Funding boost for Yanchep National Park campground

Yanchep National Park will benefit from $261,500 in Federal Government funding to significantly upgrade its popular campground, helping to boost tourism in the region.

The funding is a partnership between the Federal and State Governments as part of the Tourism Demand Driver Infrastructure (TDDI) program.

The program provides $43 million over four years to States and Territories for key infrastructure projects that will drive tourism growth. Western Australia received $5.063 million in funding over four years, managed by the State Government through Tourism Western Australia.

The Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions will also contribute funding and manage the project.

A trial campground was established at Yanchep National Park in 2016, providing a total of 20 sites. The trial offered an introductory camping experience for novice campers in a relatively secure environment, and a unique opportunity to camp close to Perth.

A high proportion of international (24.1 per cent) and interstate (24.8 per cent) tourists used the campground, with an estimated 65.8 per cent being first-time visitors to Yanchep, providing a boost to tourism operators in the region.

The TDDI funding, in conjunction with funding allocated from the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, will go towards establishing a permanent campground at Yanchep National Park, including the construction of an ablutions block, road access, parking areas, paths, signage, BBQ shelter and campsite infrastructure.

Federal Member for Pearce, Christian Porter MP said, “The Tourism Demand Drive Infrastructure program aims to drive demand, improve the quality of our tourist attractions and increase tourism expenditure.

“Due to the limited caravan park and camping opportunities in the northern suburbs, Yanchep National Park’s campground has the potential to be the gateway for visitors leaving Perth and travelling to the north of Western Australia.

“This funding will ensure that the facilities at the campground remain high-quality and low-cost which will attract campers and encourage them to stay longer.

“Existing businesses located in the park will benefit from the additional spend and other commercial opportunities such as cultural tours and evening tours may develop as a result – generating more interest and investment in the area.”

Western Australian Tourism Minister Paul Papalia also commented, saying “It is fantastic to see the program helping to make Western Australia a more attractive place for tourists by providing funding for significant tourism infrastructure across the State.

“In 2016, an estimated 1.6 million domestic and international visitors spent 7.7 million nights in caravan or camping accommodation, contributing more than $1 billion to the State’s economy.

“The State Government has made significant investments in helping to improve the supply, delivery and promotion of the sector, and we are pleased to see that funding will help to establish a permanent campground at Yanchep National Park.

“Tourism is a key pillar of the State Government’s plan to diversify the economy and create jobs. The industry contributed $10.1 billion in visitor spend in 2016-17 and generates around 109,000 jobs.”

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