Upgrading a natural jewel
Exploration of opportunities for further upgrading of John Forrest National Park, with assessment of options, has been progressed over the past 12 months and will continue to be an important focus.
Planning for the revitalisation of this wonderful natural asset on Perth’s doorstep is being undertaken as a joint project between the WA Parks Foundation and the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions.
The shared vision, “Experience the best of WA’s national parks at John Forrest” is to make JFNP Perth’s gateway national park. The aim is to improve facilities and the visitor experience through revitalisation as well as promoting the wonders of the State’s other national parks.
A visitor centre with interpretive, educational, administrative, commercial and gallery spaces is envisaged as a central attraction as well as improvements to other features such Glen Brook Dam, Hovea and National Park Falls, all trails, additional parking and the scenic drive.
Upgrading works already completed by DBCA or in progress at the John Forrest National Park include:
- completion of pedestrian bridges (Jane Brook, Glen Brook, Railway Reserve Heritage Trail)
- heritage garden bed redevelopment
- stonework such as construction of retaining walls
- resealing entry roads and carparks; and
- a slip lane to create a safer entry to the park from Great Eastern Highway.
This investment in capital works demonstrates DBCA’s commitment to revitalisation and has made a positive difference and further infrastructure works are planned, to be staged as funding becomes available.
Hovea Falls, John Forrest National Park
In addition, through the Foundation’s valued partnership with Chevron Australia, park upgrades have included the installation of a universal access barbecue, a nature playground and interpretive signs showcasing the history of the Swan View Railway Tunnel.
“Our corporate partners are playing an important part in helping us to achieve this vision for John Forrest, WA’s earliest established national park, said WA Foundation Chair, the Hon Kerry Sanderson.
“I take this opportunity to also acknowledge the financial support generously given by the Fortescue Metals Group (FMG) to assist the WA Parks Foundation in its work on the John Forrest National Park planning stages and other activities,” she said.
“The support is much appreciated.”
