New interpretive info centre set up at Yanchep National Park

1/3/97

A new interpretative information centre for visitors has been established at Yanchep National Park.

Environment Minister Cheryl Edwardes said the facility, housed in historic McNess House, would become a high-tech interpretative centre, providing visitors with information on Yanchep National Park's activities, history, flora and fauna.

Officially opening the facility today, Mrs Edwardes said the new information centre was specifically designed with visitor activity in mind and would soon provide information on all Western Australia's national parks.

"The centre currently contains park information and short descriptions, graphics of activities, a staffed information desk, display items, and historic photos," she said.

"It is planned to establish panels representing cultural themes of the park and incorporate the use of touch screens, multi-media and scaled displays in the near future.

"With these latest interpretative facilities, McNess House will once again be the focal point for visitors to discover the parks many recreational activities and sights."

Mrs Edwardes said McNess House, built in the early 1900s, was previously used as the original leaseholder's hunting lodge, a guest house, staff accommodation and more recently a visitor's centre, before it was damaged by fire and smoke almost two years ago.

The Department of Conservation and Land Management (CALM) engaged the expertise of a specialist heritage architect to oversee restorations and renovations on the heritage listed building to rectify the damage.

"The restorations and renovations had to retain its significant cultural and heritage values," the Minister said.

"It had to be renovated in a way that preserved its original glory while at the same time balancing the need to keep up with changing community attitudes and innovative technology."

Work on the building began several months ago with structural construction and changes completed in late December. Interpretative facilities have been added since.

The restoration of McNess House has provided local businesses with additional opportunities and the upper level has been rented to the Yanchep Rose Quality Arts and Crafts Association as a gallery.

Mrs Edwardes officially opened the gallery, which displays and sells local arts and crafts, today as part of the opening of McNess House as an interpretative centre.

"One of the best attributes of Yanchep National Park is its strong community involvement with the Wanneroo and northern suburbs community," she said.

"Through associations such as the North West Metro Tourism Association, Yanchep Rose Quality Arts and Crafts and the numerous park volunteers, Yanchep can only continue to grow."

Mrs Edwardes said the park had undergone a major improvement program over the last three years to upgrade its services and facilities for visitors.

"Work has included the upgrade and opening of Yonderup Cave, new walk trails, the beginning of the 100km Coastal Plains Trail walk, upgraded picnic and barbecue areas and disabled access among many others," she said.

Mrs Edwardes said CALM was committed to making Yanchep National Park a high quality bushland retreat for the people of Perth where they could relax with a picnic or participate in the numerous activities the park had to offer.

"While the park has retained its original character, much of it has also changed and people who have not visited it in a long time will be surprised by what it now has to offer," she said.

The openings coincided with the 'Sun and Stars Festival' jointly hosted by the Perth Observatory and Yanchep National Park that offered people the enjoyment of the park by day and the mystical galaxy by night.

Media contact: Diana Russell Coote 421 7777