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Government of Western Australia
Department of the Premier and Cabinet
Hon Colin Barnett MLA / Hon Terry Redman MLA / Hon Albert Jacob MLA
24/10/15 / Premier / Minister for Regional Development / Minister for Environment

MEDIA STATEMENT

New world-class skywalks for KalbarriNP

  • Newtourism attractionwill boost visitors numbers to the Kalbarri region
  • Kalbarri National Park ranked by Tourism WA as one of the top 10 national parks in the State.

Breathtaking skywalks at Kalbarri National Park will become a major tourism drawcard for the region, providing stunning vistas of the dramatic Murchison Gorge.

The Liberal National Government today announced it had provided $20 million under Royalties for Regionsto develop an innovative tourism precinct in the park including two world class skywalks at the Inyaka Wookai Watju site, formally known as the West Loop. The funding will also complete sealing of the Loop / Z Bend Road and redevelop the Z Bend and Meanarra Hill tourist sites.

The skywalks will project 20m and 12m beyond the gorge rim, more than 100m above the Murchison River. The development will also include a commercial kiosk, interpretation, parking for coaches and RVs, shade shelters and toilets.

Premier Colin Barnett said the skywalks construction and road sealing recognises the region’s growing tourism industry and would further support the region’s economy.

“Tourism is a cornerstone of Kalbarri’s economy and building quality cutting-edge infrastructure to increase visitor enjoyment and experience is essential in ensuring the region’s growth,” Mr Barnett said.

Regional Development Minister Terry Redman said regional economies relied on well-built and exciting tourism sites to attract visitors to experience and enjoy country towns.

“The new infrastructure will encourage more people to stay longer and make multiple trips to the region. It will also attract new markets and a new generation of visitors to Kalbarri,” he said.

Environment Minister Albert Jacob said Kalbarri National Park was a spectacular part of WA and featured an 80km gorge with scenic views of the town and river mouth, and sandstone cliffs that plunge more than 100 metres to the ocean.

“The park is famous for its exceptional wildflowers andfor a variety of recreational and activities. By improving access and infrastructure we can help showcase our unique environment and encourage people to explore State’s natural heritage,” he said.

Fact File
  • Skywalks construction will begin in 2016 and is expected to open in 2017.
  • Kalbarri NP received almost 371,000 visitors in 2014-15, a significant increase from 306,000 visitors in 2013-14.
  • The project is a collaboration between Mid-West Development Commission, Departments of Regional Development and Parks and Wildlife and Tourism WA.

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