The William Bay National Park renewal project is set to start this month, with the contract recently awarded for the redevelopment of the ageing park facilities.
Nigel Palmer Earthmoving, a local Denmark-based company, has been awarded the $1.97 million contract for the first stage of the project.
The McGowan Government is investing $4.4 million over the 2019-2021 financial years to upgrade the infrastructure at the Park, located between Denmark and Walpole.
This investment will ensure visitor infrastructure in the William Bay National Park is modern and able to accommodate continued growth in visitor numbers.
The Park attracted almost 300,000 visits during 2018-19, an increase of about 20,000 visits compared to the previous year.
Stage one upgrades will include sealing 2.6km of Madfish Bay Road, providing parking for an additional 64 cars, 12 motorcycles and two coaches in the Greens Pool and Elephant Rocks areas, and providing new toilet facilities.
The Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions is working with the Shire of Denmark to deliver this project.
While the department aims to minimise inconvenience to visitors, sections of the park may be closed intermittently throughout November and December.
In an endeavour to ensure access to popular parts of William Bay National Park, Greens Pool parking area and beach will remain open to the public for the full duration of the summer school holidays.
The park will likely need to be fully closed in February for the duration of the construction period, which is expected to be completed by June 2020. Diversions for the Munda Biddi Trail will be in place during this time.
As stated by Environment Minister Stephen Dawson:
“These upgrades are essential to ensure this nature-based tourism asset continues to be appreciated by thousands of visitors every year.
“I understand that some of the closures may be inconvenient while this important work is undertaken, particularly during peak periods. But I would like to assure the community that disruptions to people’s enjoyment will be kept to a minimum.
“William Bay National Park has such a diverse landscape, with the turquoise waters of Greens Pool as its centrepiece. These upgrades will go towards enhancing the visitor experience to this park that is both an environmental treasure and a tourism asset for Western Australia.”
As stated by Regional Development Minister Alannah MacTiernan:
“Safer roads, improved parking facilities and improved pedestrian pathways will cater to the high visitor numbers at William Bay National Park, helping to drive tourism in the Great Southern.
“Our Government’s local content policies are once again paying off: awarding the contract to a Denmark-based business will ensure more local jobs in the region.”
