Opening of Hills Forest Activity Centre near Mundaring weir

2/12/94

Perth people have an excellent opportunity to learn about sustainable management in the native forests right on their doorstep.

Environment Minister Kevin Minson said today that at a time when native forest issues were being discussed, it was important that people could go into the forest and see how they were being managed.

"If more people ventured into the forest and actually saw what went on, and gained a greater appreciation of the processes that drive our forests, then I am sure the forests debate would be put on a far more constructive level than it currently is," he said.

Mr Minson was speaking at the opening of the Hills Forest Activity Centre near Mundaring weir.

The Hills Forest is an 80,000 hectare tract of forest and national parks which the Department of Conservation and Land Management has developed as a 'family playground'.

The activity centre is the site of its popular programs such as Go Bush, Sights and Sounds of the Night and Forest Under Canvas.

Mr Minson said the forest around Mundaring was best known for the weir and the Goldfields water supply.

"But what is not perhaps so well known is that the protection of the catchment for that water supply is the very reason for the existence of the State forests in the hills," he said.

"This highlights that we need and use our forests for far more than trees alone.

"Not only do forests protect water supplies, they provide habitat for native wildlife, interesting places for recreation and tourism, timber for building homes and furniture, and places in which we can learn more about out environment and the ecosystems that support it."

Mr Minson said the Hills Forest Activity Centre reflected the integration of all the uses of the forest.

"The activities run at the centre provide a closer insight into the forest than can be gained by simply driving through them," he said.

"For example, CALM staff take groups into the disease risk area so they can learn more about dieback and the impact it has on our native plants.

"Other activities focus on small native animals which are becoming more common through CALM's extensive fox control program, Operation Foxglove."

The centre comprises a 250-seat open rammed earth amphitheatre and a complex of restored forestry buildings that house the administration office and rooms for seminars and other activities.

CALM also is installing a number of campsites to provide people with a range of bush experiences from short walk-in camps to wilderness.

Mr Minson, who is also Minister for Disability Services, said a special campsite that would be fully accessible for people with disabilities was being built.  This camp would be a model for similar facilities in other forest areas.

Other attractions throughout the Hills Forest included national parks, Fred Jacoby Park, the king jarrah near Sawyers Valley, numerous walk trails including the Bibbulmun Track and many picnic areas.

Mr Minson said the project was a partnership between CALM and several sponsors including Alcoa of Australia, ICI Australia, Paddy Pallins, Westrek, Jarrahdale Heating and Cooling, the Australian Geographic Shop and local sawmillers through the Hoo Hoo Club.

Media contact:  Caroline Lacy 222 9595 or 321 2222