25/01/01
Environment Minister Cheryl Edwardes has reaffirmed the Government’s strong commitment to the construction of a Shark Bay World Heritage Interpretive Centre at Denham.
“The centre is an integral part of the Government’s commitment to fostering a better understanding and appreciation of this World Heritage-listed region,” she said.
“This Government strongly supports the centre and the community’s call for it to be built on Hughes Street opposite the Denham foreshore.”
The Shark Bay World Heritage Property Ministerial Council discussed the Centre in October when it met in Perth.
The Council comprises Commonwealth Environment Minister Senator Robert Hill, Commonwealth Attorney General Daryl Williams, State Environment Minister Cheryl Edwardes and State Tourism and Mines Minister Norman Moore.
The Council discussed concept plans which include a visitor’s interpretation centre, expected to cost more than $7.6 million, and which would be linked to the diverse areas and qualities of the region. Plans also provide for a management precinct, expected to cost $5 million, to incorporate administrative and management facilities for the Shark Bay Shire, Fisheries WA and the Department of Conservation and Land Management.
Mrs Edwardes has asked the World Heritage Centre Steering Committee to help the process with further financial analysis on funding the project.
The plan was co-ordinated by the Gascoyne Development Commission and prepared by Jones Coulter Young architects and urban designers in consultation with ERM Mitchell McCotter, Ralph Beattie Bosworth and World Heritage interpretive expert Alan Fox.
The process involved substantial consultation with the local community, business associations, tourism groups and neighbouring shires.
It was overseen by the World Heritage Centre Steering Committee that comprises the Gascoyne Development Commission, WA Tourism Commission, Contract and Management Services, Fisheries WA, Department of Conservation and Land Management, WA Museum, Shire of Shark Bay and community representatives from Denham and Carnarvon.
Media contact: Steve Manchee 9421 7777
