Proposed Perth convention centre will generate about 600 jobs

25/8/98

Tourism Minister Norman Moore said Perth's proposed convention and exhibition centre would create about 600 part and full-time jobs.

Mr Moore said it also would increase Western Australia's convention capacity five-fold, generate considerable business for hotels, restaurants and retailers in Perth and Fremantle and bring about $2.2 billion into Western Australia in the first 10 years.

Mr Moore was speaking after the first meeting of 10 industry experts, known as the client reference group, who will provide specification criteria for the centre.

A Government taskforce, chaired by the Minister and responsible for progressing the centre, appointed the group to provide industry input into the centre's design.

Mr Moore said the group would update existing criteria which had previously been developed in consultation with industry representatives.

"It is vital that the design parameters reflect the need of end users," he said.

"At this point, no decision has been made regarding location.

"One of the reasons we are consulting widely with industry is so the location of the venue is one which will meed their needs, while also fulfilling the needs of the city.

"We are fortunate that we are able to learn from the experiences of other centres world-wide, and we also are seeking information from the meetings and conventions industry about their experiences and future requirements.

"We are determined to make Perth's convention and exhibition centre a drawcard that will attract convention visitors from around the world."

Mr Moore said the Government had committed $100 million towards the cost of building the 2,500-seat centre, with the balance being provided by private sector partners.

International experience showed that Government needed to contribute towards the capital cost of construction.

"Government investment in the capital cost of a convention and exhibition centre acts as a catalyst for private sector investment, including retail precincts, hotel developments, food and beverage outlets, tourist attractions and car parks," the Minister said.

"Only 10 cents of every dollar generated by a convention centre goes to the venue.

"About 50 cents is spent on retail shopping by meeting delegates, with hotels, transport providers and other tourist-related businesses sharing the remaining 40 cents."

Mr Moore said that information from other Australian dedicated convention and exhibition centres indicated that 37 per cent of those employed would be under 25. Comparable venues employed 140 permanent and up to 450 casual staff.

He said that about 2,000 people would be employed during the construction phase.

Media contacts:

Hartley Joynt, Minister's office, 08 9 321 1444

Roger Buddrige, Corporate Communications Manager, WA Tourism Commission, 08 9 220 1716