Over the past few months Promote Preston has talked to the community, all levels of government and key industry groups about becoming the southern gateway to an expanded Wellington National Park.
The community has been overwhelmingly supportive of this proposal with 1200 signatures collected in just eight weeks from people who live in the Donnybrook, Preston Valley, Collie region, and visitors to the area.
Spokesperson Julieanne Hilbers said the aim of Promote Preston was to create an economically and environmentally sustainable future for the valley.
“We no longer wish to be the 'forgotten valley' but rather a key part of the South West region and recognised as a world class eco-tourism destination,” she said.
"Imagine a place to plant a tree for a newborn baby and watching it grow over the years, being able to spread the ashes of a loved one and plant a tree of remembrance, a chance to walk along a path surrounded by art which has been interwoven into the forest, your friends joining you for your wedding or a naming ceremony amidst the sights and sounds of the bush, and experiencing ceremony led by Aboriginal elders."
She said they believed a ceremony area in an expanded national park was one of a cluster of activities that would make an expanded Wellington National Park something special.
“As Premier Colin Barnett has reinforced: ‘Investing in the creation of parks ensures ecotourism can be developed and marketed with certainty’,” she added.
“While the Regional Development Minister Terry Redman pointed out on May 21: ‘Conservation and ecotourism is an important investment for Royalties for Regions as it attracts investment and creates business and job opportunities for regional communities’.”
They had seen this for themselves with the development of Ferguson Valley which borders the existing Wellington National Park, she said.
“It has led to a diverse range of local micro-businesses. We are keen to attract funding for new businesses for our valley. To make it an eco-friendly place to live, work and play.”
If you wish to identify an opportunity that could enhance Promote Preston’s proposal further, email:
info@imaginegwnp.com
