Albany Mayor Milton Evans said the park’s official opening the day before Anzac Day would be attended by some important dignitaries.

Albany will be host to the Mayor of Peronne, France, Valerie Kumm; an official party of representatives from Peronne; the Mayor of the City of Gallipoli, Mustafa Ozacar; Western Australian Premier Colin Barnett and several State Government and military representatives.

Mr Evans said he was thrilled to be welcoming state, national and international visitors to the city and encouraged the community to attend the park’s dedication on April 24.

“It was from King George Sound that over 30,000 Australian and New Zealand troops sailed for the Great War in two convoys that departed on November 1 and December 31, 1914.

“Albany was also the place of Australia’s first official Anzac Day Dawn Service.

“The peace park is our dedication to the Anzacs. We are working on a major international event. The dedication of the park is just the beginning.”

Mr Evans said the park precinct gave emphasis to Albany’s significance in the Anzac story.

“The City has worked closely with the RSL to provide an area that honours the past, while creating what will become a beautifully landscaped space on the edge of the harbour,” he said.

“Once a year, on Anzac Day, we can pay tribute to those who fought for peace.

“At other times, people will use the area for reflection and recreation, as it becomes an integral part of the extended foreshore development.”

Mr Evans said the 2014 Anzac Centenary events would be an opportunity for Albany to showcase its unique cultural heritage attractions and deliver a world-class tourism experience.

“Individuals, community groups and services are encouraged to attend and participate in the dedication in April,” he said.

“The strategic committee welcomed interested community and business representatives in planning the centenary and assisting with the 2014/15 centenary strategic planning.”

Works to upgrade the Mt Clarence war memorial infrastructure will be ready in time for the centenary. The first stages of the development were supported by $433,000 from the Premier and Cabinet, and from Veterans’ Affairs.