The McGowan Government continues to invest in Collie’s future, today announcing funding towards four projects that will further diversify and complement the growing tourism product on offer in the local area.
Through the Collie Futures Industry Development Fund, the McGowan Government will provide a $250,000 grant to reopen the iconic Premier Hotel as an upmarket dining and accommodation venue serving up gourmet meals and boutique beers and wines.
Built in 1901 and closed in 2020 with the accommodation side of the business operating again 2021, the upgrade of the hotel will include both interior and exterior renovations.
A $100,000 Collie Futures Small Grants Program will support Ferguson Gate to transform a disused property into an accessible and pet-friendly short-term accommodation to be known as Wambenger Lodge.
The establishment of the Wambenger Lodge will breathe new life into an existing asset, while giving tourists another accommodation option when staying in Collie and exploring the town and surrounding areas.
Adventure Connections will receive a $99,760 Small Grant to expand from a social enterprise to offering mountain bike activities and adventure tours for a wider market.
The business will make the most of the world-class trails in the Collie area, with the McGowan Government establishing Collie as Western Australia’s premier ‘trail adventure town’ to attract tourists and support the local economy.
A further $300,000 will be provided to Westwall Holdings to establish a luxury events and accommodation venue that will provide tourists with another reason to visit and stay in the Collie-Donnybrook region.
The project will offer bus tours in partnership with a local bus company as part of event packages, including eating out in Collie and visits to local tourist attractions.
Collie has experienced an increase in visitor numbers, with the Collie Visitor Centre experiencing a record 26,982 visitors in 2021.
The Collie Futures Fund – which includes the Collie Futures Industry Development Fund and the Collie Futures Small Grants Program – supports local economic growth and job opportunities.
For more information about the Collie Futures Fund, or to apply for funding, visit www.swdc.wa.gov.au
As stated by Regional Development Minister Alannah MacTiernan:
“Our grants are unlocking Collie’s potential and helping to drive local economic growth and jobs creation, including increasing visitation to generate economic benefits.
“We’re working hard to lay the foundations for a strong future for the Collie community through creating a diverse and sustainable economy with employment across a range of industry sectors – the latest grants support growth in the town’s tourism and hospitality industry.”
As stated by Collie-Preston MLA Jodie Hanns:
“Thanks to projects driven by the McGowan Government, such as the Wellington Dam mural and adventure trails, Collie has become a must-visit destination. This is generating new opportunities in Collie including for hospitality and nature-based tourism, which are supporting local businesses.
“Enhancing Collie’s appeal to tourists benefits the Collie community as well as the wider region, generating flow-on effects created as more people are inspired to stay and enjoy the region’s many attractions.”
