Karratha viewing platform gets council nod

A $400,000 suspended viewing platform will finally give Karratha’s most frequented lookout the facilities required to become a genuine attraction for locals and visitors.

The tank hill lookout above the Karratha Visitor Centre has long been an ideal spot for visitors to get their first glimpse of Karratha, but until now facilities have been limited to a few benches and a degraded access track.

At last Monday’s council meeting, councillors voted almost unanimously in favour of endorsing the project scope and proceeding to tender.

Under plans approved by the council, an elevated lookout jutting out from the hill, boulders for signage, telescopes, carpark grading and improvement of the existing shade structures would be constructed.

The build now hinges on gaining approval from Water Corporation in which the land is vested and the council agreeing to adopt funds required in the 2016/17 budget.

Should all things go to plan the lookout is expected to take 24 weeks to erect.

Karratha Community Association president Jo Pritchard said presenting a good first impression at tank hill would encourage visitors to stay in town longer.

“I think the lookout is a really good asset to the town because a lot of people go up there,” she said.

“Now that tourism is playing a bigger part it is important to develop these trails.”

Mrs Pritchard said the KCA had been invited to be involved in developing signage for the project.

Cr Garry Bailey voted against the motion, noting the disparity in funding between this and the lookout at Mt Welcome above Roebourne.

Recently, seven Aboriginal warrior statues similar to those above the Leisureplex were erected at Mt Welcome lookout.

The $400,000 mooted for the project has been included in the council’s draft 2016/17 budget.

The City of Karratha failed to respond by time of print.