Ecotourism important component in WA's expanding tourism industry

29/3/97

Ecotourism is becoming an increasingly important component in Western Australia's rapidly expanding tourism industry, according to Regional Development Minister Hendy Cowan.

He said that WA had unique natural attractions and the fact that the majority of them were located outside the metropolitan area provided a stimulus for regional economies.

"This is particularly so in the South-West, where the South-West Ecomuseum has grown into a $5 million tourist and environment asset for the region," Mr Cowan said.

Mr Cowan, who was speaking at a cheque presentation ceremony for community groups involved in the Ecomuseum project, said a network of sites demonstrated the diversity of attractions in the South West region.

The Ecomuseum, initiated in 1993 by the South-West Development Commission, showed and interpreted a different aspect of the environment in different locations.

There were currently ten sites open to the public with another ten planned or under construction.

"The Ecomuseum should provide an economic boost for the South-West by encouraging more interstate and international visitors, increasing the length of visitor stays in the region and boosting job creation and tourism investment," Mr Cowan said.

Commission chairman Stuart Morgan said the commission was committed to seeing the project through to its completion.

"We have agreed to commit a further $259,000 to the project, bringing to $1.4 million our contribution since 1993-94," he said.

"The South West Ecomuseum modules each interpret a unique aspect of the South-West region's environment, such as wild dolphins, wetlands, caves, ancient forests and rare fauna habitats."

Mr Cowan said that the latest funding allocations were for modules developing new interpretive areas and for completion of an existing module.

Mr Cowan presented cheques for:

·         $100,000 to the Busselton Jetty Committee to construct an interpretive centre near the base of the jetty to interpret the marine ecosystem and the jetty's role in creating a unique underwater environment;

·         $90,000 to the Donnybrook Apple Eco Centre Committee to construct an interpretive centre that depicts the historical, cultural and agricultural significance of the fruit growing district;

·         $5,000 to the Cape Naturaliste Eco Discovery Committee to develop detailed design plans for the construction of an interpretive centre at the lighthouse site;

·         $4000 for the Augusta Community Development Association for an environmental impact assessment of the development of an interpretive centre at the Matthew Flinders Lookout site;

·         $25,000 to the Blackwood River Committee to develop a concept plan and to construct three strategically located interpretive points along the Blackwood River; and-

·         $35,000 to Bunbury's Dolphin Discovery Centre to install professionally designed displays interpreting the marine environment of Koombana Bay and the dolphins which inhabit the bay.

Media contact: Peter Jackson 09-222-9595

Graham Hodgson (SWDC) 097-912-000