Negotiations underway for new management of Home Valley Station as staff sought for Gibb River Road attraction

The reopening of Home Valley Station is a step closer, with preferred operators selected and negotiations underway for management of the popular East Kimberley attraction, as native title holders hire employees for their new tourism venture along the Gibb River Road. The future of the East Kimberley station has been unclear since July last year, when management of the tourist-focussed property transferred from Indigenous Land and Sea Corporation subsidiary Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia to the ILSC. The ILSC this week confirmed Expressions of Interest for the management of Home Valley Station had closed, and it was in negotiations with the preferred tenderer. An ILSC spokesperson said the entity hoped a successful operator would be confirmed in the “near future”. While the ILSC could not confirm an opening date for the popular camping spot or reveal the successful tenderer, it is understood native title holders Balanggarra Aboriginal Corporation and a prominent conservation group are close to signing an agreement to manage the 250,000 hectare station. It comes as Balanggarra this week announced it was hiring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates for a “new indigenous tourism venture along the Gibb River Road”. Positions in housekeeping, retail, reception and cleaning have been advertised, as well as grounds keeper, tour guide and management roles. Home Valley Station and other attractions along the eastern end of the Gibb River Road remain inaccessible due to high river crossings and road damage. El Questro and Diggers Rest have opened their doors, with remaining attractions on track to open in May. Home Valley Station was closed last year as a result of COVID-19.