The State Government will seek expressions of interest to develop a three-and-a-half hectare for a tourism accommodation project in Tom Price, near the Karijini National Park.
The State Government will seek expressions of interest to develop a three-and-a-half hectare for a tourism accommodation project in Tom Price, near the Karijini National Park.
The full text of a government announcement is pasted below
The State Government is offering prime land for a new tourism accommodation project in Tom Price to serve as the gateway to the iconic Karijini National Park.
Tourism Minister Sheila McHale and Planning and Infrastructure Minister Alannah MacTiernan said expressions of interest for developing the three-and-a-half hectare site were being sought under the Government's Landbank initiative.
The Ministers said the State Government's Landbank initiative identified tourism sites and worked to obtain the necessary approvals to make them 'investor ready'.
"This site offers a unique investment opportunity to develop a new hotel at the gateway to the spectacular Karijini National Park," Ms MacTiernan said.
"Successful development of the site will meet growing demand for accommodation from the increasing number of visitors to Karijini," she said.
Ms McHale said Expressions of Interest were being sought from experienced developers and tourism operators to develop high-quality accommodation facilities.
"Tourism WA carried out a pre-feasibility study of the Tom Price site which suggested a four-star development with facilities such as a restaurant would appeal to tourists and business travellers," Ms McHale said.
"More than 100,000 people visit the park each year and more, high quality accommodation in Tom Price will ensure a sustainable tourism future for this important Pilbara town."
Central Kimberley-Pilbara MLA Tom Stephens welcomed the announcement.
"This is a much welcomed development which will provide a real boost to Tom Price and bolster the town's economic viability," Mr Stephens said.
Ms McHale said the EOI would run until August, at which time a shortlist of developers would be invited to submit more detailed proposals.
A committee comprising of the Department for Planning and Infrastructure, the Shire of Ashburton, the Pilbara Development Commission and Tourism WA would provide recommendations to the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure.
The Landbank initiative aims to release up to 20 tourism sites by 2010. The developments range from luxury resorts to caravan parks and wilderness lodges, catering for the accommodation needs of a variety of tourists.
