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Lane Poole to be ready for holidays

Work has begun on turning the degraded Baden Powell camping ground in Lane Poole Reserve on the Murray River into a vibrant recreation area with a canoe launch.

Environment Minister Albert Jacob said the $1.2 million project, in the hills about 20km north-east of Waroona, would provide a picnic area, barbecues, car parking, toilets and a safer river access for canoe launching.

Camping at Lane Poole Reserve

The project is part of the State Government’s $21 million Parks for People initiative and is funded by the Royalties for Regions program under the Western Australian Caravan and Camping Action Plan 2013-18.

Regional Development Minister Terry Redman said the plan provided access to affordable holiday experiences for people within WA.

“Projects such as the Baden Powell revitalisation will create employment prospects for local contractors and services, bringing sustainable economic development in the regions, ” Mr Redman said.

South West MLC Colin Holt has welcomed the announcement of campsite upgrades in the popular Lane Poole Reserve near Dwellingup.

Mr Holt said Lane Poole Reserve had benefited from two other comprehensive campground upgrades under the Parks for People and WA Caravan and Camping Action Plan.

Lane Poole Reserve, east of Waroona

“They included construction of the new Baden Powell camp ground to provide 42 camp sites, three camp kitchens and new toilets, and upgrades to the Nanga Brook campground which will be open in time for school holidays, ” Mr Holt said.

“These upgrades and redevelopments will make visitor and camper access to the reserve easier and improve the experience associated with visiting the breathtaking natural surrounds of the region.

“It is classified as a reserve due to its high conservation value, represented by natural ecosystems and the habitat it provides for particular species of plants and animals.

“It contains stretches of the Munda Biddi Trail and Bibbulmun Track, tracts of enchanting jarrah, marri and wandoo forest, more than 500 species of native flora and takes in the Harvey River, which offers recreational fishing, canoeing and swimming opportunities.”

Mr Jacob said Lane Poole Reserve covered more than 50,000 hectares of jarrah forest and attracted more than 200,000 visitors a year.

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