Minister keen to build Aboriginal camp program

WA’s tourism minister has signalled a strong desire to retain the State’s Aboriginal camping program, though changes to the way it is implemented have been mooted.

Camping with Custodians was set up under the previous government and has so far seen three grounds opened in the Pilbara and Kimberley regions.

Mr Papalia said the concept was “brilliant”, but the rollout fell short of expectations.

“It is a great brand, but the implementation wasn’t he best,” he said.

“You have a very expensive delivery of what are essentially caravan parks or camping sites.

“The delivery in terms of how it was achieved through getting people to build their own caravan parks, I think that wasn’t very efficient.”

Shadow tourism minister Libby Mettam said the program had significant future potential.

“Camping with Custodians, which commenced in the Kimberly in 2013, allows visitors to have an authentic camping experience with an Aboriginal community, with the money paid for the accommodation staying in the community,” she said.