WA Environment Minister Reece Whitby confirms ‘future’ interest in Boranup ‘Karri Bowl’ project

The State’s Environment Minister has given his strongest indication yet an ambitious tourism and conservation project earmarked for the Boranup Forest could win WA Government support.

In 2020, the Times reported the Margaret River-Busselton Tourism Association’s Karri Bowl project proposed shifting a 3km section of Caves Road to make way for a state-of-the-art interpretive centre as well as a base for nature-based tourism and conservation efforts.

MRBTA and other stakeholders have since beavered away in backroom talks with the State Government while sharpening their focus on the Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park after December’s devastating Calgardup bushfire.

In Parliament last month, Minister Reece Whitby signalled his approval for the ambitious multi-million-dollar project.

“I am very happy to look at this Karri Bowl proposal,” he said.

“And I have been taken through it step by step, and it is something in the future I am really keen to pursue.

“We look at where the best spend is and we are spending millions and millions of dollars in our national parks right across the State in terms of facilities and upgrades.”

Mr Whitby said the project would bolster cave-protection and tourism opportunities.

“It is just something that we need to look at in the future,” he said.

In February, MRBTA and other local groups including the wine association and Shire of Augusta-Margaret River unveiled a six-point plan calling for more funding and support for the national park.

Pressure was also on the Government to invest more in the tired Cape-to-Cape Track, with the State Government’s new tourism focus including more upmarket camping experiences and nature-based tourism.

MRBTA chief executive Sharna Kearney said operators at a meeting with Mr Whitby on Thursday were pleased he understood the significance of the national park and its unique open access.

“The minister was very supportive of a curated experience in the Boranup karri forest, including an elevated forest walk, to help visitors understand the conservation and cultural heritage values of the park, and provide the park with a much-needed identity and ongoing revenue source,” she told the Times.

“He said that he had shared his enthusiasm for the project with the Tourism Minister, which is a promising sign that the Conserving the Capes initiative is being considered across portfolios.”

No funding commitments were yet to be made.