Coalmine Beach small boating facilities opened

Boating enthusiasts in the Walpole and Nornalup Inlets Marine Park now have new vessel launching facilities at Coalmine Beach.

Environment Minister Bill Marmion today inspected stage one of the development as part of a field visit to the Department of Environment and Conservation's (DEC) Warren Region between Manjimup and the south coast.

The $350,000 development was funded through DEC and the Department of Transport with support from the Walpole-Nornalup and Districts Community Development Group and other local community groups.

The works include replacing a retaining wall and the boat ramp. Plans are under way to upgrade car parking facilities and install a jetty.

Mr Marmion said the project aimed to improve marine safety and ensure the boat ramp met Australian standards.

"The State Government is committed to a world-class system of conservation reserves including marine parks, national parks and nature reserves," he said.

"The development of visitor facilities is an important part of that commitment to ensure the sustainable, long-term use of these natural areas."

Walpole and Nornalup Inlets Marine Park extends over 1,440 hectares and includes the tidal reaches of the Frankland, Deep and Walpole rivers. It attracts 150,000 visitors a year, of whom 35,000 use the boat ramp.

The park was created in 2009 and is the first marine park on the State's south coast. It is managed in an integrated manner with the surrounding Walpole-Nornalup National Park which includes the Tree Top Walk.