Thirty-six regional communities are set to benefit from innovative projects at their local visitor centres, thanks to the latest round of the State Government’s Regional Visitor Centre Sustainability Grant Program (RVCSGP).
The investment of $4.2 million over three years in the program is made possible by Tourism WA and Royalties for Regions.
Local MP Terry Waldron MLA said the program was helping visitor centres remain viable and adaptable in the changing tourism landscape.
“Visitor centres play a vital role in boosting regional tourism, employment and skills development,” Mr Waldron said.
“Overall, visitor centres employ more than 900 local people and inject $117 million into the State’s economy annually.”
Mr Waldron said research showed that travellers tended to spend more time and money in an area when they used a visitor centre.
“Tourists spent $4.5 billion in regional Western Australia in 2015-16. By offering a warm welcome and a wealth of local knowledge, visitor centres play an integral role in this important industry,” he said.
In the Wagin electorate, successful recipients of RVCSGP 2016-17 grants include –
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Dryandra Country Visitor Centre, in Narrogin
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Lake Grace Visitor Centre
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Shire of Kojonup; Kojonup Visitor Centre
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Shire of Kulin; Kulin Visitor Centre
During this round of grants, funding will go towards regional centres throughout the State for projects that include, implementing a new design and upgraded technology at Broome Visitor Centre; an internal fitout at Derby Visitor Centre to improve product displays; interior Aboriginal artwork and exterior seating for Halls Creek Visitor Centre; and new signage for the Kununurra Visitor Centre and Argyle Homestead Museum.
Mr Waldron said more than $1 million was available in the 2016-17 round to assist regional visitor centres throughout the State with sustainability initiatives such as accreditation, renewable energy, on-site attractions, technology and interior redesign.
For more information visit: www.tourism.wa.gov.au/otherfunding.
For media enquiries contact Terry Waldron on 9881 1225 or email terry.waldron@mp.wa.gov.au or Peter Rundle on M: 0418 959 810 or
