New boat ramp and CBD revitalisation plans under way for Exmouth

Exmouth residents can look forward to a new boat ramp and a future upgrade of the CBD and foreshore area thanks to funding from the State Government Royalties for Regions Gascoyne Revitalisation Plan.

The State Government has provided $2.2million towards the reconstruction of the Tantabiddi Boat Ramp, which provides access to the Ningaloo Reef and Ningaloo Marine Park.

Regional Development Minister Brendon Grylls said the single lane boat ramp would be replaced with a modern two-lane ramp to accommodate bigger vessels.  It would also include two finger jetties to provide a safe passenger transfer point for tourists joining ocean charter vessels to enjoy swimming or the popular whale shark experience.

"A new boat ramp is crucial to help facilitate the growth in recreational boating and tourist-related charter vessel industries, which are vital to the local economy," Mr Grylls said.

"The existing ramp is not only too small, but it has been impacted by several cyclones, causing erosion and structural damage."

The revitalisation of the Exmouth CBD and foreshore will also be soon under way, with $676,000 allocated to the Shire of Exmouth to begin the planning and design of the redevelopment project.

"This project has been identified by the council as being critical to the local community, with Exmouth experiencing unprecedented growth in residential and industrial development," the Minister said.

"The CBD must expand comparatively, and the project proposes to enhance the existing CBD and Town Beach foreshore, providing better access, parking and amenities, and an increase in retail and office space."