The State Government will start work on a new road to improve access to tourist sites in the Fitzgerald River National Park by the end of January next year

The State Government has committed $20million to the project, with a request for matched funding from the Federal Government, to help deliver the significant project, improving tourist access from the western and eastern ends to the Fitzgerald River National Park.

Premier Colin Barnett made the announcement today in Ravensthorpe.

The State’s $20million will cover the full length of the road from Hopetoun to Hamersley Inlet and associated car-parks, day visit facility upgrades (lookouts, barbecues, shelters and walkways) and camping facilities at Hamersley Inlet.

A tourist walk trail will also be developed as part of the project.

Construction is planned to start in January from the Hamersley Inlet section commencing at the end of the currently sealed track. It is intended that at least five kilometres of road will be built this summer, dependent on the length of the dry season.

The project includes the reconstruction and sealing of existing roads including Hamersley Drive (from Hopetoun to Hamersley Inlet) and Bremer Bay to Point Ann - which will proceed when Federal funding is confirmed. Works will be undertaken by Main Roads directly engaging local contractors.

Construction along the route from Hopetoun to Hamersley Inlet and all end point facilities is expected to be completed by mid-2011.

Mr Barnett said the sealed road would be a boost to the region’s tourism industry and benefit communities that had been badly affected by the economic slowdown.

“In the wake of BHP Billiton’s decision in January to close its Ravensthorpe nickel operations, the Liberal-National Government stepped in to support the community with a protection package for local services like health and education and to provide grant assistance to local businesses,” the Premier said.

“As well as this, we pledged to improve access from the western and eastern ends to tourists sites in the Fitzgerald River National Park. The State Government is delivering on that commitment to the benefit of families and businesses in the region.”

Tourism Minister Elizabeth Constable said the road would increase the tourist appeal of areas previously difficult to reach.

“One of the limiting factors to the popularity of Hopetoun as a tourist destination is the lack of road access to the Fitzgerald River National Park,” Dr Constable said.

“This project will go a long way to encouraging the expansion of the tourism industry in Hopetoun.”

Environment Minister Donna Faragher said the proposed road works, which had received Federal environmental approval, would eliminate the need for people to use tracks which were disturbing the biodiversity of the area.

“The park has a high concentration of flora and fauna, many of which are threatened species and as well as avoiding disturbance to the area’s biodiversity, controlled access to the Park may also help in managing dieback,” Mrs Faragher said.

Premier's office - 9222 9475