Minister announces plans for four-star resort

7/5/04
Work on a new four-star tourist resort at Exmouth will start in early 2005, Planning and Infrastructure Minister Alannah MacTiernan announced today.
Visiting the Gascoyne, Ms MacTiernan said the land sale would result in the construction of a four-star resort ultimately capable of accommodating more than 600 people at the new $16million Exmouth Marina Village development.
The Marina Village, built by the State Government, is located around an inner harbour linked to the town's existing boat harbour and is expected to attract more than $100million worth of development.
The Minister has approved the $1.5million sale by LandCorp of a 5.5ha superlot at the development to Sunrise Beach Resort Pty Ltd, which is finalising a franchise agreement with one of the world's biggest hotel chains.
Sunrise Beach Resort Pty Ltd is a joint venture between Exmouth and Perth business people.
"This is a very exciting announcement for Exmouth and the Gascoyne region," Ms MacTiernan said.
"It will introduce a new level of tourist accommodation to this increasingly popular destination and it fits with the State Government's draft strategy for the Ningaloo Coast, which was released for public comment this week.
"The strategy positions Exmouth and Carnarvon as the 'gateways' servicing both the internationally renowned Ningaloo Reef and the many other attractions in the Gascoyne."
The Minister said the planned resort would consist of a variety of accommodation, ranging from studio rooms to free-standing bungalows and aimed to be the equal to any resort in the north of the State.
"This meets one of the State Government's main aims in creating Exmouth Marina Village, which is to provide a platform for tourism growth in the Gascoyne and, in particular, along the Ningaloo Coast," she said.
Sunrise Beach Resorts Director Garry Cossill said Stage One of the resort would start in early 2005 and provide accommodation for 200 guests.
"The first stage will cost approximately $12million and will provide significant employment opportunities in Exmouth not only during construction but in the ongoing operation of the resort," Mr Cossill said.
Exmouth Marina Village was developed by LandCorp, working closely with the Gascoyne Development Commission, Shire of Exmouth, the Department for Planning and Infrastructure and Western Australian Tourism Commission.
Ms MacTiernan said the other two major development sites in Exmouth Marina Village - a 28ha canal front residential estate and a 13ha mixed use commercial/residential zone - were also close to having their contracts finalised.
"I understand the preferred bidder for the residential estate already has offers on all 128 lots that it plans to develop on this site," she said.
Minister's office: 9213 6400