The
Cook Labor Government will deliver more than $165 million for new and upgraded
boating facilities, campgrounds, trails and tourist attractions across Western Australia,
to make it easier for more Western Australians to enjoy the State's great
outdoors.
Funded
through the 2024-25 State Budget, the Outdoor Adventure Tourism package will
encourage more local visitation to regional tourism destinations, supporting
local businesses and helping to diversify regional economies.
The
package includes an $82.4 million investment into boating and maritime
facilities across the State, to help Western Australians enjoy the State's
stunning oceans and rivers. Projects include:
- $17.5 million to extend northern breakwater at
Jurien Bay Boat Harbour, improving water quality at the marina and opening up
opportunities for private investment at the harbour;
- an additional $9.1 million towards the Woodman
Point Ammo Jetty replacement;
- $6.5 million towards stage two of the Onslow
Marina Community Boating Precinct, delivering new pens for recreational and
charter vessels;
- $4.25 million to deliver a new jetty for charter
vessels at Albany Waterfront Marina and a new finger jetty at the Little Grove
Boat Ramp in Albany; and
- $4 million for a new fishing platform in Bunbury,
as part of the Transforming Bunbury's Waterfront project.
A further $45.8 million will be invested into
trails and other recreational facilities, including a significant $17.5 million
injection to complete the iconic Wadandi Track in the South West, extending the
multipurpose walking and bike riding trail to nearly 110 kilometres, making it
one of the longest trails in Australia. Other projects include:
- $8 million for the Pemberton trail
masterplan;
- $8 million for the Peel regional trails;
- $3.5 million for the Kwinana loop trail;
- $3 million for Stages 1 to 3 of the Kalamunda
Circuit Trail; and
- $2.5 million towards the Red Gorge hike and
cycle trail at Karijini.
Campgrounds across the State will receive a
significant funding boost, with $17.1 million to deliver a range of
upgrades and new camp sites in regional WA and in Perth. Significant projects
include:
- $2.25 million for a new 45-site campground at
Yanchep National Park;
- $1.5 million for four coastal campsites at
D'Entrecasteaux National Park;
- $1.5 million for a new 25-site campground at
Kangaroo Point near Cervantes;
- $1 million to upgrade the Kurrajong and
Walardi campgrounds at Purnululu National Park (the Bungle Bungles); and
- $1 million to upgrade the Saint Mary's Inlet
campground in the Fitzgerald River National Park.
The Cook Labor Government will inject new
funding into tourism attractions in regional WA, including:
- $8.1 million towards priority initiatives to
support sustainable tourism at the Houtman Abrolhos Islands;
- $8.1 million will fund phase one of the
Kalbarri foreshore and beaches revitalisitation initiative; and
- $3 million for upgrades at the Gloucester and
Bicentennial Trees in the Pemberton area, to allow climbing to reopen on the
iconic trees.
Comments attributed to Premier Roger Cook:
"WA
has the best coastline, national parks and natural attractions in the country,
and we want every Western Australian to enjoy what our outdoors has to offer.
"This
investment will deliver a whole new visitor experience at campgrounds, hiking
trails and boat ramps from the Kimberley to the Great Southern and right across
the State.
"Encouraging
people to get out and about means more visitors to our regions, creating local
jobs, supporting local business and helping to diversify our regional economy."
Comments attributed to Tourism Minister
Rita Saffioti:
"Western
Australia is famous for its stunning beaches and natural landscapes like our
national parks and hiking trails - these are some of the key drawcards in
bringing tourists to our beautiful State.
"By
improving and investing in these facilities and sites, we're ensuring Western
Australia remains a world-class tourism destination of choice for travellers,
particularly in our regions.
"Of
course, this investment will also help support our local tourism operators and
workforce, who rely on these experiences and sites to keep attracting
visitors."
Comments attributed to Environment Minister
Reece Whitby:
"Western
Australia's unique environment is a point of difference for our State, and the
Cook Government is committed to ensuring it's accessible to as many tourists
and visitors as possible.
"This investment will
bolster our Government's long-standing commitment to supporting quality tourism
experiences throughout WA's national and marine parks."
