Eco-tourism set to take off in the Great Southern

The economic return from eco-tourism in the Great Southern could increase significantly in the near future, with a plan being developed to better co-ordinate and capitalise on the region’s natural assets.

It is proposed to establish a Great Southern Centre for Outdoor Recreation Excellence, with the aim to turn the region into one of WA’s best adventure playgrounds.

The Great Southern Development Commission and Department of Sport and Recreation have commissioned a $50,000 feasibility study and business plan for the project.

The feasibility study is complete and the project is now at the business plan stage.

The goals of the centre include tailoring outdoor recreational products, programs and services that use the region’s natural assets and satisfy local and tourist demand.

It would also aim to develop iconic outdoor events, packages for outdoor adventure in the region, and co-ordinate effective collation and dissemination of information on outdoor recreation in the Great Southern.

It is proposed to establish a headquarters for the centre, which may involve co-locating it with an existing organisation.

GSDC chief executive Bruce Manning said the State Government had invested a lot of funds into eco-tourism infrastructure in the region over the past decade that were adding up to a grand set of assets to build a hub for adventure tourism.

Mr Manning cited the Bibbulmun Track, Munda Biddi Trail, Castle Rock, Tree Top Walk, Circular Pool and Torndirrup National Park as places where State money had been spent.

“There is also the Stirling Range National Park, and West Cape Howe seacliffs that are world renowned for rock climbing, while kite surfers have recorded some of the fastest speeds in the State in Princess Royal Harbour,” he said.

“We also have a superb asset at Quaranup — it is the envy of the State as a recreational camp — and then there are our natural assets like the beaches, oceans and rivers, and plans to grow cycling and mountain biking.”

DSR Great Southern regional manager Chris Thompson said what was currently available for adventure tourism in the region was just the tip of the iceberg, and much of it was taken for granted.

“The region’s economic future is not going to be based on the resource sector and we have an opportunity to utilise our recreational outdoor areas for economic growth and development,” he said.

Mr Manning said the feasibility study had turned up an extraordinary range of opportunities for the region.

“Developing a business plan is the next stage and we are confident that it will come back with a path forward to realise on the ambition,” he said.