- Upgraded walkways and lookouts at Bunbury's Maidens Reserve officially opened
- Construction of $5 million works completed ahead of schedule
- Works form part of Cook Labor Government's Plan for Our Parks initiative
Upgrades to Maidens Reserve south of Bunbury are now complete, with visitors able to access two new lookouts at the Kalgulup Regional Park site.
The lower lookout - which is 45 metres above sea level - can be accessed by a 670-metre-long assisted wheelchair-accessible pathway, while the upper lookout is 67 metres above sea level.
Following the completion of the new walkways and lookouts earlier this year, the project has recently been given its finishing touches, with landscaping and revegetation work complete and interpretive signage showcasing the cultural, natural, and historical values of the park installed.
Maidens Reserve has welcomed more than 5000 visitors per month since the lookouts and pathways opened to the public earlier this year.
Kalgulup Regional Park is managed by the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions' Parks and Wildlife Service and was created as part of the State Government's Plan for Our Parks initiative.
That initiative is set to deliver five million hectares of new national parks and reserves by the end of this year.
As stated by Acting Environment Minister Dr Tony Buti:
"The Cook Government is committed to supporting projects that can benefit the Western Australian community by providing nature-based tourism, creating local jobs, and supporting more accessible attractions.
"This project creates local jobs, a nature-based recreational opportunity and, importantly, will ensure key sites in Kalgulup Regional Park are accessible to all visitors.
"These upgrades, along with work underway to further improve nearby Mangrove Cove, are part of the Cook Government's election commitment to create and manage Kalgulup Regional Park."
As stated by Bunbury MLA Don Punch:
"Bunbury enjoys a beautiful natural environment that the accessible Maidens Reserves upgrades gives everyone the opportunity to get out, experience and enjoy.
"Kalgulup Regional Park came about because of years of community advocacy by people like Bernhard Bischoff to recognise and protect our natural environment, so this is a significant achievement for our community.
"The Maidens Reserve is a fantastic asset for our community that has created a new attraction for visitors and gives the local community a new opportunity to get out and appreciate our place in the world."
