Recovery plan for WA's Gascoyne region announced
Recovery plan for WA's Gascoyne region announced
7th August, 2020
Boosting jobs, tourism, training and infrastructure
Recovery plan for WA's Gascoyne region announced
7th August, 2020
Boosting jobs, tourism, training and infrastructure
Today a multi-million dollar package for the Gascoyne region was announced as part of the WA Recovery Plan, to drive economic and social recovery and create a pipeline of local jobs.
The Gascoyne Recovery Plan is focused on getting locals back to work and includes a significant investment in industry sectors including construction, manufacturing, tourism and hospitality, renewable energy, education and training and agriculture.It will deliver a pipeline of short and long term jobs supporting and strengthening our existing industries, as well as laying the foundation for jobs of the future. The plan also includes a significant investment in infrastructure and programs to drive tourism and create jobs. The WA Government's revamped Buy Local policy will ensure local businesses are in the box seat to carry out this work.
The plan includes:
- $1.3 million towards planning for the redevelopment of the Tantabiddi Boat Ramp facility in Exmouth, to cater for recreational tourists and separate commercial use;
- $1.47 million to upgrade wastewater services to allow for the expansion of the Coral Bay Caravan Park;
- $2.65 million for significant upgrades to visitor access and facilities in the Shark Bay World Heritage Area;
- $1.2 million for upgrades to visitor access and facilities in the Ningaloo Coast World Heritage Area;
- $6 million for the Regional Aviation Recovery Program to ensure affordable airfares for residents and tourists including between Perth and Exmouth to stimulate visitation between July and October 2020; and
- $3 million in total for regional aviation support to ensure a minimum level of service to regional locations Monkey Mia and Carnarvon.
Strengthening Western Australia's health and community infrastructure is a vital component of the WA Recovery Plan, with several projects announced including:
- $18.8 million towards operating regional renal hostels including a service in Carnarvon;
- $1.85 million for upgrades to sobering up centres including in Carnarvon;
- $80 million statewide for targeted maintenance programs for regional social, remote and government workers housing properties, including approximately 100 homes across the Gascoyne and Mid-West regions; and
- $3.81 million to regularise the electricity network in remote communities including Woodgamia, making it safer and more reliable.
As well as supporting existing industries, the Gascoyne Recovery Plan has a focus on driving investment in renewable energy and new technologies to create sustainable jobs. It includes enabling more customers to install rooftop solar systems and reduce their power bills, with funding allocated for Exmouth, Carnarvon and Gascoyne Junction.
Gascoyne residents will also benefit from free TAFE short courses, with free and half price training available through the Skills Ready program at Central Regional TAFE's Carnarvon campus.