Project boost for accommodation

A $10.5 million boost for the final stage of Busselton’s foreshore redevelopment is the first step towards filling a gap in the region’s accommodation market, according to the State Government and Busselton Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

The final stage of the foreshore redevelopment was launched on Monday as part of State Cabinet’s regional sitting in Busselton.

Premier and Tourism Minister Colin Barnett and Regional Development Minister Terry Redman announced the State Government would commit $4.5 million of Royalties For Regions funding to the project, complementing a $6 million investment from the City of Busselton.

During the announcement, Mr Redman told attendees Busselton boasted fantastic assets, but said it was currently lacking in accommodation options.

“The fantastic natural assets we have around here (are) attractive to people who come and visit from overseas, interstate and even other parts of WA,” he said.

“What it hasn’t got is high-level short-stay accommodation to support these assets, both natural and built form.”

The project’s masterplan has allocated three sites between Marine Terrace and Foreshore Parade for the development of 4-5 star short-stay accommodation.

As part of the redevelopment’s final stage, these sites will be prepared for construction.

Chamber chief executive Ray McMillan told theTimes there was an imbalance in Busselton’s accommodation options, but said the latest investment in headworks was a step towards filling the gap in the market.

“Much of our quality accommodation stock is located well outside the CBD or the immediate vicinity of Busselton itself and in many cases was initially developed up to 40 years ago,” he said.

“If Busselton is to maximise the opportunities of interstate and eventually international tourism, it needs to be able to offer high quality accommodation close to the city centre and that also needs to be complemented by similar standards of facilities in reasonably close proximity.

“Investment in headworks will at least make the designated sites investment-ready.”

During the announcement, the Premier commended the City’s handling of the project and said he was delighted to announce its next stage.

“It’s an investment in accommodation, tourism and hospitality … which of course will bring jobs with it,” he said.