Hammersley Inlet campground is surrounded by Fitzgerald River National Park. Photo: Google Maps.
Ravensthorpe Shire intends to allow chalet development at the Hammersley Inlet camp ground.
Council voted last week to ask the WA Department of Lands and Heritage to add “Tourism” to the list of approved uses for the reserve surrounded by Fitzgerald River National Park.
A shire spokesperson said they were interested in developing unique tourism accommodation which was compatible and complimented the existing ecological value of Fitzgerald River National Park.
“The focus is currently on developing an eco-accommodation development with waterfront views overlooking the Hamersley River Inlet, which presents as a unique investment opportunity in a highly sought-after location to attract higher yielding visitors,” they said.
“There are no alternative forms of accommodation for visitors who do not wish to camp.”
Shire president Tom Major said they were keen to keep progressing as a joint venture between the Shire and the National Park management, particularly after two local mines closed down last year.
“We’ve got three main economic pillars in the shire being agriculture, mining, and tourism,” he said.
“Tourism is critically important in that it makes all the small businesses in the shire viable.
“You know, your pubs, your bakeries, any hospitality-type businesses make those businesses viable, creates jobs, brings people to the region, and generally improves the liveability of the place.”
