Visitors toWatarrka National Park can now enjoy close-up views of the canyons majesticred walls from the new viewing platform at the end of Kings Creek, constructedafter the original platform was destroyed in a rock fall.
The TerritoryLabor Government has also built a new park entrance sign and an award-winningWalks Safety Information shelter, which complements the $21.3 million turbochargingtourism investment in new and upgraded parks infrastructure in CentralAustralia.
The structure wasdesigned and built in conjunction with Watarrka Traditional Owners and local AliceSprings businesses; architectural firm Tangentyere Designs and M&C FiorConstructions, trading as Bullant Building.
The platform featuresbronze sculptures developed by Alice Springs artist Pip McMannus, which depictanimals chosen by the Traditional Owners, and reference their cultural story andAboriginal name.
Last year Watarrkawelcomed over 257,000 visitors, an increase of 6 per cent since the 2016/17financial year and 2019 will see increases aligned to the exceptional season ofself-drive and touring visitors to the region.
As noted by Minister for Tourism, Sport and Culture, Lauren Moss:
The TerritoryLabor Governments efforts to boost tourism numbers through our recordTurbocharging Tourism investment are working with international and domesticholiday visitors in the year ending March 2019 increasing by 10 per cent to906,000 visitors. Expenditure was also up by 25 per cent to $1.2 billion.
Investing in infrastructurein our national parks creates local job opportunities for a range of Territorians, fromTraditional Owners and artists to those working in the design, construction,tourism and hospitality sectors.
Adding newfacilities and attractions to our national parks creates more reasons forpeople to visit, which injects money into the Territory economy.
As noted by Member for Namatjira,Chansey Paech MLA:
Watarrka isone of Australias most stunning national parks, and the new viewing platform willhelp visitors immerse themselves in its ancient landscape.
The Creek Walkand new platform provide an easy and comfortable option for those who may nothave the time or physical capacity to undertake the six-kilometre Rim Walk, orwho arrive at Watarrka on a day when weather conditions may be too hot tosafely undertake the Rim Walk.
The TerritoryLabor Government will continue to work with the Traditional Owners of WatarrkaNational Park to identify opportunities for new tourism experiences.
