BUSSELTON foreshore’s revitalisation project has received a $10.5 million boost from the state government, with the money going to the development of proposed beachfront accommodation.
The $10.5 million funding, which was announced by Premier Colin Barnett and Regional Development Minister Terry Redman in Busselton on Monday, will specifically aid the creation of four-star short stay accommodation and tourism retail between Marine Terrace and Foreshore Parade.
Mr Barnett said the project would create a seamless landscape on the foreshore and provided a catalyst for long-term social, economic and cultural benefits.
“The South-West is Western Australia’s most visited regional area and the redeveloped Busselton foreshore will create an attractive investment proposition for private hotel developers and generate a substantial economic stimulus for West Australians,” he said.
“The redeveloped Busselton foreshore will create an attractive investment proposition for private hotel developers and generate a substantial economic stimulus for West Australians.
“Visitation to the region will also be supported with the $59.7 million Busselton-Margaret River Regional Airport expansion project that will improve accessibility for interstate visitors.”
Mr Redman said improvements to the foreshore’s infrastructure and amenity will increase opportunities to host and attract new events to the region.
“This is an exciting time for the South West and will create a positive impact on the regional economy and encourage population growth through the commercial, retail, hospitality, tourism and related industries,” he said.
“Hopefully pretty soon when the airport opens, we will have Eastern States’ traffic coming in here, and it is these sorts of assets that will complement those other investments to trigger and unlock the full potential that this region has.”
The $10.5 million project was given $4.5 million from the state government’s Royalties for Regions Growing Our South initiative and $6 million from the City of Busselton.
City of Busselton chief executive officer Mike Archer said the injection of funding from Royalties for Regions was an enormous boost for the Busselton foreshore redevelopment project.
“The City is also contributing funds toward the development of the central core area of the foreshore which will complement these works,” he said.
“We’re very thankful for the government’s continuing interest in the Busselton foreshore which, as noted by the Premier, is one of the State’s top tourist destinations.”
City of Busselton Mayor Grant Henley said the funding put the cherry on the cake of the Busselton foreshore.
“This gives us the opportunity now to expand, to create economic impetus, to create jobs for our young people in the development of the foreshore,” he said.
“We have developed some fantastic community infrastructure and now we can develop some great commercial infrastructure.”
Vasse MP Libby Mettam said the extra funding would pave the way for some valuable four-star accommodation.
“It is a private investment which is backed up by beautiful youth precinct project, a skate park and the Busselton jetty refurbishment, which is regional Western Australia’s most frequented tourist attraction,” she said.
