The Liberal Government is getting on with the job of helping the West Coast confront its challenges and create new opportunities for the future.
Today, following a recommendation of the West Coast Economic Working Group, which met in Queenstown this morning, we are announcing that we are bringing forward all of our election commitments to the region.
In a boost for local tourism, the Government is also pleased to announce that the West Coast Wilderness Railway will re-open the full length of the track from 15 December, including new experiences departing from Strahan.
Tourists will once again be able to travel the entire line, experiencing an historic and picturesque journey that first commenced in the late 1890s. This will provide more options for visitors this peak summer season, encouraging them to stay longer, which will benefit local businesses and the economy.
Before the election, the Liberals were the only party to commit significant funding to the West Coast, with $750,000 promised to six projects.
Originally these commitments were to be funded over four years, however, on the advice of the West Coast Economic Working Group, the Liberal Government has confirmed the funding will be brought forward to this financial year.
This means that over the next 12 months we will deliver a $300,000 upgrade to emergency services housing, $250,000 for a West Coast industry training initiative and we will study the tourism potential of a West Coast Geopark at a cost of $25,000.
Funding will also be allocated to the successful Queenstown Heritage and Arts Festival ($50,000), a West Coast bus trial ($100,000), and the North Lyell Disaster Memorial ($25,000).
More Media Releases from the Parliamentary Secretary for Small Business and Trade