In-demand Wilsons Promontory National Park is set to benefit from new accommodation, with UWOOD Projects appointed to design and build some new cabins at Tidal River.
The cabins are being delivered as part of the $23 million Wilsons Prom Revitalisation project which is improving park facilities so people can visit, stay and learn about the Prom in a more accessible and enjoyable way.
The cabins will be ideal for families and small groups looking to spend more time exploring one of the state's most special natural places.
Situated on the former site of the Parks Victoria depot and alongside existing accommodation, this project will improve roofed accommodation capacity at a park that records close to 100 per cent occupancy rates during peak periods. Additional cabins will also be created just outside the park's northern boundary.
Another focus of the revitalisation project is to improve the main visitor area at Tidal River. The visitor centre will be revamped to improve how people arrive, access park information and connect to other areas. Proposed improvements include a covered outdoor space for people to sit and relax, and a new toilet block with a Changing Places facility for all-abilities access.
Draft designs for these upgrades were discussed with the public earlier this year, and a summary report of feedback has been published on Engage Victoria.
Elsewhere in the park, this major investment will deliver an all-abilities upgrade of the Wildlife Walk and a new Telegraph Saddle trail to connect Tidal River and Mount Oberon.
Environmental, cultural heritage and planning assessments are continuing across all projects this year, with the majority of on-ground works expected to commence during 2024 and 2025.
It's a busy time for the national park. Along with upgrades to visitor facilities, and conservation programs to make the park a 50,000-hectare climate-change safe haven, a new management plan is being created.
To be developed with Traditional Owners, the plan will outline how the national park and surrounding marine areas should be protected, visited and celebrated for the next 15 years.
The first stage of community consultation on the new plan closed in July. Through workshops, stakeholder meetings and an online survey, early ideas were discussed on topics such as responding to climate change, managing visitor demand, and balancing recreation with conservation.
These ideas will help in the development of a draft management plan, which will be shared for public feedback in 2024.
The Wilsons Prom Revitalisation project is funded as part of the $633 million Visitor Economy Recovery and Reform Plan.
- For more details about the Wilsons Prom Revitalisation project visit: www.parks.vic.gov.au/projects
