- Australian ecotourism operator Wander identified as preferred proponent for a short-stay accommodation opportunity at Hamersley Inlet Reserve
- Opportunity would support low-impact, nature-based tourism near Fitzgerald River National Park on WA's southern coast
- Part of the Cook Labor Government's commitment to diversify the economy by growing regional tourism and creating local jobs through investment attraction
Western Australia is on track to welcome a new luxury accommodation offering at Hamersley Inlet Reserve, with ecotourism operator Wander Group Australia Pty Ltd (Wander), identified as the preferred proponent.
The proposed development, which will be located on Western Australia's southern coast near Fitzgerald River National Park, will include eight low-impact luxury cabins, supporting further growth in the region's nature-based tourism offering.
Wander, which operates luxury off-grid accommodation experiences in regional destinations across Australia, has been identified as the preferred proponent for the project following a competitive selection process.
Wander's proposal aligns with the Cook Labor Government's focus on attracting investment into low-impact, nature-based tourism across the State and is expected to strengthen the region's visitor appeal and attract more travellers to the Fitzgerald River National Park and surrounding communities.
The Cook Labor Government is supporting the Shire of Ravensthorpe to progress the opportunity through the State Government's $17.7 million National Park Tourism Experiences Development (NPTED) Program, which aims to grow sustainable, nature-based tourism experiences in and around Western Australia's national parks.
The Cook Labor Government funding will support planning work and community consultation needed to progress the proposal.
Find out more at tourism.wa.gov.au
As stated by Tourism Minister Reece Whitby:
"Wander's proposal will bring a new unique tourism experience to WA's southern coast and help showcase the incredible natural beauty of the Fitzgerald region, and I'm eager to see it progress with the support of the Cook Labor Government.
"Projects like this encourage more visitors to travel to our regions, stay longer, and support local businesses and jobs - which is exactly why we have set up our National Park Tourism Experiences Development Program to help bring them to fruition.
"The Cook Labor Government is continuing to diversify the economy by investing in sustainable tourism developments that create regional opportunities and strengthen local communities."
As stated by Regional Development Minister Stephen Dawson:
"Hamersley Inlet is a truly spectacular part of our southern coastline, and this proposal is designed to showcase that landscape while protecting it for future generations.
"The Cook Labor Government is focused on attracting investment into sustainable, naturebased tourism that creates new reasons for visitors to explore regional WA and delivers longterm benefits for local communities.
"Identifying Wander as the preferred proponent is an important step toward delivering a lowimpact, luxury ecotourism offering on the southern coast that complements the incredible landscapes of Fitzgerald River National Park."
As stated by Goldfields-Esperance Minister David Michael:
"This is another example of the Cook Labor Government's policy of encouraging low-impact, nature-based tourism in the Goldfields-Esperance region.
"As well as providing attractive holiday facilities, this proposal will encourage visitors to the area, providing a boon for businesses in the nearby communities of Hopetoun and Ravensthorpe.
"As the Minister for Goldfields-Esperance, I am pleased our government can help provide appropriate and responsible facilities for locals and visitors to enjoy the hidden gems of the special region."
As stated by the Environment Minister Matthew Swinbourn:
"This proposal reflects the Cook Labor Government's commitment to protecting and restoring WA's environment while creating sustainable opportunities for regional communities.
"Low-impact, nature-based tourism can help more people experience our extraordinary natural assets, while supporting local jobs and encouraging long-term stewardship of the places that make Western Australia unique."
