New drive for the karri forest

30/4/03
A new Karri Forest Explorer self-guided drive in the forests around Pemberton was officially opened today by Environment and Heritage Minister Judy Edwards.
The 86km drive, built by the Department of Conservation and Land Management, aims to contribute to the development and management of a vibrant and sustainable recreation and tourism industry.
The $1.6million project has been funded through the Regional Forest Agreement process as well as the Government's Protecting our old-growth forests policy.
Dr Edwards said a key feature of the Karri Forest Explorer was that it had involved a great deal of community consultation and participation.
"This was particularly important if the project was to meet its aim of blending the wonderful scenic attractions of the Pemberton forests with the burgeoning number of tourism operations," she said.
"Effectively, the Explorer is part of the concept to create a number of 'days of things to do' for visitors to the area, as well as increasing the number of facilities, especially for camping, bushwalking and picnicking."
The Minister said the drive provided a constant mix of the sheer beauty of the forest with private sector tourist facilities and was a model for similar ventures in other parts of the State.
The major works around the drive had focused on areas such as Big Brook Dam, Beedelup Falls, Warren National Park, the Gloucester Tree and the main day-use site in the former Giblett forest block that was now part of the proposed 18,000ha Greater Beedelup National Park.
The drive also features a local area FM radio network that is part of the extensive interpretation and information facilities.
"The drive reflects the partnership between the natural environment and sustainable tourism," Dr Edwards said.
"It is a partnership that will assist the people of the Pemberton area adjust to the changing nature of the area by creating further opportunities for sustainable development."
The Minister said the link with the community was further demonstrated through other works associated with the drive that currently were under way.
These included designing a network of walk trails in the Warren National Park as well as developments at the main recreation site in Giblett to which many local conservation groups had a strong attachment given its role during the forest protests of the 1990s.
Minister's office: 9220 5050