More visitors will soon be able to enjoy one of the Sunshine Coast’s most popular camping areas thanks to a $2.1 million upgrade by the Queensland Government.
Environment Minister Meaghan Scanlon said a contract had recently been awarded to local construction company Be! Building Group Pty Ltd for the upgrade of Conondale National Park’s Booloumba Creek 1 camping area.
“Conondale National Park is renowned for its lush rainforest, tall eucalypt forest, cascading waterfalls, boulder-strewn creek and spectacular scenery,” Minister Scanlon said.
“Booloumba Creek 1 camping area is a relatively secluded campsite set amongst the rainforest on the banks of Booloumba Creek.
“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.
“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.
“Access to the camping area will be closed during construction but visitors will still be able to enjoy Booloumba Creek 3 and 4 camping areas, or the nearby Charlie Moreland camping area in Imbil State Forest.”
David Salmon from Be! Building Group said approximately 60 personnel will be involved in the delivery of the Booloumba Creek redevelopment throughout the project.
“This will consist of Be! Building Group staff, consultants, and site-based subcontractors,” Mr Salmon said.
“Whilst we are still finalising some procurement, we anticipate most of these personnel will be based locally on the Sunshine Coast and hinterland area.
“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 said the Queensland Government was committed to maintaining and improving its national parks and State forests.
“We know our national parks contribute $2.7 billion to Queensland’s economy and are an important part of Queensland’s great lifestyle,” Minister Scanlon said.
“These capital works will ensure visitors have a safe and enjoyable experience in our parks, and that our protected areas are well preserved for generations to come.”
