Taskforce to assess support for Rockingham Regional Environment Centre

10/11/98

Environment Minister Cheryl Edwardes has announced the formation of a taskforce to examine possible State Government support for the proposed Rockingham Regional Environment Centre.

Mrs Edwardes said the taskforce would be chaired by South Metropolitan Region MLC Barbara Scott and would bring together representatives from State Government agencies, including the Department of Conservation and Land Management (CALM), Tourism, Ministry of Sport and Recreation, TRAILWEST and other relevant departments.

The Minister said the taskforce would explore all avenues to assist the project come to fruition by bringing together all Government agencies during the planning stages.

She said she was impressed by the proposal during an on-site inspection at Lake Richmond yesterday with Mrs Scott and centre convenors.

"The Rockingham Regional Environment Centre will be the first and only purpose-built environment centre in Western Australia," Mrs Edwardes said.

"The community group behind the project - Rockingham Environment Centre Incorporated - should be congratulated on this very worthwhile initiative."

The Minister said it was envisaged that the centre would act as a link between areas of environmental significance and heritage value and would also incorporate interpretive and education facilities.

It was hoped a series of nature trails would also be developed to link adjacent natural attractions.

The City of Rockingham had already shown support for the project by making a loan facility of $250,000 available to the community group pursuing the project.

Mrs Edwardes said the project was already attracting significant interest from the science and educational community around the world and could prove to be a popular tourist attraction.

Media contact: Nicole Trigwell 9421 7777