ONE of the hinterland’s most beloved – and until recently, hidden – natural jewels is set for a major redevelopment.
Conondale National Park and the Booloumba Creek camping sites will receive a $2.1 million cash injection from the State Government to increase and improve their camping grounds and capacity.
Environment Minister Meaghan Scanlon says local construction company Be! Building Group Pty Ltd will be responsible for leading the upgrades for the Booloumba Creek 1 camping area.
“Work on a major upgrade of the camping area’s facilities is expected to start on Monday 6 February and is due to be completed by the end of June, weather permitting,” she said.
“Upgrades will include the construction of two day-visitor parking areas, a new persons-with-disability (PWD) campsite and a new amenities block.
“Three new trailer/campervan/caravan camping sites will also be constructed which will increase the overall visitor capacity of the site to 150 people.”
David Salmon from Be! Building Group says they started the project on February 6 and is expected to conclude by the end of June, and will employ around 60 personnel to assist with construction.
“Whilst we are still finalising some procurement, we anticipate most of these personnel will be based locally on the Sunshine Coast and hinterland area,” he said.
“We are also working with local companies where possible for material supply and logistics, which we estimate will include an additional 20 to 25 local businesses.”
Ms Scanlon also highlighted the significant contribution national parks have on Queensland’s economy and that protecting them is her utmost priority.
