Carnarvon's waterfront takes step forward with 'turning the first soil'ceremony today

10/12/98

The revitalisation of Carnarvon's waterfront has taken a big step forward.

At a 'turning the first soil' ceremony today, Lands Minister Doug Shave launched construction of the first stage of LandCorp's Northwater Estate, the residential component of the Carnarvon Fascine Redevelopment Project.

"LandCorp's $7 million investment in the Northwater Estate over the next five years is expected to attract private investment of $30 million, a big boost to Carnarvon and the Gascoyne," Mr Shave said.

"When the Fascine Redevelopment Project is complete, Carnarvon's main water frontage will be a new residential, tourism and recreational focus for the town."

The Northwater Estate, added to work already completed, takes State Government funding for the Fascine Project to more than $11 million.

"The Fascine Redevelopment will create local business and employment opportunities, increase tourism, and help meet Carnarvon's residential land needs for many year," Mr Shave said.

"I congratulate the Shire of Carnarvon, the local community and Ningaloo MLA Rod Sweetman for their efforts to turn the vision into reality."

Mr Sweetman said the start of Northwater was the fruit of years of planning and consultation and that the community could be proud of helping create a vision for a rejuvenated waterfront.

The first Northwater Estate contract, worth $2 million, was let recently for earthworks, dredging, and sea retaining walls. Significant funds came from the Government Regional Development Scheme, which supports economic development around the State.

The next LandCorp contract, for the first Northwater subdivision, will be let in March and the first 34 lots (of 150 over the next five years) will go on sale in the second half of 1999.

Media contact: John Clune 9213 6500