The McGowan Government is investing $17.7 million to develop new, environmentally sensitive tourism experiences and accommodation options in Western Australia’s national parks, to expand tourism offerings across the regions.
WA’s national parks are a strong drawcard for the State’s tourism industry, with significant potential to create new tourism options and create jobs in regional WA.
High quality, environmentally sensitive tourism and accommodation experiences would expand WA’s tourism offerings and promote the State’s diverse range of natural attractions to visitors from around the world.
The $17.7 million National Park Tourism Experiences Development Package includes:
- $6.5 million for work towards the development of ‘shovel ready’ accommodation sites around the State, to encourage the development of eco lodges, retreats and other unique accommodation offerings;
- $7.6 million to work with industry to develop proposals for new tourism experiences in national parks and nearby towns; and
- $3.6 million for tourism development staff to improve local tourism offerings and assist private operators with development workshops, tools and one-on-one coaching.
The package will help to create bookable touring options for local, interstate and international visitors to enjoy – boosting the number of attractions regional WA has to offer.
Over the past five years the McGowan Government has invested over $150 million in successful, low-impact projects such as the internationally renowned $24 million Kalbarri Skywalk.
Other successful, low impact projects include:
- A new campground, cultural walk trail and sealed access roads at Karijini National Park ($16 million);
- New mountain bike trails in Collie ($10 million); and
- Houtman Abrolhos Islands National Park visitor and management amenities ($10 million).
The McGowan Government is working to create five million hectares of new national and marine parks and other conservation reserves under the Plan for Our Parks initiative.
Work is also continuing to expand the successful Aboriginal Ranger Program which has created more than 600 on-country ranger jobs for Aboriginal people.
Traditional Owners will be closely involved in the development of all new projects proposed for national parks.
As stated by Premier Mark McGowan:
“Western Australia’s incredible natural beauty is one of our State’s best tourism drawcards.
“This package will assist in the development of new, environmentally sensitive accommodation options and attractions in and around our national parks.
“This will enable more people to get out and enjoy the natural wonders of our State, in a low-impact way, ensuring these beautiful natural assets are not only protected, but enjoyed.
“Regional WA has enjoyed its strongest ever tourism seasons over the past two years, and this package will help drive the next phase of growth as we continue to reconnect with the world.
“The package will provide terrific benefits for local jobs in the tourism and hospitality industries, as we work to bring even more visitors to enjoy the wonders of Western Australia.”
As stated by Tourism Minister Roger Cook:
“We have proven that national parks can be opened up for tourism with both cultural and environmentally sensitive developments such as the Kalbarri Skywalk and Karijini National Park gorges.
“Tourists around Australia and the world are searching for what WA has to offer in terms of natural wonders that you can’t experience anywhere else in the world.
“This new funding commitment will allow Tourism WA to explore and develop new options to increase tourism and create more jobs.”
As stated by Environment Minister Reece Whitby:
“We know our national parks are special.
“We want to make it easier for people to enjoy them and learn more about Western Australia’s unique heritage, culture and environment.
“This is just one of the initiatives we are implementing to expand and enhance our national park reserve.”
