ARCHITECTURAL design for a $1 million-plus tourism and community fac-ility in Northcliffe will commence soon.
The project involves the Northcliffe Tourist Centre, Northcliffe Telecentre, the Department of Conservation and Land Management, the Shire of Manji-mup and the Manjimup Aboriginal Corporation.
South West Development Commission chairman Stuart Morgan said the new facility would have a significant impact on the economy of the Northcliffe area.
“Since the 1995 closure of the North-cliffe timber mill, tourism has emerged as the leading prospect for industry dev-elopment in the area,” Mr Morgan said.
“However, the existing building that houses the visitor centre, public library, Gardiner Rock Collection, an Aboriginal interpretive display and museum is overcrowded and unsuited to visitors.”
In conjunction with CALM, the Manjimup Aboriginal Corporation will develop interpretive material for the nearby D’Entrecasteaux National Park and train Aboriginal guides for tourism.
The Shire of Manjimup has under-taken land rezoning and site approvals while the local RSL has pledged funds for the redevelopment of the public library within the new complex.