❓ Mr. Price asks about the Cook Labor government's plans to redevelop John Forrest National Park. The Minister for Environment details planned improvements including trails, parking, a visitor hub, and a pedestrian bridge, emphasizing enhanced recreational opportunities and safety.
AnsweredQoN 643Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
JOHN FORREST NATIONAL
PARK
643. MR S.J. PRICE to the Minister for Environment:
Just before I ask my question, as a Harvey
boy, I, too, would like to welcome to Parliament Sharon Cooke and the other
representatives of Harvey Aboriginal Corporation who are here today. It is
great to see you all.
I
refer to the Cook Labor government's commitment to transform the iconic
John Forrest National Park. Can the minister outline to the house how
the delivery of this redevelopment and improved facilities will enhance the
recreational opportunities available at this popular tourism destination?
PARK
643. MR S.J. PRICE to the Minister for Environment:
Just before I ask my question, as a Harvey
boy, I, too, would like to welcome to Parliament Sharon Cooke and the other
representatives of Harvey Aboriginal Corporation who are here today. It is
great to see you all.
I
refer to the Cook Labor government's commitment to transform the iconic
John Forrest National Park. Can the minister outline to the house how
the delivery of this redevelopment and improved facilities will enhance the
recreational opportunities available at this popular tourism destination?
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the member for Forrestfield
for his interest in and ongoing advocacy for the environment. I have visited
his electorate many times and engaged in environmental activities on
sustainability. As do many members and others in Western Australia, the member
has a great regard for our oldest national park. John Forrest National Park was
the first national park in Western Australia. This government has a great
record in creating new national parks and investing in infrastructure for them.
We are also getting on with the job of looking after our established legacy national parks. There is no finer old national
park in Western Australia than John Forrest, which is a very convenient day trip up into the hills.
The SPEAKER : Hear, hear.
Mr R.R. WHITBY : It has
sensational views across Perth. We are investing heavily in re-creating
infrastructure or providing new opportunities so that the national park is a key
destination for not just local people but also people from around Australia and
internationally to visit. Our investment includes new and improved trails, a new
access road and parking facilities, and a new visitor hub with picnic
facilities. Approximately 10 kilometres of hiking trails have been completed, adding to the existing trail network. Also—this
is important, members—the construction of 16 kilometres of new
off-road cycle trails will be completed by the end of 2023. We know that the
growth in cycling in Western Australia is all about mountain bikes, the bikes
we take off-road. There is amazing interest and popularity in this area, and we
are providing the venues and trails for people to enjoy this sport.
Construction has begun on a new day-use
area, with universal access picnic and barbecue facilities, landscaped gardens
and pathways . The day-use area will connect to a new cafe and visitor
space at the park hub. Legacy infrastructure has been there for many years,
dating back to the 1970s, but it is run-down and not fit for purpose. This
investment will transform John Forrest National Park into a place that is world
class, with facilities that are equal to the environmental values that surround
them.
We are also getting on with the job
of building a new pedestrian bridge. It is not just the Minister for Transport
who is building bridges. This is a bridge that I will build. It is set to rival
the Matagarup Bridge.
Several members interjected.
Mr R.R. WHITBY : At least it
will in environmental terms! The bridge over Hovea Falls will provide an
excellent visitor experience and improve visitor safety, and it will open later
this year. This will be one of the finest bridges built in Western Australia in
recent years.
I
am also very interested to tell the chamber that the west ridge car park will
be the next component of improvements at John Forrest National Park.
Several members interjected.
Mr R.R. WHITBY : She is not
the only concreter in the room!
This car park will improve visitor
safety and address a real issue. Because John Forrest National Park is so
popular, people park along the road's edge, causing a safety issue at
busy times on weekends and during the summer. That extra car park will not only provide extra access to the park, but also
improve community safety. The project is being delivered by the great folks at the Department of Biodiversity,
Conservation and Attractions. When that construction work is completed,
John Forrest National Park will be even more of a destination for Perth.
The SPEAKER : The Leader of
the Opposition with the last question.
for his interest in and ongoing advocacy for the environment. I have visited
his electorate many times and engaged in environmental activities on
sustainability. As do many members and others in Western Australia, the member
has a great regard for our oldest national park. John Forrest National Park was
the first national park in Western Australia. This government has a great
record in creating new national parks and investing in infrastructure for them.
We are also getting on with the job of looking after our established legacy national parks. There is no finer old national
park in Western Australia than John Forrest, which is a very convenient day trip up into the hills.
The SPEAKER : Hear, hear.
Mr R.R. WHITBY : It has
sensational views across Perth. We are investing heavily in re-creating
infrastructure or providing new opportunities so that the national park is a key
destination for not just local people but also people from around Australia and
internationally to visit. Our investment includes new and improved trails, a new
access road and parking facilities, and a new visitor hub with picnic
facilities. Approximately 10 kilometres of hiking trails have been completed, adding to the existing trail network. Also—this
is important, members—the construction of 16 kilometres of new
off-road cycle trails will be completed by the end of 2023. We know that the
growth in cycling in Western Australia is all about mountain bikes, the bikes
we take off-road. There is amazing interest and popularity in this area, and we
are providing the venues and trails for people to enjoy this sport.
Construction has begun on a new day-use
area, with universal access picnic and barbecue facilities, landscaped gardens
and pathways . The day-use area will connect to a new cafe and visitor
space at the park hub. Legacy infrastructure has been there for many years,
dating back to the 1970s, but it is run-down and not fit for purpose. This
investment will transform John Forrest National Park into a place that is world
class, with facilities that are equal to the environmental values that surround
them.
We are also getting on with the job
of building a new pedestrian bridge. It is not just the Minister for Transport
who is building bridges. This is a bridge that I will build. It is set to rival
the Matagarup Bridge.
Several members interjected.
Mr R.R. WHITBY : At least it
will in environmental terms! The bridge over Hovea Falls will provide an
excellent visitor experience and improve visitor safety, and it will open later
this year. This will be one of the finest bridges built in Western Australia in
recent years.
I
am also very interested to tell the chamber that the west ridge car park will
be the next component of improvements at John Forrest National Park.
Several members interjected.
Mr R.R. WHITBY : She is not
the only concreter in the room!
This car park will improve visitor
safety and address a real issue. Because John Forrest National Park is so
popular, people park along the road's edge, causing a safety issue at
busy times on weekends and during the summer. That extra car park will not only provide extra access to the park, but also
improve community safety. The project is being delivered by the great folks at the Department of Biodiversity,
Conservation and Attractions. When that construction work is completed,
John Forrest National Park will be even more of a destination for Perth.
The SPEAKER : The Leader of
the Opposition with the last question.
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