Official reopening of Pioneer Village in Armadale

8/2/96

The State's early history will be brought back to life with the reopening of Pioneer Village in Armadale.

Officially opening the village today, Tourism Minister Norman Moore congratulated the new management for their plans to introduce live, period entertainment to the theme park.

"Professional actors will perform both in the streets of Pioneer Village and on a daily basis at the on-site Golden Nugget Theatre, giving visitors a glimpse of our history," Mr Moore said.

"Involving and entertaining the public is essential if the theme park is going to survive and with the loss of Atlantis Marine Park and the Elizabethan Village it is important WA offers a theme park to its visitors.

"The new management has also taken steps to ensure a consistency of services and facilities at the village.

"They have an ambitious maintenance schedule for the buildings and developed a marketing plan which should ensure that Pioneer Village receives the number of overseas, national and local visitors it deserves."

Mr Moore said research had shown overseas visitors were extremely interested in attending theme parks.

"The reopening of Pioneer Village will also benefit the local economy and the tourism industry.  It means employment for a variety of people and more business for others."

Media contact:  Anabel Gomez 321 1444 or 222 9595