THE popular Lane Poole Reserve will get a $2.45million upgrade as part of the State Government's commitment to the environment.
The family friendly campsite, roughly 60 kilometres from Mandurah will get 29 new caravan bays, eight tent sites, two new toilets and other facilities including a new fire pit and picnic tables at the Nanga campground as part of the promised $21.05m Parks for People initiative.
Also on the list for improvement is sealed road access from Nanga Brook Road while neighbouring site Baden Powell recreation area will get new toilets, signs, interpretation, car parks, walk trails and river access points.
Work has already begun on the Lane Poole Reserve upgrade in an effort to welcome more caravans, camper trailers and campervans.
Environment Minister Albert Jacob said the upgrades, made possible by the State Government’s Royalties for Regions program, was one of six projects to commence this year as part of the Parks for People initiative.
“The State Government wants people to get out and enjoy the State’s spectacular national parks and Parks for People will provide West Australians and tourists with more low-cost, high-quality holiday options,” Mr Jacob said.
“The upgrades come as visitors to WA’s national parks will enjoy free entry to 30 popular parks over the WA Day long weekend.”
Regional Development Minister Terry Redman said through Royalties for Regions, the State Government was making regional WA a better place to work, live and invest.
“Funded through the State Government’s Royalties for Regions program, the goal of the Parks for People initiative is to give people more opportunities to get out into the regions and discover all the great things they have to offer,” Mr Redman said.
Tourism Council WA chief executive Evan Hall welcomed the extensive upgrades and said the changes could only boost local tourism.
“Last year WA attracted over 1.8 million holiday tourists into our National Parks across regional WA, but we can significantly increase this with new upgrades and developments” Mr Hall said.
“These facilities will enable WA to attract new visitors without impacting on the environmental values of our precious Parks.
“National Parks and camping grounds are a great way to attract new visitors to experience WA’s magnificent regions within a budget."
The Nanga campground upgrade is expected to be completed by end of 2014 while the Baden Powell recreation area redevelopment targeted for completion by 2016.