SAVE OUR JARRAH

The camping area known as Gooralong is now part of Serpentine Park has been closed for camping and vehicles for over 4 years. This is mainly but not solely due to the pine trees being unsafe. The Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) have contracted FPC to remove them however there have been numerous delays.

FPC will, we understand, now take the pines out in Spring/Summer – say October 2009 perhaps.

The closure of a popular camping site has been a terrible blow for Jarrahdale. It is ideal for passive recreation which we can all enjoy. The walk trails, picnic spots and the creek all require sensitive development. It has the potential to provide employment and considerable tourism value for the businesses in the area. The Shire is now promoting Serpentine Valley, and “Brand Jarrahdale” could be next.

There is a Management Plan for the Serpentine National Park which incorporates improvements to Gooralong but nothing has happened in 10 years. The constant delays are no longer acceptable. DEC must be made responsible and with community consultation plans must be put into place so that we can all benefit from this natural attribute. Figures are available showing that Serpentine National Park used to have higher visitor numbers than John Forrest National Park yet resources are not put into the northern, neglected, end of the park.