Karratha CBD park officially opened

The bare bush which connects the Red Earth Arts Precinct to Karratha Shopping Centre has been transformed into a community space with indigenous art, native plants and picnic tables and water bottle refill stations.

Walgu Park was officially opened on September 15 by His Excellency Governor-General David Hurley and City of Karratha Mayor Peter Long, with the space now ready to be used by the public.

Mr Long said the park provided a critical link between REAP and the Karratha CBD.

“Walgu Park, meaning “you can come” in Ngarluma language, gives residents a connection between restaurants, bars and cafes, and the library, cinema and theatre,” he said.

“For visitors to our town, Walgu Park provides an inviting space that helps to welcome them into our community.”

The $2.28 million project was funded by the City, the Federal Government’s Building Better Regions Fund and the State Government through Royalties for Regions administered by the Pilbara Development Commission.

PDC chief executive Terry Hill said the commission had supported the park development with a contribution of $350,000 leveraged through WA’s existing investment into the Red Earth Arts Precinct.

“GSBC-Yurra and the City of Karratha have done a great job in the design of the park next to the creek — with the trails and native vegetation, it has a ‘Pilbara’ feel,” he said.