Tourist spot upgrade welcomed

A multi-million dollar upgrade of one of Albany’s most popular tourist destinations is expected to get plenty of positive community response after the recent release of concept plans.

The $3.95 million enhancement of The Gap and Natural Bridge as part of the Torndirrup National Park Improvement Project will go out to tender this month with construction expected to start next year.

The project, which has been funded by Royalties for Regions, has been in the design process for the past two years and has included input from landscape architects and geotechnical engineers.

Department of Parks and Wildlife south coast parks and visitor services leader Peter Hartley said the upgrades would be a significant boost to tourism in the region.

“(We are) expecting an overall positive reaction from the community, especially the travelling public, intrastate and interstate visitors, and commercial tour operators,” he said.

“The new lookouts will greatly improve the visitors experience by allowing them to have a closer and more dramatic interaction with the coastal environment.”

Mr Hartley said the upgrade would incorporate better visitor management and greater visitor safety.

“The defined paths will guide visitors of all abilities to the key viewing locations while providing rest stops, education and interpretation of the key landscape and geological features along the way,” he said.

“Visitors will be able to experience the scale of the coastal cliffs and appreciate the raw rugged and natural beauty of the coastline all while knowing that their safety in this environment is greatly improved.”

A community information meeting is planned for September 25 at the Princess Royal Sailing Club, starting at 7.30pm.