Transport Minister Rita Saffioti has today released plans for the long-term development of the Exmouth Boat Harbour, which would see the location transform into a tourism, hospitality and commercial precinct.
The Exmouth Boat Harbour Masterplan sets out the long-term blueprint for the harbour over the next 40 years, and includes a range of potential development opportunities, including a boutique hotel, microbrewery and other commercial, retail and tourism spaces.
The masterplan - developed by the Department of Transport in close consultation with the Shire of Exmouth, the Exmouth Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Gascoyne Development Commission and neighbouring business and community groups - aims to activate prime waterfront land, with views of the Exmouth Gulf in the northern precinct of the harbour.
The masterplan presents opportunities which build on the existing tourism and marine operations at the harbour, while also setting the framework for balanced growth across many sectors with provision for a range of accommodation, retail and commercial activities.
Other key features of the plan include:
- a better connection between the harbour and Exmouth's town centre;
- new community areas with public open space and recreation areas;
- improved pedestrian and passive transport links between the harbour and town centre; and
- better use of signage to attract and assist visitors to the harbour.
As the largest harbour south of the Pilbara, Exmouth is strategically well placed as a service and support centre for operations associated with the resources sector in the north. Its close proximity to the Ningaloo Marine Park also presents significant opportunity in the tourism sector.
To find out more about Exmouth Boat Harbour, or to view the masterplan visit https://www.transport.wa.gov.au/imarine/ml-exmouth.asp
As stated by Transport Minister Rita Saffioti:
"Exmouth is the gateway to the Ningaloo Marine Park - one of our State's most iconic natural attractions - and I think there is significant opportunity to transform this prime waterfront location into a high-quality hospitality, tourism and commercial precinct for the thousands of people that visit every year.
"Large parts of the Exmouth Boat Harbour are currently underutilised, and this presents us with significant opportunity to drive new investment, create jobs and boost the local economy.
"There are some existing tenants within the harbour precinct, and we will work closely with them as we progress the long-term vision for the site.
"Setting a future vision for the Exmouth Boat Harbour will allow the strategic development of this key coastal infrastructure asset, and ensure it delivers economic and community benefits for Exmouth, the Gascoyne region and the State.
"The masterplan will provide the private sector with confidence to drive investment in the facility, and realise its great potential."
