- $1.45 million tourism support package to aid regional recovery following ex-Tropical Cyclone Narelle
- Funding relief payments for eligible tourism operators impacted by access closures from the Shires of Carnarvon, Exmouth, Ashburton and Upper Gascoyne
- Tour and experience vouchers to encourage visitors to return to the region
Western Australia's tourism industry will receive $1.45 million in funding to support business recovery following the impacts of access closures Cyclone Narelle.
Ex-Tropical Cyclone Narelle crossed the Western Australian coast in late March, causing damage across the region with the town of Exmouth among the hardest hit, right before the peak Easter school holiday season.
The Cook Government has announced a targeted support package for eligible tourism businesses; tour operators, experiences and attractions, and accommodation providers, impacted by Cyclone Narelle in the Shire of Exmouth, Shire of Carnarvon including Coral Bay, Shire of Ashburton and the Shire of Upper Gascoyne.
Administered by Tourism WA, the Cyclone Narelle Tourism Business Support Package includes:
- One-off business survival funding support payments of up to $10,000 for businesses employing under four workers and up to $20,000 for businesses employing four or more staff; and
- A consumer incentive voucher program offering visitors 50 per cent off select tours and experiences and supporting marketing campaigns encouraging visitors to explore and support the Coral Coast region.
Further detail on the business support package and voucher program will be announced soon.
Many WA tourism operators in the region remain open and ready to welcome visitors, and travellers are encouraged to keep or reschedule their bookings rather than cancel to support local businesses.
The Tourism Business Support Package complements the one-off disaster relief payments of up to $4,000, and loan interest subsidies for businesses already available, for those who lost homes or business assets from the severe weather event.
Exmouth visitors are encouraged to confirm their accommodation prior to travel and visitors can find more planning information at australiascoralcoast.com
As stated by Tourism Minister Reece Whitby:
"Cyclone Narelle has had a significant impact on communities across the Coral Coast region, particularly in Exmouth, so the Cook Labor Government is supporting the businesses with crucial payments to help their recovery.
"Tourism is critical to the local economy and is one of the region's biggest employers, so the Cook Labor Government has moved quickly to develop this tourism support package that will drive the tourism sector's recovery through targeted business support, and by incentivising tourists to visit the region.
"We encourage all West Australians to support tourism businesses by visiting the region and helping this iconic part of the State get back to what it does best, which is offering an incredible tourism experience."
Comments attributed to Regional Development Minister Stephen Dawson:
"The Coral Coast plays host to unforgettable experiences such as the region's iconic whale shark swim tours. The Cook Labor Government understands the vital role tourism plays in the region, and we want to help businesses get back on track.
"We want everyone to know that Exmouth is open for business and tourists are welcome. If you're planning your next holiday, look to this incredibly unique part of our Statefor an experience you will never forget."
Comments attributed to Gascoyne Minister Hannah Beazley:
"This has been a very difficult period for local tourism operators, especially given the timing of Cyclone Narelle right before the Easter break and school holidays.
"The Cook Labor Government is here to support our tourism industry and our regional communities, and to help local businesses recover as quickly as possible."
Comments attributed to Pilbara MP Kevin Michel:
"This funding will help local tourism businesses recover from the impact of Cyclone Narelle across the Coral Coast region, keep staff employed and get back on their feet as quickly as possible.
"Our towns are open and ready to welcome visitors back to the region, and I encourage all tourists to keep or reschedule their trips to support local businesses and communities across the region."
