State Government makes funding available from Royalty for Regions for Shark Bay Ecotourism Development
THE State Government is calling for expressions of interest to develop an ecotourism resort in one of WA's world heritage areas.
The Francois Peron National Park site, located in the Shark Bay World Heritage Area, is about 10km north of Monkey Mia.
Tourism Minister Kim Hames said the site offered a unique opportunity for potential investors. "The State Government is looking for investors to create a unique, world-class ecotourism resort of the same calibre as Sal Salis at Ningaloo Reef; Karijini Eco Retreat; or the Eco Beach Resort at Broome," Dr Hames said.
"Francois Peron is one of the truly extraordinary areas of WA with its scenic coastline featuring red cliffs, turquoise blue water, white beaches and abundant wildlife."
The site is the fourth released under the Naturebank program, which is funded by Royalties for Regions and jointly managed by Tourism Western Australia and the Department of Environment and Conservation.
Environment Minister Bill Marmion said Naturebank aimed to position the state as a premier ecotourism destination.
The first two Naturebank sites, the Bungle Bungles Safara Camp and the Mt Hart Wilderness Lodge, have recently opened their doors to guest.
Regional Development Minister Brendon Grylls added that Naturebank encouraged tourism operators to grow regional businesses by investing in ecotourism developments, which create jobs and other business opportunities in regional WA.
