Media Statements - Mid-West tourism attractions to be boosted by State Government grants.

3/10/00

Five projects in the Mid-West have received grants from the State Government’s Tourism Development Fund to help boost tourism in the region.

Tourism Minister Norman Moore announced the funding today.

Mr Moore said a total of $91,716 would go towards the Dongara Main Street Project, Kalbarri Brand WA entry statement and tourist rest stop, an interpretive centre at the Old Post Office in Mt Magnet and two tourism signage projects in the region.

He said the projects were important attractions for visitors to the Mid-West region.

“The proposed Dongara Main Street Project will enhance Dongara/Denison as a gateway to the Batavia Coast, while the Old Post Office at Mt Magnet will contribute to the rich history of the area and provide an added attraction in the Murchison outback," the Minister said.

He said the Dongara Main Street Project would receive a State Government grant of $50,000 and would include developing and beautifying Moreton Terrace for this priority tourism area.

"This project will develop a precinct in Dongara that is very people and visitor oriented," Mr Moore said.

He said the interpretive centre at the Old Post Office in Mt Magnet, granted $15,000, was in keeping with the recommendations contained in the Gascoyne Murchison Outback Tourism Strategy and would identify Mt Magnet as an important historic and mining town.

"The interpretive centre will provide a unique experience for visitors wanting to get a feel for the rich history of the area, as well as getting an insight into our great outback," the Minister said.

He also outlined other projects within the region, including Brand WA entry statement, gazebo and tourist rest area at Kalbarri, a Brand WA Gateway signage system to enhance and build awareness of the Batavia Coast priority tourism area and trail signage in Greenough.

The Minister said these partnership projects with local communities would enhance visitor enjoyment and safety, and attract extra tourism to the area's new facilities.

The Tourism Development Fund has become a cornerstone strategy for delivering a better experience to visitors travelling through Western Australia.

“The main purpose of these grants is to help fund valuable product and infrastructure that will enhance the quality and length of stay of visitors in regional areas of WA,” Mr Moore said.

“The majority of funds are allocated to projects which will generate visitor expenditure, as this expenditure drives an increased economic impact for the region through multiplier effects.”

State Government grants provided through the Tourism Development Fund are matched dollar-for-dollar by local government and non-profit organisations to help promote tourism product and infrastructure.

In this latest round of approved submissions, the Shires of Irwin, Mt Magnet, Greenough, Chapman Valley, Northampton, the City of Geraldton and the Kalbarri Tourist Bureau are also partners in these developments.

This year, more than $460,000 has been allocated to 20 key tourism projects throughout the State. Over the last four years, the Mid-West region has attracted more than $175,000 in grants from the fund to support tourism development.

Media contacts:

Hartley Joynt, Minister’s office, 9321 1444

Lesleigh Clarke, Mid-West Tourism Development Manager, WA Tourism Commission, 9921 0716