The Department of Parks and Wildlife (DPAW) is nearing completion of the upgrades to the camping and day use facilities at Potters Gorge on the banks of the Wellington Dam.
The redevelopments have included new toilets, picnic shelters, barbecues and a dedicated waste disposal point for caravan owners.
The overall design included two dedicated sites adjacent to pathways and toilet and shelter facilities for mobility impaired visitors, in keeping with DPAW’s disability inclusion strategy.
The project coincided with the reopening of the Wellington Dam Kiosk, playing a role in the management of the site.
Potters Gorge will use an online booking system for both campers and caravans accessed through the DPAW website.
DPAW have opened two of three new loops with the remaining loop estimated to be opened by September due to the ongoing construction works for the new day use area, set to open by June 2017.
DPAW Operations Officer and Project Manager Nick Evans said the site was designed to draw tourism to the South West and aid the environment.
“The redevelopments, funded by the Parks For People - Royalties for Regions program, is in response to a growing demand for improved facilities within easy reach of Perth and locations to the south,” he said.
“The new development will see improved access and facilities for caravan users and campers alike.
“Additionally, it will be a strategic base for groups wishing to take advantage of the many outdoor activities that the national park currently provides.”
DPAW Parks and Visitors Services Coordinator Leon Price said it has combined with other projects including the re-building of the Possum Springs Hut on the Bibbulmun Track, after the Lower Hotham bush fire, and a new two-cubicle toilet at Stockton Lake to replace the existing facility.
He said DPAW has consulted with the Shire of Collie on upcoming projects including the South West Mountain Bike Master Plan and new alignment for the Munda Biddi Mountain Bike Trail.
“We are part of the committee for recreation in the Collie area so we liaise and work collaboratively with the Shire to look at how our plans can interface with their own future developments,” he said.
“Our projects will play a substantial part to increasing the facilities available in the Collie area for visitors to come and enjoy and thereby increase the potential for an economic boost to the town.
“It is all part of our ongoing commitment to recreational users that will flow on to the Collie community in the future.”
