Securing the future of a Pemberton icon - 30 January 2009
A vision for the future of the Pemberton Forest Park, including the iconic Pemberton Pool, is set to be revealed in March.
The South West Development Commission has spent the past couple of months working with local groups and residents to develop a blueprint for how the park should be managed in the future.
Consultant David Kerr, who has been employed by the Commission to develop a management plan for the park, said stakeholders had been working cooperatively to help him prepare the document.
“While there are still areas to be negotiated, the consulting team are confident that a workable solution will be able to be put in place in the near future,” he said.
“The positive input from meetings to date has identified a way forward that will secure the asset for the community and allow multi-use of the area. Enabling local input through the establishment of an advisory group, upgrading the level of maintenance and developing onsite infrastructure have all been identified as important.”
Mr Kerr said it was anticipated that the management plan will be completed by the middle of March.
“The transfer of the land to the appropriate body will occur once they have finalised any further requirements,” he said.
South West Development Commission chief executive Don Punch said the reserve was a valuable community asset that was also an important part of Pemberton’s growing appeal as a tourist destination.
“The Commission is also supporting the Pemberton Visitor Centre to obtain public liability insurance to ensure that the public are able to use the facility,” he said.
For more information regarding the Pemberton Forest Park Management Plan, phone David Kerr on 0418 666 089.
…ENDS
Media contact:
Teneille Watson
Community Relations Officer
M: 0417 961 051