Western Australian Government to establish cabinet-level tourism investment committee

Following new data from Tourism Research Australia that showed the state had the lowest level of tourism investment, the Western Australian Government has announced the establishment of a Tourism Investment Committee of Cabinet.

Aiming to drive new tourism investment, the Committee, to be headed by Western Australian Tourism Minister Rita Saffioti, will bring key ministers together - supported by a new team within the Western Australian Department of Jobs, Tourism, and Science and Innovation.

It will also receive input from Ministers for the Environment, Planning, Culture and the Arts, Sport and Recreation and Regional Development.

Key focuses of the new committee will include:

• Providing strategic guidance and oversight of all major tourism attractions and infrastructure Investment proposals, including establishing key Government priorities;

• Strengthening collaboration and coordination across agencies to drive timely delivery of approvals through Government processes;

• Identifying and removing barriers to tourism investment;

• Investigating potential legislative reforms to elevate and expedite Government approvals and investment decisions; and

• Identifying new and existing ministerially endorsed tourism infrastructure investment projects.

The dedicated team supporting the committee will aim to work with industry to identify new projects, develop investment pathways, and action priority decisions of Cabinet and will also include seconded subject matter experts from various regulatory and delivery agencies on an as-needed basis.

Speaking yesterday to introduce the committee's work, Minister Saffioti stated “tourism is one of Western Australia's most important industries - and our Government recognises there is a need for better coordination across Government to ensure we are capitalising on the incredible potential we have.

"There are a number of Government agencies and portfolios that have key decision-making roles when it comes to delivering tourism projects and investment, and this new committee will allow us to drive better coordination and overcome known barriers.”

Tourism Council WA has welcomed the Committee’s creation with Chief Executive Evan Hall saying that private and public investment is needed to create new experiences and attractions, particularly on public land such as National Parks and Kings Park.

Hall noted “today’s announcement will give confidence to the tourism industry that they have the support needed to commit to investing in WA.

“New investment is critical in enhancing the visitor experience and improving facilities for guests with accessibility requirements.

“Additional investment will also assist in creating sustainable tourism products with greater energy efficiency and enhancing competitiveness with international and interstate destinations.”

Images: The newly opened lagoon at Perth's Outback Splash! (top) and the concept for the $25 million Tawarri Hot Springs project to be built on the site of the historic Dalkeith Hot Pools on Perth’s Swan River (below, credit: supplied).