Heavy rain forces yet another delay to William Bay National Park upgrades

William Bay National Park’s grand reopening has been delayed until November after last month’s heavy rains put the brakes on the final stages of its upgrades. The tourist hotspots of Greens Pool and Elephant Rocks have been off-limits to the public since February, as works to seal roads, create additional parking bays, paths and toilets were completed. The project was originally scheduled to be finished in June but has been pushed back at least three times. Most recently, the opening was stalled in July due to trespassers entering the park’s active worksites. Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions regional leader parks and visitors services Tim Foley said he understood the public’s frustrations but the department was doing all it could to open the key attraction. Mr Foley said an exceptionally wet August had caused damage to already sealed roads and prevented workers from finishing off the project. “We really need a bit more drying time to be able to complete the road sealing component of the works,” he said. “All I can do is ask the community to be that little bit more patient. “We can’t open the site until we have the work completed, it wouldn’t be safe to do so. “I am confident that we will be able to open in November. “I know it is a little bit of time to hang on but hopefully when people get down there and they see the improvements, the extra parking and the better access and flow of vehicles, it will reduce frustration, particularly at busy times when it can get gridlocked down in that carpark. “We are working as quickly as we can with our contractors to get the works completed. “We are making the most of every opportunity around the weather to complete the sealing works which is the big component that we need to get done now. “There is no concern for the summer school holiday period, everything should be up and running and back to normal.” Upgrades to paths leading to the beach, surrounding trails and lookouts will be in the pipeline over the next few years but will not affect the public’s access to the park.