Western Australia Senator, Glenn Sterle, will tomorrow launch stage one of the $260,000 revitalisation of Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse project on behalf of the Minister for Tourism, Martin Ferguson AM MP.
The Geographe Bay Tourism Association has received a $100,000 for the project from the Australian Government and $30,000 from the Western Australian Government to restore two lighthouse keepers' cottages, construct a new dining area and install pathways and disabled access ramps. The Geographe Bay Tourism Association has also contributed $130,000 to the project.
The Lighthouse currently attracts over 30,000 visitors each year and the significant funding contribution and additional facilities will greatly enhance Cape Naturaliste as a regional tourism attraction.
Senator Sterle said: "I congratulate Geographe Bay Tourism Association on your successful project and wish you continued success as you promote and build tourism in the Dunsborough region.
"This is an area of stunning natural beauty and by improving infrastructure and accessibility - in addition to restoring an item of historical value - this project will help the region's tourism industry enjoy even more success well into the future."
Minister Ferguson said funding for this project was part of a wider strategy to help the Australian tourism industry make an even greater contribution to economic growth.
"The Australian Government is taking significant steps to support Australia's tourism industry as we emerge from the global recession and help operators capitalise upon increasing consumer confidence," he said.
"We are doing this because we recognise tourism in Australia is a $40 billion industry which employs almost 500,000 people - many of whom live in rural and regional areas."
In 2007-08, tourism directly employed over 47,000 people in Western Australia and contributed $3.8 billion in Gross State Product.