State Government invests in Wellington National Park

11/3/02
A capital works program costing more than $600,000 has been scheduled for the expanded Wellington National Park area near Collie.
Environment and Heritage Minister Dr Judy Edwards said the works were part of the Government's Protecting our old-growth forests policy commitment to create 30 new national parks throughout the South-West native forest areas.
Earlier this year, the Government announced that an additional 14,500ha would be added to reserves around Wellington Dam, bringing the total area of the park to more than 17,500ha.
The extension was in line with the Government's policy and followed an assessment of surrounding forest blocks by an independent environmental consultant.
"The capital works program includes new facilities as well as upgrading several key roads to provide better and safer access to several spots along the Collie River," Dr Edwards said.
"A major project costing $180,000 is for a retaining wall and decking along the riverbank at Honeymoon Pool to stabilise the eroded river bank and provide safe access to the water for swimmers and canoeists.
"At the popular Quarry picnic site, toilets will be upgraded and new toilet facilities will be built at the Wellington Discovery Forest centre to cater for the increasing numbers of school students and teachers participating in environmental education activities."
The septic system at the Wellington Dam kiosk is also being replaced.
"Major road works include upgrading River Road South and Lennard Drive ($350,000) which will provide safer and better access to popular spots such as Honeymoon Pool, Longpool, Little Rock, Rapids, Big Rock and the dam wall," Dr Edwards said.
Under the capital works program, it is also planned to upgrade River Road North, Falcone Road and further sections of the Pile-Mungalup Road.
"New equipment also will be made available for the Department of Conservation and Land Management's education activities at the Wellington Discovery Forest."
While some of the works will be completed by the department's own staff, tenders for major construction works are expected to be let in the near future, with works beginning soon after.
Dr Edwards said a new National Park Ranger had also been appointed to assist its in management.
Christina Gilbert from Collie, who has worked for the department for several years and is a holder of the department's Executive Director's Scholarship, has been appointed.
Minister's office: 9220 5050