The McGowan Government will invest $1.3 million to upgrade the Great Beyond Visitor Centre at Laverton and capitalise on an expected boost in outback travellers.
The Shire of Laverton will contribute $1.3 million to the project which aims to provide significant economic and social benefits to the town.
The Visitor Centre has been operating at near capacity to service current visitor numbers and an expanded centre will greatly improve visitor experiences and customer service.
The Centre is expected to attract travellers on the Outback Way, a significant national road project to seal all sections of road from Perth to Cairns. Laverton is a critical service node on the Western Australian section of the Outback Way.
The refurbished and expanded Great Beyond Visitor Centre will feature:
- a new entry foyer, merchandising shop and café;
- an administrative office, public amenities and storage areas;
- disability access to interpretative displays;
- undercover alfresco dining space; and
- the 'Giles Oasis' cultural garden and outdoor interactive displays.
Approximately 17 jobs will be created during construction on the project, as well as another eight ongoing jobs at the upgraded Centre.
As stated by Premier Mark McGowan:
"Up to 32,000 additional visitors per year are projected to visit Laverton through the Western Australian section of the Outback Way road network.
"This significant influx of travellers will provide a wonderful opportunity for Laverton to put its best foot forward to showcase the town's local attractions and services and encourage overnight stays.
"We are pleased to support the Shire of Laverton to provide a modern and functional visitor centre which is at the heart of the town."
As stated by Regional Development Minister Alannah MacTiernan:
"The revisions to Laverton's visitor centre will enrich the traveller experience and boost visitor numbers, creating economic and social benefits for the local community and the region.
"The visitor centre is integral to the social amenity of the town and serves as an important community meeting space and only café in Laverton."
As stated by Mining and Pastoral Region MLC Kyle McGinn:
"Any traveller that has been through Laverton in the last few years knows how hard the team at the visitor centre currently work, and how much they are able to offer with their current resources.
"This investment will make a huge difference and will mean the centre can accommodate the influx of visitors through the region.
"The history that is shared within the centre provides a true reflection of the amazing story Laverton has to tell.
"The Outback way will open the gates to greater tourism opportunities for Laverton and this project is perfect to continue to stimulate the local area as the tourists flow through."
