Sponsorship will enable Beedelup Falls (Pemberton) facilities to be upgraded

1/5/98

Facilities at the Beedelup Falls recreation site in Beedelup National Park, near Pemberton, will be upgraded through a $20,000 sponsorship by the Karri Valley Resort.

The sponsorship will enable a new toilet block to be built as part of a Department of Conservation and Land Management program to upgrade the popular tourist destination.

Other improvements include an upgraded road and new car park, information and picnic facilities and a link to the new Bibbulmun Track.

Environment Minister Cheryl Edwardes said Karri Valley's sponsorship acknowledged the important role facilities managed by CALM played in the local and regional tourism industry.

"The conservation estate, including multiple-use forests and associated industries such as woodcrafts and fine furniture, are the single biggest tourism attractions in the South-West," Mrs Edwardes said.

"It is encouraging that local tourist operators recognise this and are prepared to invest in facilities that will enhance visitors' enjoyment of the area."

Karri Valley Resort General Manager Mike Sulser said the sponsorship of new facilities in the Beedelup National Park was part of the resort's commitment to conservation.

"Karri Valley is surrounded by the Beedelup National Park and our visitors use and appreciate the park's great conservation and aesthetic values," Mr Sulser said.

"The sponsorship flows from a partnership between CALM and Karri Valley Resort who are working together to deliver nature-based tourism activities for visitors to the resort."

The program, called Nature's Collage, takes advantage of the great range and diversity of landscapes and nature based attractions close to Pemberton and aims to give resort visitors the opportunity to get close to nature and experience some of the unique local flora and fauna first-hand.

It uses many local tour operators as well as CALM staff who have the experience, expertise and access to the natural environment.

Media contacts: Ministerial - Nicole Trigwell (08) 9421 7777

CALM - Rod Annear (08) 9776 1207