Planning and Infrastructure Minister Alannah MacTiernan has made a whirlwind tour of Carnarvon, calling for tenders and expressions of interest in residential and tourism developments in the North-West centre.
The Minister opened tenders for the construction of four grouped housing lots on a new residential and tourism development, as well as calling for expressions of interest in developing accommodation on Babbage Island; and unveiling a preliminary design and feasibility assessment for the proposed tourism and recreational precinct at the fishing boat harbour.
The full text of a Ministerial announcement is pasted below
Carnarvon's future taking shape as major projects move forward.
Planning and Infrastructure Minister Alannah MacTiernan visits Carnarvon today to announce significant progress on three projects that are set to transform the North-West town.
The three announcements are:
- opening tenders for developing four grouped housing lots on the Northwater Estate, a premium residential and tourism development close to the town centre;
- calling for expressions of interest in developing quality chalet-style accommodation on Babbage Island; and
- unveiling a preliminary design and feasibility assessment for the proposed tourism and recreational precinct at the fishing boat harbour.
"These three projects will create exciting tourism opportunities, better local lifestyle choices and attract major new investment in Carnarvon," Ms MacTiernan said.
The Minister said LandCorp was now seeking tenders for the construction of up to 22 new units on four grouped housing lots, ranging in size from 1,390sqm to 1,773sqm.
"This latest release comes after 17 single residential lots in Stage Two were sold last year and with another 14 expected to be on market in the first half of 2007," she said.
"A $4.5million civil works contract, which is well under way, will create a central canal, as well as providing roads and services for the development.
"The contractor, Malavoca Pty Ltd, is using local skills and labour, including five members of the local indigenous community as part of its team."
The 3.5ha Babbage Island site, overlooking the Gascoyne River mouth and within a kilometre of the One-Mile Jetty and a proposed heritage precinct, offered a rare opportunity for tourism development, said the Minister.
"This is an outstanding opportunity for experienced developers and tourist accommodation operators with the skills, design experience, imagination and financial resources to deliver a sustainable tourism facility," she said.
"Carnarvon, at the heart of the coral coast, is an ideal base for exploring the unique marine and inland wonders of the region, by land, sea or air."
The Minister said a meeting of the boat harbour working group would plan the next steps in progressing this project. unveiling a preliminary design and feasibility assessment for the proposed tourism and recreational precinct at the fishing boat harbour.
"A boat harbour precinct, combining the activity of a working fishing port with a hotel, restaurants and retail outlets, could create a new tourism focus on Carnarvon's waterfront," she said.
Local MLA Fred Riebeling said world-wide interest in the Gascoyne was growing, creating opportunities for more facilities to cater for visitors seeking quality accommodation and tourism experiences.
"Carnarvon and the Gascoyne have plenty to offer international visitors and a new quality facility could help get our region included in more tour packages," Mr Riebeling said.
"As well as providing a major boost to tourism in the Gascoyne, these projects will help Carnarvon attract and keep new businesses and skilled and professional people."
