Collie’s main entrance street has been given a facelift with the revitalisation and repair of historic facades, as statistics show the McGowan Government’s tourism investment is driving an unprecedented tourism boom in the South-West town.
Premier Mark McGowan today officially opened the Throssell Street revitalisation works, which feature nostalgic elements including bullnose verandas, ornate detailing and hand-painted signwriting.
The project has upgraded 11 buildings and was funded with $1.1 million from the McGowan Government’s Collie Industry Attraction and Development Fund and contributions from local businesses.
The upgraded streetscape will improve the tourism experience, encourage visitors to visit local businesses, and increase the town’s attractiveness to prospective investors considering starting operations in Collie.
The work was carried out by local Collie-based contractor JILA Riley and South-West business Challis Builders.
Collie tourism has grown in leaps and bounds in recent years, with monthly visitors to the Collie Visitor Centre between March and September this year increasing 77 per cent since pre-pandemic levels.
Last month 2,699 people checked in at the Collie Visitor Centre, compared to 1,126 people in September 2019 – a 140 per cent increase.
Since 2017, the McGowan Government has invested millions of dollars in projects to grow tourism in the historic mining town – including the Wellington Dam Mural and mural trail, Lake Kepwari and the Arklow mountain bike trails, among others.
The work is part of the McGowan Government’s Collie’s Just Transition Plan, which supports a diversification of new industries in the town.
As stated by Premier Mark McGowan:
“The Throssell Street upgrades provide yet another piece of the puzzle in Collie’s remarkable transition into a genuine tourism location in the South-West.
“The historic feel of the street will be further encouragement for visitors to park the car and spend time walking around town during their trip to the murals, lakes, forests and trails.
“This restored streetscape gives Collie a nostalgic feeling of stepping back in time, as it steps forward into its growing tourism industry, which is one of a number of new industries taking off in Collie.
“The record-breaking numbers of tourists visiting Collie is proof that my Government’s investment into Collie to diversify the local economy is working with terrific results in a few short years.
“I look forward to watching Collie continue to welcome more new industries in the coming months and years.”
As stated by Collie-Preston MLA Jodie Hanns:
“It has been wonderful to see Throssell Street transforming before our eyes.
“Every day has brought something new to the streetscape – from verandas being unveiled to hand-painted signwriting in progress.
“The revitalisation of Throssell Street has generated a sense of excitement and pride in the precinct. It’s heritage renewal at its best and is appreciated by visitors and locals alike.”
