Ground has been broken on the RAC workers accommodation project at Coral Bay, paving the way for the redevelopment of the nearby Ningaloo Reef Resort.
The project will see 42 units built, providing housing for up to 60 people to help address critical workforce accommodation shortages in the town.
The worker accommodation is a result of many years of close collaboration between the Baiyungu community and RAC and occurs on land majority-owned by Baiyungu Aboriginal Corporation (BAC).
The State Government invested $2.9 million for headworks including roads, water, power and sewerage, to get the ball rolling on the BAC’s development of Lot 308, and worked hard to get the project off the ground.
The project supports the broader redevelopment of RAC’s Ningaloo Reef Resort, which involves replacing the ageing beachfront facility with 90-room accommodation, parking, amenities and a club house.
The Ningaloo Eclipse in April next year has already had a significant impact on tourism in the region, with accommodation currently sold out.
The workers accommodation and Ningaloo Reef Resort redevelopment are significant investments towards upgrading the town’s appeal and open further opportunities for investment in the community.
The State Government, through the Gascoyne Development Commission, is working on plans for further tourism infrastructure developments in Coral Bay, befitting its global significance as a World Heritage area and bucket list destination for domestic and international visitors.
Tourism is Coral Bay’s most significant economic contributor, with the sector worth over $138 million annually.
As stated by Regional Development Minister Alannah MacTiernan:
“Coral Bay needs a significant seasonal workforce to enable this magnificent coastal village to be enjoyed by Western Australian, national and international tourists.
“Increased domestic tourism has placed significant pressure on accommodation supply within Coral Bay, which was already a significant challenge during the peak tourism periods.
“Building new worker accommodation will support local businesses to attract and retain staff and house construction personnel upgrading the Ningaloo Reef Resort.”
