JOINT STATEMENT BY DEC AND MR TAFFY ABBOTTS
The settlement agreement between the Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) and Mr Taffy (Neville) Abbotts over contractual arrangements at Mt Hart Wilderness Lodge has been finalised.
Mt Hart Wilderness Lodge is a popular tourism facility in King Leopold Ranges Conservation Park and has been managed by Mr Abbotts since 1991. The successful conclusion of the steps agreed to by Mr Abbotts and DEC means that Mr Abbotts has now left Mt Hart for retirement.
DEC's Deputy Director General Parks and Conservation, Mr Jim Sharp, said the department appreciated Mr Abbotts' contribution at Mt Hart and understood his desire to take on something new after 20 years.
"I am pleased that we have been able to end our association with Mr Abbotts on a positive note and I wish him well with his next venture," Mr Sharp said.
Mr Abbotts confirmed that he was leaving Mt Hart voluntarily.
"I love that Mt Hart country so much, and I have nothing but deepest respect and appreciation for the incredible characters of the local Kimberley community who have stood by me over all these years. I hope those who take over the running of that special place I have called home, and cared for, will do it justice and continue to conserve the historic homesteads and gardens for both the people of the Kimberley and wider Australia," he said.
DEC will continue to operate Mt Hart as a tourism facility as ‘business as usual' during the 2011 tourist season having appointed Stephanie Toy as manager.
The department plans to lease the property to a commercial operator from 2012 via a soon to be advertised call for expressions of interest.
