Fitzy
15-03-2002, 02:06 PM
Press Release (copy)
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Carnarvon Gorge campground reopened
The Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) campground at Carnarvon Gorge will be reopened with a limited number of sites in time for the Easter holiday season.
Private campgrounds with more facilities are also now available just outside the park.
Environment Minister Dean Wells said the park campground was closed in October last year due to concerns that waste treatment facilities could not cope with growing visitor numbers.
"I received many representations from individuals and groups who wanted some camping on the park, but also wanted to keep the aspects that make Carnarvon special," Mr Wells said.
"In response to those community representations, I visited the park in January, then asked QPWS to review the site's carrying capacity.
"After considering the information from the review, I have decided that rather than close the campground entirely, I have directed that it be reopened with campsite numbers that will ensure access for those who wish to camp there.
"The campground will reopen on Thursday 28 March, with 35 campsites and one group booking area for use by school groups, compared with 80 sites previously.
"The smaller number of sites and a five-day limit on length of stay will balance the regeneration of the campground, available facilities, and enjoyment of the site.
"Bookings will be taken from 4 March, through the Naturally Queensland Information Centre, on (07) 3227 8198.
"Bush camping remains available at Big Bend, a 10km walk into the Gorge, and bookings for Big Bend will also be through Naturally Queensland."
Mr Wells said Carnarvon National Park had grown in popularity to become one of Queensland's most visited parks.
"Visitor numbers have increased to more than 20,000 a year and the impact on the campground had become unsustainable. Upcoming road improvements are likely to send visitor numbers higher.
"In coming months, new toilets will be built at Big Bend and the Art Gallery, walking tracks will be upgraded, the road within the park will be improved, a day-use area will be completed, and more car parking will be provided," Mr Wells said.
"To spread the visitor impacts, commercial operators are establishing campgrounds just outside the park, with more facilities and some powered sites.
"Takarakka campground will have 120 campsites by Easter, while cabins are available at Carnarvon Gorge Wilderness Lodge.
"Intending visitors can call Takarakka on (07) 4984 4535, Carnarvon Wilderness Lodge on 1800 644 150, and the Injune Information Centre on (07) 4626 1053."
Media contact: Annastacia Palaszczuk, (07) 3225 1819 or 0419 679 354
[hr]
Carnarvon Gorge campground reopened
The Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) campground at Carnarvon Gorge will be reopened with a limited number of sites in time for the Easter holiday season.
Private campgrounds with more facilities are also now available just outside the park.
Environment Minister Dean Wells said the park campground was closed in October last year due to concerns that waste treatment facilities could not cope with growing visitor numbers.
"I received many representations from individuals and groups who wanted some camping on the park, but also wanted to keep the aspects that make Carnarvon special," Mr Wells said.
"In response to those community representations, I visited the park in January, then asked QPWS to review the site's carrying capacity.
"After considering the information from the review, I have decided that rather than close the campground entirely, I have directed that it be reopened with campsite numbers that will ensure access for those who wish to camp there.
"The campground will reopen on Thursday 28 March, with 35 campsites and one group booking area for use by school groups, compared with 80 sites previously.
"The smaller number of sites and a five-day limit on length of stay will balance the regeneration of the campground, available facilities, and enjoyment of the site.
"Bookings will be taken from 4 March, through the Naturally Queensland Information Centre, on (07) 3227 8198.
"Bush camping remains available at Big Bend, a 10km walk into the Gorge, and bookings for Big Bend will also be through Naturally Queensland."
Mr Wells said Carnarvon National Park had grown in popularity to become one of Queensland's most visited parks.
"Visitor numbers have increased to more than 20,000 a year and the impact on the campground had become unsustainable. Upcoming road improvements are likely to send visitor numbers higher.
"In coming months, new toilets will be built at Big Bend and the Art Gallery, walking tracks will be upgraded, the road within the park will be improved, a day-use area will be completed, and more car parking will be provided," Mr Wells said.
"To spread the visitor impacts, commercial operators are establishing campgrounds just outside the park, with more facilities and some powered sites.
"Takarakka campground will have 120 campsites by Easter, while cabins are available at Carnarvon Gorge Wilderness Lodge.
"Intending visitors can call Takarakka on (07) 4984 4535, Carnarvon Wilderness Lodge on 1800 644 150, and the Injune Information Centre on (07) 4626 1053."
Media contact: Annastacia Palaszczuk, (07) 3225 1819 or 0419 679 354