$180,000 for Goldfields parks facilities

12/09/06
Visitor facilities in Goldfields national parks and reserves will be upgraded as part of the Carpenter Government's $180,000 capital works program for the region in 2006-07.
Environment Minister Mark McGowan today said $70,000 had been earmarked to upgrade facilities at camping and day-use sites in Goongarrie National Park, 100km north of Kalgoorlie.
Mr McGowan said Goongarrie National Park was part of the former Goongarrie pastoral station, purchased by the State Government in 1995.
"The area is biologically significant for its rich and diverse native plants and animals, many of which are at the extremes of their distribution," he said.
"A recent survey found the area contained 58 species of reptiles and amphibians, 21 native mammals and at least 95 bird species.
"Many people come to this place to camp overnight and enjoy the scenery.
"These works will improve the facilities on the ground and encourage more people to visit the area."
The Minister said $10,000 would be allocated to build new walk trails and improve visitor access at Boondi in the Goldfields Woodlands National Park - known for its rich array of dragon lizards.
"This funding will also see a boardwalk and viewing platform completed at Cave Hill, and other improvement works undertaken at Burra Rock, south of Coolgardie," he said.
A further $100,000 has been earmarked to maintain recreation and tourist infrastructure on reserves across the Goldfields region.
Murchison-Eyre MLA John Bowler welcomed the news and said the works were an investment in tourism infrastructure for the region.
"Tourism is a great economic driver and it is fantastic to see the Carpenter Government putting money into visitor facilities," Mr Bowler said.
"Many people travel to the Goldfields to see our unique natural attractions and it is important that they are well catered for.
"National parks and conservation reserves in the Goldfields are remarkable for the fact that the region is the only place on earth where a number of species of tall trees grow in an arid environment.
"This feature has attracted land management agencies and other visitors from China, Africa, Israel and other Mediterranean countries, who are now using Goldfields eucalypts to rehabilitate areas in their arid zones."
Mr McGowan said the Department of Environment and Conservation would also undertake a $35,000 capital improvement program in Cape Le Grand and Cape Arid national parks near Esperance as part of its south coast regional works initiative.
Minister's office - 9222 9111