The West Australian Government is set to give the tourism industry a lift to the tune of A$150 million.
It’s not a bailout but an infrastructure programme to upgrade roads and facilities at destinations and tourist attractions.
It is important to kickstart the economic recovery while borders remain closed, said Tourism Minister Paul Papalia said.
"We’re fixing things up and ensuring they can meet the demand of the future," Papalia said.
Several key projects have been unveiled such as $10 million to upgrade Perth Zoo, $20 million for bike trails across WA, and $31 million to upgrade roads and the water supply on Rottnest Island.
"Once we come out into the post-Covid world and continue to operate more openly and are able to attract people from further afield, it will ensure that we continue to have world-class destinations for people to visit, Papalia added."
Tourism Council WA welcomed the financial injection for state tourism
"This is going to be critical to give West Australians new reasons to go back to regional destinations, to come into Perth for a staycation and of course it will be critical to bring back the out-of-state visitor when they return," Tourism Council WA CEO Evan Hall said.
However, WA Premier Mark McGowan said the hard border will likely remain for ‘months.’
WA’s State border restrictions will only been eased when community transmission has ceased in eastern states such as Victoria and New South Wales.
by Ray Monrgomey, Asuia Pacific editor
