$3 million in jetty funding to stimulate Geraldton tourism

• $3 million allocated towards construction of two new jetties to boost tourism along the Batavia Coast
• Targeted infrastructure to increase visits to the pristine Houtman Abrolhos Islands
• Jetties expected to generate annual visitor expenditure and support marine opportunities
• Investment part of the McGowan Government's $5.5 billion WA Recovery Plan  

The McGowan Government is boosting boating and tourism infrastructure in the regions, with an additional $3 million towards two new state-of-the-art, purpose-built tourism jetties at Geraldton.

Part of the McGowan Government's $5.5 billion WA Recovery Plan, a jetty for vessels up to 25 metres will be built at the Batavia Coast Marina and a second, to accommodate larger vessels, will be located at Geraldton Port's eastern breakwater.

The jetties will be dedicated tourism facilities specifically designed for easy loading and unloading of passengers, and will assist commercial operators as they work to increase visits to the pristine Houtman Abrolhos Islands National Park.

The new jetties, expected to generate an additional $1.9 million in annual visitor expenditure by 2031, will also support other local marine-based tourism opportunities including fishing and diving charters, glass bottom boat tours, whale watching, aquaculture farm and maritime history tours.

Detailed design of the jetties is progressing and construction will commence next year, supporting local jobs and providing opportunities for small businesses.

A working group including representatives from the Mid West Development Commission, City of Greater Geraldton, Mid West Ports Authority, Department of Transport, WA Museum Geraldton and Geraldton Yacht Club championed the project and helped secure funding.

Visit http://inthistogether.wa.gov.au for information about other projects.

Comments attributed to Transport Minister Rita Saffioti:

"This $3 million will help build two new purpose-built jetties, helping to boost tourism and boating opportunities in Geraldton and across the Batavia Coast.

"We are committed to investing in coastal and boating infrastructure across the State to encourage more people onto the water.

"This is part of our $5.5 billion WA Recovery Plan to help support local jobs and local businesses out of the COVID-19 pandemic."

Comments attributed to Regional Development Minister Alannah MacTiernan:

"Our Government has been working to develop plans for these jetties over the last 12 months to support tourism in the region.

"These new jetties are critical to the State's plans for tourism in the Mid-West and will help activate two key marine precincts on the iconic Geraldton coastline.

"The jetties complement the recently released Mid West Ports master plan and the broader Batavia Coast Marina area, and are critical early investments in the planned transformation of these two key economic activity precincts."

Transport Minister's office - 6552 5500

Regional Development Minister's office - 6552 6200