THE HON TANYA PLIBERSEK MP
Minister for the Environment and Water
MARION SCRYMGOUR MP
Member for Lingiari
MEDIA RELEASE
Friday, 3 November 2023
Albanese Government delivers new Margaret Knoll Lookout
The Albanese Government has completed a $2.9 million upgrade of the Margaret Knoll boardwalk and lookout at Christmas Island National Park.
The Margaret Knoll lookout has a spectacular view of the coastline and is a popular birdwatching spot for visitors and residents.
The existing boardwalk and lookout needed extensive repair due to structural concerns causing potential safety risks.
The upgrade consisted of entirely replacing the dilapidated viewing platform and boardwalk. Sustainable design elements included new visitor seating made from recycled plastic.
The new lookout will provide visitors with a modern and safe vantage point to closely observe the many unique birds of Christmas Island such as the endangered Abbott’s booby and Christmas Island frigatebird.
Christmas Island National Park is a globally important breeding ground for a number of species of booby bird – large tropical seabirds - and to celebrate the rare species that call the island home, a booby bird sculpture features on the new lookout.
Funding for the new Margaret Knoll boardwalk and lookout is part of the Albanese Government’s $233 million investment to deliver infrastructure upgrades across our Commonwealth national parks.
Quotes attributable to Tanya Plibersek, Minister for the Environment and Water:
“After a decade of neglect under the Liberals and Nationals, the Albanese Government is getting on with the job of fixing important infrastructure across our Commonwealth national parks.
“Christmas Island National Park is one of Australia’s best birdwatching destinations and we now have a world-class lookout to encounter these precious species up close.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Lingiari Marion Scrymgour:
“Lookouts are great places, as they give people rare moments to just soak up the peace and beauty of a place, and sometimes an opportunity to reflect on things.
“The Margaret Knoll Lookout is a much-loved Christmas Island view, and the work that’s been done will be enjoyed by many people into the future. I’d like to thank the national parks people for looking after this area and the workers who got the job done.”
ENDS
