Busselton established as one of Australia's most popular residential spots

18/1/97

Premier Richard Court said today that Busselton had emerged as one the most popular and exciting places to live in Australia.

Opening the harbour entrance to the successful Port Geographe project south of Busselton, Mr Court reinforced the State Government's commitment to the co-ordinated development of the township and surrounding region.

"The challenge is to successfully balance the need to preserve the outstanding natural beauty of the area with the increasing demand for development," the Premier said.

Busselton was recently identified by Coopers and Lybrand as the fastest-growing township in Western Australia and the second fastest in Australia after Hervey Bay in Queensland.

Mr Court said Busselton was not only an attractive place to live in but a popular holiday destination for more than 300,000 visitors each year and had been named the State's top tourism town in the last two years.

"To improve access to the region for overseas, interstate and WA visitors, the State Government has committed $3.5 million to the development of a new Busselton airport which will open in March," he said.

The Premier said the Port Geographe Marina Development would provide world-class facilities for recreational boat owners living in, or visiting the area and congratulated Axiom Properties on the high quality of the development.

"The success of the residential component of the Port Geographe project, which has seen more than 230 lots with a total value in excess of $32 million sold in two years, demonstrates the popularity of the area as a place to live," he said.

Media contact: Bronwyn Hillman 222 9475