- Applications now open for business funding support payments for tourism operators impacted by ex-Tropical Cyclone Narelle
- Eligible businesses can apply for one-off payments of up to $10,000 or $20,000, depending on employee numbers
- Incentive voucher program to drive visitors to Coral Coast will launch soon
- Part of the Cook Labor Government's commitment to strengthening the WA tourism industry and diversifying the economy
Western Australian tourism operators can now apply for business funding support payments to help recover from ex-Tropical Cyclone Narelle.
Eligible tourism businesses with fewer than four workers can apply for one-off payments of up to $10,000, while businesses employing four or more staff can access up to $20,000.
Administered by Tourism WA, the funding is part of the Cook Labor Government's Cyclone Narelle Tourism Business Support Package and is designed to provide immediate financial relief to tourism operators impacted by access closures due to the severe weather event across the Shires of Exmouth, Carnarvon (including Coral Bay), Ashburton and the Upper Gascoyne.
The payments are intended to help tourism businesses such as tour operators, attractions and experiences, and accommodation providers manage ongoing operational costs and support their recovery as the region welcomes the return of visitors.
A consumer incentive voucher program will also form part of the package, offering discounts on select tours and experiences to encourage visitation to the Coral Coast region. Further details on how tourism businesses can participate in the voucher program will be released soon.
The targeted support initiatives build on a range of assistance measures already available to impacted communities and businesses, including disaster relief payments, recovery services and financial counselling.
Many tourism businesses across the Coral Coast are open and ready to welcome visitors, with travellers encouraged to keep or reschedule their bookings where possible to support local operators.
Visitors to Exmouth are also encouraged to confirm their accommodation ahead of travelling.
Tourism businesses can visit tourism.wa.gov.au for eligibility criteria, guidelines and to apply for the business survival funding support payment.
As stated by Tourism Minister Reece Whitby:
"Tourism operators along the Coral Coast have been significantly impacted by ex-Tropical Cyclone Narelle, and we know many are doing it tough in the aftermath.
"These business survival payments will provide some immediate financial relief to help operators stay afloat and continue their recovery.
"This support is also about strengthening the long-term resilience of our tourism sector, supporting local jobs and businesses, and contributing to Western Australia's economic diversification.
"The upcoming voucher program will also play an important role in driving visitors back to the region, and we look forward to sharing more details on this soon."
As stated by Regional Development Minister Stephen Dawson:
"We recognise many tourism operators have experienced significant losses as a result of ex-Tropical Cyclone Narelle, and this package is designed to provide timely support to help businesses stabilise, maintain operations and position themselves for recovery as visitors return.
"By supporting tourism businesses through this period, the Cook Labor Government is strengthening regional resilience and ensuring affected destinations are well placed to welcome visitors back as recovery efforts continue."
As stated by Gascoyne Minister Hannah Beazley:
"The Cook Labor Government is committed to supporting the region as it recovers, which is why we're encouraging Western Australians to get behind local businesses and plan a trip to the Coral Coast.
"I've witnessed first-hand the amazing spirit and resilience of the community and tourism operators in the region and a holiday here is an experience Western Australians will never forget."
As stated by Pilbara MLA Kevin Michel:
"Tourism is the lifeblood of many communities across the north-west, and ex-Tropical Cyclone Narelle has had a real impact on local operators.
"This funding will provide practical, immediate support to help small and medium tourism businesses get back on their feet, keep staff employed and continue delivering the experiences our region is known for.
"The Pilbara and surrounding Coral Coast regions offer some of Western Australia's most unique attractions, and it's important we back local operators so they're ready to welcome visitors as conditions improve.
"I encourage all eligible businesses to apply and take advantage of this support, and I look forward to seeing visitors return to support our local economy in the months ahead."
