Multi-million dollar boost for regional area
Business and tourism are expected to grow in one regional area after a $5.2 million injection, according to regional development minister, Brendon Grylls, and fisheries minister, Norman Moore.
A new recreation centre has recently been officially opened in Western Australia’s Shark Bay under the Regional Development Plan 2012-2020 and funded under the Royalties for Regions Gascoyne Development Plan.
“The lack of appropriate all weather facilities in Shark Bay is detrimental to the organisation of meetings and events, which can add significantly to community development and the growth of business and tourism,” said Mr Moore.
“Many thousands of holiday makers make an annual pilgrimage to Shark Bay and Dirk Hartog Island, so providing appropriate facilities for locals as well as the growing tourism market is important to the local economy.”
Mr Grylls explained that it was a ‘flagship’ project for the community.
The Gascoyne Regional Development Plan aims to encourage a number of initiatives, including a substaintial increase in population, a more skilled demographic, improved infrastructure, balanced urban and coastal development and enhanced industries.
“Carnarvon, the regional centre and major town, has significant areas of centrally located vacant waterfront land potentially available for appropriate development.
Pointing to development from Boat Harbour to the Babbage Islands as areas for potential opportunity, the report noted that “The further development of some or all of these areas for residential, tourist and commercial accommodation and uses, through a planned and community supported approach with strong private sector involvement, has the potential to transform the town.”