Opening of Valley of the Giants in Walpole

14/9/96

Premier Richard Court said the Valley of the Giants project was one of the greatest nature-based tourism and conservation projects ever undertaken in Western Australia.

Opening the Valley of the Giants in Walpole today, the Premier said the project - incorporating a tree top walk, interpretive centre and picnic area - provided a unique means of interacting with nature for thousands and thousands of visitors while protecting the ecosystem of the sole Tingle Forest in the world.

"Western Australia is world renowned for its natural attractions and its abundance of rich resources," he said.

"It is in the enviable position of being able to capitalise on the growth of the nature-based tourism market through its combination of natural advantages and the skills and expertise of its people.

"The Valley of the Giants is an excellent example of the successful integration of the conservation of our natural environment with tourism."

Mr Court said the 600m-long Tree Top walkway, nestled 40m metres high in the Tingle Forest, combined with the Ancient Empire and the 'Tingle Shelter' - a visitor and information interpretive centre - all promised a tourism facility of unparalleled value.

"The Valley of the Giants will generate significant social and economic benefits for surrounding towns while importantly redressing the decline in the health of the Tingle Forest," he said.

The facilities are designed to accommodate more than 100,000 tourists who visit the Valley of the Giants each year.

Environment Minister Peter Foss said the Tree Top Walk, the Ancient Empire and the Tingle Shelter were the culmination of almost three years research, planning and hard work.

"The project required the commitment, support and dedication of a variety of Government departments, local communities and local government bodies, all of which are to be commended for their excellent work," Mr Foss said.

The Minister said that in developing the concept of the Tree Top Walk, the Department of Conservation and Land Management (CALM) had called for submissions in 1994 for designs with set criteria.

CALM received 40 entries from all over the world and four were commissioned to provide detailed, accurately costed proposals.

The submissions were then assessed against the design criteria by a panel which included members of the Royal Australian Institute of Architects, the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects and the Institution of Engineers.

Mr Foss said the winning design, created by a team headed by Donaldson and Warn Architects and constructed by Future Engineering and Communication Pty Ltd, harmoniously combined the physical requirements into the face of the environment.

"The Tree Top walk will be more than just a memorable experience for both those who walk it and also those who have worked on the project," he said.

"It is tangible evidence that nature-based tourism and the responsible management of our natural resources can promote recreation along with conservation."

Mr Court said the Valley of the Giants was one of a series of projects undertaken by CALM to provide eco-tourism facilities throughout the State.

"CALM has embarked on a visionary plan to provide the people of Western Australia and tourists with unique experiences only available in this State," he said.

"In the past two years we have seen the opening of a number of major conservation and recreational facilities such as Hills Forest Activity Centre in Mundaring, the Forest Heritage Centre in Dwellingup and Wilderness Lodge in Perup.

"All these facilities promote tourism, but at the same time help sustain our wonderful natural attractions for future generations."

Media contact: Casey Cahill 222 9475