The McGowan Government will help a Collie accommodation provider expand into the town’s first resort to meet strong demand as tourist numbers increase.
Premier Mark McGowan and Collie-Preston MLA Mick Murray announced today a $648,175 investment from the Collie Futures Industry Development Fund to support Collie Ridge Motel’s expansion into a resort.
Tourism has been growing rapidly in the South-West town, with the Collie Ridge Motel forced to turn away patrons as it hasn’t had the capacity to meet demand.
The motel has already self-funded $1.5 million for Stage 1 of an expansion to build an extra 27 rooms, and create new visitor facilities.
The McGowan Government funding will support the motel to undertake Stage 2 of the development into the Collie Ridge Resort.
This includes a fully equipped relaxation centre featuring gymnasium, swimming pool, spa, remedial massage and beauty rooms, upgraded restaurant, a children’s playground, and business meeting rooms and support facilities.
The project is expected to generate about 65 jobs during construction over both stages.
The estimated flow-on economic benefit to the region is $3 million through employment and purchase of materials, as well as increased local spending at local businesses by workers.
Once complete, the resort project will create 10 new full-time jobs.
The longer term flow-on effect to the local economy is expected to be significant, with increases in tourists and business visitors driving local spending and employment.
As stated by Premier Mark McGowan:
“Our investment into Collie’s tourism industry, including adventure trails and the Wellington Dam mural project, is already delivering for the local economy and community.
“Collie is rapidly becoming a sought-after tourism destination, and the Collie Visitor Centre has reported twice as many daily visitors than previous years.
“The transformation to the Collie Ridge Resort will result in significant and lasting positive impacts on Collie and the region, and enable other regional initiatives to leverage off these improved tourist facilities and services.”
As stated by Regional Development Minister Alannah MacTiernan:
“The need for this development is proof that the attraction of Collie as a tourism destination is growing, and our Government is coming to the table to help this facility grow to meet demand.
“The local jobs created during the construction and the permanent jobs once it’s complete will further grow the Collie economy, as well as the flow-on effects of being able to accommodate more visitors in town.
“People who haven’t been to Collie for some time will be impressed by how much it’s changed over recent years and it will continue to improve in years to come.”
As stated by Collie-Preston MLA Mick Murray:
“This Collie Ridge Resort project further improves the amenities in Collie by having a fully equipped resort to cater to the growing number of people spending time in the region.
“It also provides Collie Ridge Resort with the opportunity to sit down with local suppliers and providers to work co-operatively and establish stronger business to business relationships that will support each other’s business and enhance the benefit to the region.
“Well done to Collie Ridge for identifying the need to expand to be able to welcome more people to our region.”
Regional Development Minister’s office – 6552 6200
