- New opportunities for tourism operators with lease agreements signed for land on the Abrolhos Islands
- Cook Government's vision for development of sustainable tourism a step closer
- $8.1 million in new visitor infrastructure projects underway
The Cook Government has finalised new lease agreements for the Houtman Abrolhos Islands, paving the way for land to be utilised for new tourism opportunities for the first time.
The four lease agreements for North Island, Wallabi Group, Easter Group, and Southern Group pave the way for new tourism ventures on the islands, as well as for existing fishing and aquaculture businesses to explore ways to diversify and integrate eco-tourism experiences into their operations.
One of the key changes to the leases allows tourism operators who hold an aquatic eco-tourism licence to provide visitors with the opportunity to stay overnight in short-term hosted accommodation on the islands, which previously was not permitted.
Tour operators will also be able to access infrastructure such as jetties and moorings to support their operations.
The signing of the new agreements marks a significant milestone towards the Cook Government's vision for the development of sustainable tourism at the Abrolhos Islands.
The Government previously announced $8.1 million in upgrades to infrastructure to support tourism growth, including a new public jetty, rest area for tourists and tour operators on Rat Island, and new public moorings.
Some of the new moorings will be installed by March this year with the first two set to go in at North Island and White Bank near Rat Island.
Designs for the new Rat Island public jetty and adjacent visitor rest area are being finalised with the tenders for the construction of these projects expected to be released in coming months.
As stated by Tourism Minister Rita Saffioti:
"This is a huge milestone in our vision for sustainable tourism on the Abrolhos Islands.
"We know the Houtman Abrolhos Islands are so popular for local and out-of-state visitors and making it more accessible and bringing on more tourism opportunities is fantastic, particularly for local industry.
"It's very exciting that tour operators will now be able to offer visitors the opportunity to stay overnight on the islands providing more diverse eco, adventure, and cultural tourism experiences."
As stated by Regional Development Minister Don Punch:
"The Cook Government's investment in growing tourism opportunities and providing more access to the Abrolhos Islands will be vital in creating new jobs and economic opportunities in the Mid West region.
"We have worked closely with the islands' four body corporates - North Island, Wallabi Group, Easter Group, and Southern Group - to ensure we are balancing the tourism experience with long-term sustainability of the Abrolhos Islands ecosystems and marine environment.
"It is also pleasing to see the key infrastructure upgrades for Rat Island, and the new public boat mooring announced as part of the State Budget, progressing to provide better access to the islands for tourism operators and visitors."
As stated by Geraldton MLA Lara Dalton:
"We've always known the potential of the Houtman Abrolhos Islands here in the Geraldton community, so it's fantastic that our Government is investing in it, to help it become even better and put it on the global tourism map.
"Importantly, boosting tourism offerings on the islands will attract more visitors, which opens up new opportunities for operators and businesses, while creating local jobs as well."
