S-W timber workers help develop tourist park

Friday, 28 April 2000

Recreation and visitor facilities have been significantly improved at the popular nature-based tourism attraction, the Golden Valley Tree Park, as a result of the State Government's RFA program for restructuring the timber industry. Recreation and visitor facilities have been significantly improved at the popular nature-based tourism attraction, the Golden Valley Tree Park, as a result of the State Government's RFA program for restructuring the timber industry. Opening the newly upgraded park in Balingup today, Environment Minister Cheryl Edwardes said the new recreational facilities not only enhanced the values of the park but the area's nature-based tourism attractions overall. Mrs Edwardes said the Department of Conservation and Land Management's $240,000 improvement program was undertaken by a workforce of ex-Whittakers' Greenbushes Mill workers as part of the State Government's commitment to employment opportunities for timber workers. "The initiative has been extremely successful providing new employment opportunities for people in the South-West, while at the same time improving visitor services on conservation lands," she said. "Work done at the Golden Valley Tree Park as part of the project included upgrading the site to ensure access for people with disabilities, including new parking and toilet facilities. "Other work at the park included the replacement of the pedestrian bridge between the entrance to the park and the main day-use area and the improvement of security to prevent vandalism. "The improvement program has highlighted the heritage and educational values of the 200ha park, which provides people with the opportunity to experience a range of exotic and native trees specific to the region." Mrs Edwardes said that as part of the project, ex-Whittakers' Greenbushes Mill employees received comprehensive on-the-job training in a range of skills from fire control and revegetation to walk trail establishment and carpentry. "The work team was also actively involved in the planning process for the improvement program with the Golden Valley Park Advisory Committee," she said. "The quick completion and high quality of the improvement program is a tribute to all involved in the project and an excellent example of what can be achieved if a community works together." Mrs Edwardes said the success of the improvement program and the employment of ex-timber workers into conservation work paved the way for future endeavours. Media contact: Steve Manchee 9421 7777

 

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