The Nationals WA will deliver a $610 million strategy to transform the State’s tourism sector if returned to Government at the State election.
Announced by Leader Brendon Grylls in Bunbury today, the Seizing the Opportunity in tourism initiative centres on the development of tourism infrastructure, cheaper aviation links, destination marketing and more exciting and diverse regional events to drive the tourism expansion agenda.
Mr Grylls said tourism would play a key role in economic development and job creation as the State’s economy continued to diversify.
“Tourism is a vital industry for Western Australia, generating more than 97,000 jobs which account for seven per cent of the State’s economy,” Mr Grylls said.
“All businesses benefit from tourism including local cafes, supermarkets and service stations or anyone with a product or service.
“This is why over the next four years, The Nationals WA will expand our focus on tourism to diversify the economy in response to the post-mining boom economic slowdown.”
The Nationals’ tourism policy will invest $610 million over five years into:
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$200 million – Tourism Product Headworks and Roadworks Fund
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$125 million – Regional Aviation Affordability Fund
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$125 million – Destination Marketing
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$75 million – Indigenous Experience Development Fund
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$75 million – Regional Events Program
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$10 million – Visitor Centres Network/WAITOC
Mr Grylls said the policy would be funded by The Nationals’ plan to increase the special lease rental paid by big miners from 25 cents per tonne to $5/t and would also build on the Party’s commitment to slash payroll tax for 10,000 WA businesses.
“Our State boasts world-class tourist destinations from the crisp white beaches of Esperance in the South, to the red marbled gorges of the Gibb River Road in the Kimberley,” Mr Grylls said.
“It is therefore imperative that our tourism sector including business owners, operators and providers are best placed to attract tourists from across Australia and the world.”
For more information visit www.nationalswa.com/tourism
For media inquiries contact Jessica Hayes on 0427 333 147.
