$165 million to support West Aussies exploring the great outdoors

by Government of Western Australia 1 May 2024 00:26 PDT

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."