Airstrip at Purnululu National Park to be opened

The State Government will open the airstrip at Purnululu National Park to tourist flights.

Environment Minister Bob Pearce said the decision had been made because the Bungle Bungles had become a premier tourist destination since winning an international tourism award.

"There has been immense interest in the park since that time, but up until now people were limited to flying over the park or could only reach it by four-wheel-drive vehicle," Mr Pearce said.

"This decision means that they will now be able to enter the park by air and camp overnight.

"This major tourist initiative will allow visitors to take advantage of the existing, successful ground tour operators, without the long and rugged drive into the park.

"It will also provide opportunities for the traditional Aboriginal people of the Purnululu area to establish tourism enterprises and enable visitors to learn at first hand, about the park's unique cultural and natural features."

Mr Pearce said the numbers of people entering the park by air, and the flight times would be strictly controlled, to protect the outback experience being enjoyed by all visitors to the area.

"Only 30 people will be allowed to fly into the park and camp at any one time and the airstrip will only be used in the early morning and late afternoon," he said.

"This will not affect tourists who enter the park by four-wheel drive.

"The three existing ground operators - Halls Creek and Bungle Bungle Tours; East Kimberley Tours - Safari Trek and the Purnululu Aboriginal Corporation will conduct the ground tours."

Mr Pearce said the new initiative would stimulate tourism in the Kimberley region and provide local employment.

He said the announcement complemented recent initiatives taken by the Department of Conservation and Land Management, to encourage ecotourism throughout Western Australia.

"This vast State has great natural features and unique plants and animals - opening the airstrip will enable more Western Australians, as well as interstate and overseas visitors, to enjoy one of the State's major tourist attractions."