Lands Minister Ben Wyatt has called for registrations of interest for a unique opportunity to activate and develop the historic Cossack townsite in Western Australia's Pilbara region.
Located on the Pilbara coast at the mouth of the Harding River, by the iconic Jarman Island, Cossack is a State Registered Heritage Place that comprises a collection of remaining buildings and archaeological sites rich in cultural history.
Established as the first port of the North West of Australia, the townsite played a central role in the State's first pearling industry and today offers a central base for adventurers to explore the stunning Pilbara landscape, Aboriginal history and rock art and various recreational activities.
Interested parties are encouraged to come forward with their vision to revitalise this underutilised precinct, whilst also ensuring short and long-term conservation and future management of the site.
Favourable consideration will be given to proposals that entertain low-impact tourism development and ancillary uses such as high quality eco-tourism accommodation, low-cost camping, cafés or galleries.
Any submissions will need to respond to and consider physical site constraints, heritage protection and conservation, Native Title considerations, future planning, development and land management.
Registrations of interest close at 2pm on Friday, November 20, 2020. For more information and agent details, visit http://www.dplh.wa.gov.au/cossack
As stated by Lands Minister Ben Wyatt:
"This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to revitalise a unique historic Pilbara townsite through a contemporary and sensitive heritage tourism development.
"We are inviting the best innovative and sustainable ideas for a future vision that will activate the precinct while celebrating its rich heritage and stunning coastal location.
"Well considered development in Cossack will provide a strong regional economic boost, contributing to the growth of the Pilbara as a tourist destination that offers something for all visitors and will be appreciated for generations to come.
As stated by Heritage Minister David Templeman:
"The McGowan Government is committed to creating heritage tourism experiences that ensure our cultural and heritage values, and that natural and built environment, are protected and celebrated.
"The community is keen to see the unique character and history of Cossack retained and its stories retold in a manner that balances preservation of its past with contemporary and engaging tourism uses.
"Cossack has the potential to rival the popularity and attraction of any global destination, with its fascinating history, interesting landscape and inviting coastline."
As stated by Pilbara MLA Kevin Michel:
"Cossack is an important part of the Pilbara's history, and this new opportunity has the potential to secure the tourism future of the historic site.
"I have been engaging with the Lands Minister and the Heritage Minister ever since I was elected to see how we can revitalise Cossack for generations to come."
