Opening of the Exmouth Airport terminal building at Learmonth (Visual)

3/12/99
Exmouth is in great shape to build on its growing international tourism reputation, according to Regional Development Minister Hendy Cowan.
Today Mr Cowan officially opened the new Exmouth Airport terminal building at Learmonth and the town's new tourist bureau and information centre.
He said that while there was no doubt that the Ningaloo Marine Park and the Cape Range National Park were world-class attractions, the North West Cape had lacked the infrastructure necessary to support major new tourism development.
"The past decade has seen this situation change substantially and a large part of the credit must go to the foresight and commitment of the Shire of Exmouth and the support of the Gascoyne Development Commission," Mr Cowan said.
"Despite the massive devastation caused by Cyclone Vance earlier this year, the community's optimism about its future is unabated.
"The impressive new airport terminal, which can handle up to 500 international and domestic passengers at any one time, will welcome increasing numbers of visitors to this truly unique environment.
"It complements the redevelopment of the runway and RAAF Learmonth Airbase facilities undertaken by the Commonwealth at a cost of more than $70 million.
"In addition, the new Exmouth Tourist Bureau and Information Centre will provide a focal point for visitors seeking to maximise their holiday experience and understanding of the area.
"It will also help the growing number of local tourism-based businesses make contact with potential clients."
Mr Cowan said the town's tourist bureau had already serviced record numbers of visitors - 1,000 in both September and October - and takings, commissions and tour sales for November were up 56 per cent on the same time last year.
While most visitors were from the drive market, there were growing numbers of backpackers and international visitors were expected to increase around the start of the whale shark season in March.
The Minister said there had been significant shire and State Government investment in the area, including a new small boat harbour, commercial and residential land development and upgrading of the Burkett Road link to the North West Coastal Highway.
He said there had also been substantial private investment in tourism accommodation and businesses catering for tourists.
"As a result, the town's prospects have improved considerably since 1992 when the US Navy left the area," Mr Cowan said.
"Fittingly, part of this development has been assisted by the $10 million Exmouth Development Trust Fund, financed from the sale of former US Navy homes in Exmouth.
"The trust fund has also supported a wide range of community organisations and facilities, helping to make Exmouth a magnificent place to live, as well as to visit."
Media contact: Peter Jackson 9222 9595

Deputy Premier Hendy Cowan (left), Exmouth Tourist Bureau President Joyce Tasma and Exmouth Shire President Mike Purslow at the opening of the new Exmouth Tourist Bureau.

New Exmouth Tourist Bureau.

New Exmouth Airport Terminal.

Inside the Airport Terminal

Hendy Cowan (Left) and Mike Purslow at the Terminal opening.