State budget support for encouraging regional tourism
Campgrounds across WA will receive a significant funding boost, with $17.1 million allocated to deliver a range of upgrades and new camp sites in Perth and regional areas.
The funding is part of the State Government’s Outdoor Adventure Tourism $165 million package to encourage more local visitation to regional tourism destinations, supporting local businesses and helping to diversify regional economies.
Projects include a proposed new 45-site campground at Yanchep National Park, four coastal campsites at D’Entrecasteaux National Park, a new 25-site campground at Kangaroo Point near Cervantes, upgrades to the Kurrajong and Walardi campgrounds at Purnululu National Park (the Bungle Bungles) and upgrading the Saint Mary Inlet campground in the Fitzgerald River National Park.
The Outdoor Adventure Tourism package includes an $82.4 million investment into boating and maritime facilities.
Also budgeted for are initiatives to support sustainable tourism at the Houtman Abrolhos Islands, revitalisation of the Kalbarri foreshore and beaches, and upgrades for the iconic Gloucester and Bicentennial Trees to enable a return to climbing.
Wadandi Track. Photo credit: Shire of Augusta Margaret River.
$45.8 million will be invested into trails and other recreational facilities, including completion of the multipurpose Wadandi Track in the South West. This will be extended to nearly 110 kilometres, making it one of Australia’s longest trails.
“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,” said WA Premier the Hon Roger Cook MLA.
