Caravan plan to open up Cossack for tourists

Tourists could soon be able to park up in the North West’s oldest town as the City of Karratha and the Ngarluma Yindjibarndi Foundation work on plans to permit self-contained accommodation in Cossack.

The Pilbara News understands sites near Settlers Beach and Readers Head Lookout are being considered for self-contained travellers to stay for up to two nights.

City of Karratha Mayor Peter Long said the plan was well supported locally, but would rely on the approval of the WA Government.

“The City is negotiating with NYFL to look at allowing camping for fully self-contained RV vehicles for 48 hours,” he said. “We are hopeful as we always are, but we have spent many years and thousands of hours working on plans for Cossack.

“Every time we submit plans someone identifies another problem. We don’t know how much further we have to go — we have great planners working on it.”

Mr Long said long-term plans would allow for businesses such as a distillery to open up in Cossack.

A meeting was held between the Cossack Rum Company and Mr Long in January.

It would be a welcome win for the Ngarluma Yindjibarndi Foundation, having faced several hurdles since taking on management of Cossack from the City of Karratha last year.

The plan would also come as good news for the landowners of Cossack.

Some have been waiting for progress on the “Broome of the Pilbara” vision for more than 20 years — progress which has been stifled by every level of government at various times.

Landowner Terry Patterson said he was thankful the City was trying to cut through the red tape.

“Finally the potential of Cossack will start getting out there,” he said.

“This is a start that will lead to other things.”

NYFL did not respond by time of print.