Premier opens Geraldton's redeveloped Esplanade

• Funded by State Government's Royalties for Regions program

• Premier opens revitalised area of Geraldton's foreshore

Geraldton's foreshore has been given a significant facelift thanks to funding by the State Government's Royalties for Regions program.

In Geraldton today, Premier Colin Barnett officially opened the Geraldton Esplanade redevelopment.

"This major redevelopment has revitalised a formerly isolated semi-industrial site," Mr Barnett said.

The Esplanade features a viewing tower with 360º views of the city, the port, Champion Bay and Seal Rocks.

All landscaping has been planted with hardy species conducive to the environment, using local seaweed for nutrients and its water saving potential.

The Geraldton Esplanade project was funded by $2.24million in State Government funding through Royalties for Regions, $1.9million in Geraldton Port Authority funding, $400,000 from Regional Development Australia funding and a $400,000 contribution from the City of Greater Geraldton.

The area was named The Esplanade in reference to the historic Esplanade Jetty that was once located in the area, constructed in 1858 to service sailing ships but demolished in 1944.

Part of the city's West End Revitalisation Project, the redevelopment was managed by the City of Greater Geraldton using local contractors.

Regional Development Minister Terry Redman said the provision of infrastructure and services to the Mid-West was a priority for the State Government.

"The aim of Royalties for Regions is to make the regions an attractive place to live, work and invest," Mr Redman said.

      Fact File

• Since the program started in 2008, Royalties for Regions has allocated more than $4.2billion to more than 3,500 regional development projects across regional WA

 Premier's office - 6552 5000