New units set high standard says Minister

17/3/00
Tourism Minister Norman Moore today opened a new $3 million tourism development at Middleton Beach and said it set a high standard in self-contained, short-stay accommodation.
Mr Moore said that the latest stage of the Castlereagh Luxury Boutique Villas broadened the range of accommodation available to the travelling public.
"The new villa units and complementary facilities represent a significant financial and personal investment at Albany's Middleton Beach by owners John and Gail Watson," he said.
Mr Moore also pointed out how tourism developments like the villas benefited the local community.
"Importantly, the villas see the creation of five new full-time jobs, 10 part-time positions and a range of casual posts for local people," he said.
"In total, it is a $3 million development which demonstrates the high level of optimism for tourism projects in the area - an optimism shared equally by the private and public sector.
"The private sector continues to plan more development, with $5 million earmarked for future projects and $3 million of private tourism infrastructure currently under construction."
Mr Moore said that as demand for accommodation increased, the region became better placed - through projects such as this one - to enjoy the benefits of new business development.
The State Government had been fostering this development by helping provide new infrastructure, products and facilities for tourists to the region.
"More than $430,000 from the Government's Tourism Development Fund has been allocated to projects in the Great Southern," the Minister said.
"These include funding for the new boardwalk facilities here at Middleton Beach, extending the walk path from Ellen Cove to Emu Point.
"Money has also been provided for Whaleworld's on-going upgrading and restoration, complementing the hard work of local community groups and volunteers.
"Tourism Development Fund money has also gone towards restoration of the Plantagenet battery gun near the Princess Royal Fortress.
"And most recently we've seen the acquisition of the former HMAS Perth by the Government and its gifting to the City of Albany.
"All these projects have been achieved through strong partnership between State Government and the City of Albany, working closely with the local community and private sector."
Mr Moore said that according to the latest research, the Great Southern now hosted nearly 600,000 overnight visitor trips annually.
It was estimated that domestic overnight visitors alone were bringing $139 million into the region each year.
Media contact: Hartley Joynt, Minister's office, 9321 1444