the manual's concept had been expanded to include non-CALM managed lands, providing tourism operators with a comprehensive guide to tourism attractions in the Kimberley.
"The manual was designed in a loose-leaf format, so that it could be regularly updated, revised and expanded," the Minister said.
"Not only does it present information by place, the manual also contains sections on the weather, geology, ecology, wildlife and threats to the environment such as feral animals and weeds."
Mrs Edwardes said that in addition, copies of several of CALM's excellent Bush Books were included, which had particular relevance to the Kimberley and the Kimberley Tourism Association's Planner.
"Many operators have shown a great deal of interest in the manual which will be an extremely valuable tool for the industry," she said.
Mrs Edwardes said the production of the guide was a tribute to CALM, the Kimberley Tourism Association and the WATC.
"It was encouraging to see what could be achieved when the community and private sector work closely with Government agencies," she said.
"I am sure the manual will become much emulated by other regions not only in WA but also across the nation."
Media contacts: Ministerial - Carole Cowling on 9421 7777
CALM Kimberley Regional Manager Chris Done on 9168 4200