New facilities to enhance experience at local national parks: Minister

27/12/02
New visitor facilities are now on show at popular Pilbara sites in Karijini and Cape Range National Parks.
Environment and Heritage Minister Dr Judy Edwards said the capital works program reflected the Government's key strategy of enhancing nature-based tourism facilities across the State, while also working towards environmentally sound access to WA's national parks.
Key completed projects include:

• providing new facilities for the Turquoise Bay day use area in Cape Range National Park including additional parking, self-composting toilets and on-site information;
• new day use facilities at Dales Gorge and Kalamina recreation sites in Karijini National Park; and
• the first stage of Savannah Campground in Karijini National Park - a project being developed in partnership with local Aboriginal leaseholders, Gumala Enterprises.

Dr Edwards said Dales Gorge and Kalamina recreational sites had each gained new coach and car parking, picnic facilities and on-site information.
"Self-composting toilets have been built at Kalamina and will be completed at Dales Gorge early next year," she said.
"At Savannah Campground - on Weano Road near Joffre Falls in the north of Karijini National Park - 70 new campsites have been constructed, including a designated area for commercial tour operators.
"In collaboration with Gumala Enterprises, CALM has assisted with planning, design and some roadworks to provide a campground facility that will be available to park visitors early next year."
Dr Edwards said the Department of Conservation and Land Management had also upgraded and sealed sections of Weano and Banjima Roads, in partnership with Main Roads WA and the Shire of Ashburton. Dales Gorge Road will be upgraded early next year.
Roadworks have also been undertaken in Cape Range National Park, improving access to the coast.
Minister's office: 9220 5050