WHILE Booderee National Park has been closed to the public during the COVID-19 pandemic, Parks Australia staff and the Wreck Bay Aboriginal Community have not been sitting idle combining to undertake a number of upgrades to the popular park.
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Infrastructure upgrades at Booderee have been accelerated, providing social and employment opportunities for the Wreck Bay Aboriginal Community.
Booderee's entry station and the visitor centre precinct have been given a facelift with landscaping and road works along with the installation of permanent boom gates, CCTV cameras, new flag poles, fencing and signs.
Park manager Luke Scott said while the park has been unable to have visitors Booderee park staff have seized the opportunity to get a lot of work done.
At this stage Booderee National Park remains closed until June 23.Parks Australia and the Wreck Bay Aboriginal Community Council will meet early next week to decide on whether to re-open the park or extend the current closure.
"When visitors are able to return, they'll be greeted by a very different looking entry to the park," Mr Scott said.
"It is looking fantastic and will enhance the experience on arrival.
"When COVID-19 restrictions started we wanted to take advantage of the closure and find opportunities to improve the park, while supporting our collaborative joint management relationships."
Booderee National Park Joint Board of Management Chair Clive Freeman acknowledges the support and understanding of the community during these trying times.
"As an Aboriginal-owned park, decisions such as park closures are not taken lightly, and the views of traditional owners and local stakeholders are all considered in these decision-making processes," Mr Freeman said.
"However, undertaking these upgrades has meant the park has been able to maintain employment, invest in regional businesses, and provide opportunities when many people have been struggling.
"It's been pleasing to do this work without further inconveniencing travellers or park locals.
"We can't wait for our loyal visitors to arrive and enjoy the upgraded areas, while appreciating and respecting the country and culture Booderee has to offer."
At this stage Booderee National Park remains closed until June 23.
Parks Australia and the Wreck Bay Aboriginal Community Council are monitoring COVID-19 developments closely and will meet early next week to decide on whether to re-open the park or extend the current closure.