$8 million secured for Abrolhos Islands sustainable tourism development

The Western Australian Government will invest $8.1 million to develop the first stage of a sustainable tourism development at the Houtman Abrolhos Islands building on the $16.8 million already delivered by the State Government for the Abrolhos Islands.

The archipelago of more than 200 islands, west of Geraldton, boasts diverse ecosystems, abundant wildlife and a rich heritage, making it a popular destination for local, national, and international tourists.

The package, funded through the 2024/25 State Budget, includes:

• A new public access multi-purpose jetty on Rat Island linked to the existing airstrip, unlocking new tourism opportunities in the Easter and Pelsaert island groups;

• Refurbishment of a fishing camp adjacent to the jetty, providing visitor infrastructure and a rest area for tourists and tour operators; and

• 10 new public moorings supported by a booking system to protect the globally important biodiversity and heritage sites.

The ability to progress the important public access jetty and rest area developments was secured through earlier allocation of $250,000 in 2023-24 for the strategic acquisition of the camp on Rat Island, a prime location to improve tourism access.

The proposed infrastructure developments will support growth in agritourism and new aquaculture products, as well as leveraging established events like Pearl to Plate and the Shore Leave Festival - which attract more than 23,000 visitors and contribute $2.5 million to the Mid West economy each year.

Importantly, the investment is expected to deliver nearly $67 million to the Mid West economy and generate nine new business ventures plus nearly 250 long-term, sustainable jobs in the region.

The planned developments are linked to the recently released management plans for the Houtman Abrolhos Islands Reserve and Fish Habitat Protection Area, which is anticipated to unlock more than $30 million of private sector investment on the islands and mainland over the next 25 years.

The Western Australian Government has invested $16.8 million for management of the Houtman Abrolhos Islands National Park and infrastructure, focused on activating tourism in the Wallabi Island Group, plus a $4.5 million investment into the Eastern Breakwater Jetty in Geraldton to provide access to the islands.

Image. Credit: Tourism WA