- First stage of world-class, sustainable tourism development at Houtman Abrolhos Islands to be funded in 2024-25 State Budget
- $8.1 million allocated to support construction of new visitor infrastructure
- Builds on $16.8 million already delivered by the WA Labor Government for the Abrolhos Islands
The Cook Labor Government will invest $8.1 million to develop the first stage of a world-class sustainable tourism development at the Houtman Abrolhos Islands, creating new jobs and economic opportunities in the Mid West region.
The archipelago of more than 200 islands, west of Geraldton, boasts diverse ecosystems, abundant wildlife and a rich heritage, making it a popular destination for local, national, and international tourists.
The package, funded through the 2024-25 State Budget, includes:
- a new public access multi-purpose jetty on Rat Island linked to the existing airstrip, unlocking new tourism opportunities in the Easter and Pelsaert island groups;
- refurbishment of a fishing camp adjacent to the jetty, providing visitor infrastructure and a rest area for tourists and tour operators; and
- ten new public moorings supported by a booking system to protect the globally important biodiversity and heritage sites.
The ability to progress the important public access jetty and rest area developments was secured through earlier allocation of $250,000 in 2023-24 for the strategic acquisition of the camp on Rat Island, a prime location to improve tourism access.
The proposed infrastructure developments will support growth in agritourism and new aquaculture products, as well as leveraging established events like Pearl to Plate and the Shore Leave Festival – which attract more than 23,000 visitors and contribute $2.5 million to the Mid West economy each year.
Importantly, the investment is expected to deliver nearly $67 million to the Mid West economy and generate nine new business ventures plus nearly 250 long-term, sustainable jobs in the region.
The planned developments are linked to the recently released management plans for the Houtman Abrolhos Islands Reserve and Fish Habitat Protection Area, which is anticipated to unlock more than $30 million of private sector investment on the islands and mainland over the next 25 years.
The Western Australian Labor Government has invested $16.8 million for management of the Houtman Abrolhos Islands ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Park and infrastructure, focused on activating tourism in the Wallabi Island Group, plus a $4.5 million investment into the Eastern Breakwater Jetty in Geraldton to provide access to the islands.
As stated by Tourism Minister Rita Saffioti:
“The Abrolhos is a jewel of Western Australia, a potential tourism mecca with some of the country’s most incredible natural biodiversity, cultural heritage and fisheries values.
“With its unique combination of marine life, breathtaking landscapes, and cultural significance, the Abrolhos offers opportunities for many new globally significant eco, adventure, agricultural and cultural tourism opportunities off the Geraldton coast.
“Our funding announcement today seeks to capitalise on the enormous domestic and international tourism interest, by making the island more accessible by boat and air charter operators, tour packagers, cruise ship promotors and privately owned vessels.”
As stated by Fisheries Minister Don Punch:
“There are excellent opportunities for agritourism growth at the Houtman Abrolhos, with a rich fishing history and diverse produce available through wild catch and aquaculture.
“Tourism at the Houtman Abrolhos has been limited in the past by physical access, infrastructure, availability of tour operators and management capacity – our announcement today will help this tourism hotspot reach its true potential, as well as delivering long-term job and economic opportunities for the Mid West Region.
“The public access jetty and rest area will open up opportunities for tourism operators creating new investment and jobs helping to diversify and strengthen the regional economy.”
As stated by Geraldton MLA Lara Dalton:
“We’ve always known the potential of the Houtman Abrolhos Islands here in the Geraldton community, so it’s fantastic that our government is investing in it, to help it become even better and put it on the global tourism map.
“These improvements and upgrades will help to make the islands more accessible for visitors and importantly, open up new opportunities for operators and businesses, and of course create jobs as well.”
