Government opens wallet for region

Regional Development Minister Alannah MacTiernan was in Busselton yesterday to announce more than $700,000 in regional economic grants for South West projects — almost $400,000 of which will go specifically to the Capes region.

The Margaret River Busselton Tourism Association received one of the biggest grants, with $100,000 going to the Ngilgi Cave precinct modernisation project.

Busselton Jetty Inc was another major recipient, with $75,000 for upgrades to the Busselton Underwater Observatory’s interpretive facilities.

Ms MacTiernan said the South West was one of WA’s biggest regional tourism destinations, and the State Government was working hard to support new tourism opportunities.

“Primary industries have been a mainstay for the region’s economy, and new projects like the Augusta seafood processing facility and honey facility in the South-West show the bright future for this industry,” she said.