The McGowan Government continues to fulfil its election commitments, facilitating the competitive release of Crown land in Exmouth for workers accommodation, as preferred proponent Desen Group moves to the next stage of the process.
The State Government continues to work with a number of regional local governments to prioritise making Crown land available for accommodation in regional areas - including Exmouth, Karratha and Kalbarri.
The Registration of Interest process made the 5.8 hectare site on Murat Road available to increase accommodation options for local tourism businesses, seasonal workers and other key industry personnel.
Located close to the centre of Exmouth, the site was made available and released via competitive process. Following an assessment process, Perth-based Desen Group has been identified as the preferred proponent.
The State Government will now enter into the next stage of negotiations with the proponent to refine its proposal, to ensure the best possible outcome is delivered for the Exmouth community and that any proposal represents value for money for Western Australia.
The terms and scope of the proponent's proposal for the site are still subject to further negotiations, while subsequent planning and development approvals also need to be secured by the proponent.
As stated by Lands Minister John Carey:
"Our Government made a clear election commitment to make Crown land available through a competitive process for workers accommodation in Exmouth.
"The selection of a preferred proponent to move to the next stage of negotiation is a significant milestone, and is a positive step forward for the Exmouth community.
"The State Government, through the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage, has worked closely with the Shire of Exmouth and Gascoyne Development Commission throughout this process.
"Our Government looks forward to working with Desen Group on our shared vision for this site."
As stated by Regional Development Minister Alannah MacTiernan:
"Exmouth is taking centre stage as a premier tourism destination, being named Australia's Top Small Tourism Town for 2022 and hosting the Ningaloo Total Solar Eclipse in April next year.
"This exponential growth in tourism has led to the need for a significant workforce accommodation site.
"We've worked closely with the tourism sector to deliver this election commitment and it's great to see it begin to materialise."
