Ecotourism boost

Camping in the picturesque Millstream Chichester National Park is set to get a makeover with the tender for a new eco-tourism accommodation being given to a local Aboriginal corporation.

Covering close to 200,000ha around the Fortescue River, the park features a stunning natural landscape of ancient volcanic ranges, tablelands, and water systems. The Yindjibarndi Aboriginal Corporation received the lease to develop an ecotourist camp at Palm Pool in the national park, which will include 25 glamping-style safari tents, caravan and camping sites, and a restaurant.

The opportunity for the Palm Pool site was co-ordinated by the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation, and Attractions and is part of the State Government’s two year action plan for nature-based tourism in WA.

Yindjibarndi Aboriginal Corporation chief executive Michael Woodley said YAC was excited to be granted the opportunity to develop an eco-retreat on Yindjibarndi Country at Palm Pool.

“The opportunity could enable new employment opportunities for our people on country and provide the basis for Yindjibarndi people to share and educate national and international visitors about our culture,” he said.

“Yindjibarndi Aboriginal Corporation looks forward to developing an ongoing partnership with the State Government, which is crucial to the project’s eventual development.”

Minister for the Environment Stephen Dawson said the State Government was committed to developing environmentally sensitive tourism accommodation experiences in WA.

“The traditional owners of this area, the Yindjibarndi people who are represented through YAC, maintain strong cultural connections to their land and are supportive of sharing their culture through tourism,” he said.