State funds help new tourism development at Wave Rock

2/3/00
Two new developments have further enhanced Wave Rock as a tourism destination, Tourism Minister Norman Moore said today.
Mr Moore was speaking at Hyden where he officially opened the upgraded Wave Rock Walkway and new interpretive trail and 14 self-contained luxury cottages at the Wave Rock Lakeside Resort.
He said he was particularly pleased to be able to open the luxury cottages.
They completed the first stage of the Wave Rock Lakeside Resort and completed a dream for Russell Mouritz, the area's Mr Tourism, to have accommodation for all tastes at Wave Rock.
Mr Moore said that more than 130,000 tourists visited Wave Rock each year. It was already the second leading day-trip destination in the State.
"You have successfully built a whole Wave Rock experience around this Western Australian tourism icon," he said.
The Minister said the walkway upgrade and interpretive trail had been funded with an $18,700 grant from the State Government's Tourism Development Fund. It had been matched by the Shire of Kondinin.
The 800m walkway took visitors from Hippo's Yawn through the natural bush at the base of the rock on to the Wave Rock entrance.
"Importantly, the upgrade has opened up access to Wave Rock for disabled visitors and parents with strollers," Mr Moore said.
"Another major part of the project is a series of new interpretive signs and five gazebos along the trail.
"And that's what it's all about - enhancing the visitor experience.
"With more to see and do at Wave Rock, visitors will stay longer and contribute more to your economy."
Mr Moore said that Russell Mouritz and the Wave Rock Management Company had played a central role in establishing the tourist centre, Lace Place, wildlife park, Wildflower Shoppe, Pioneer Town Museum and airstrip.
"Local farmers and their families have pooled resources to build the major private tourism infrastructure in the region," he said.
"The result is that Hyden has become a place where agriculture and tourism are valued equally.
"By working together, the locally-owned tourism businesses have ensured there is virtually a zero rate of unemployment in the district.
"And now the district has this new accommodation which will bring in more tourists and, with them, more tourist dollars and job opportunities for the area."

Media contact: Hartley Joynt, Minister's office, 9321 1444