Abrolhos Islands tourism: Nationals back calls for high-speed vessel jetties at Geraldton

The WA Nationals are urging the State Government to build high-speed vessel jetties at the Esplanade lookout and Geraldton Museum sites so business interests can establish an Abrolhos Islands ferry service. “They need access for disembarkation and to make it more tourist-friendly,” Nationals WA leader Mia Davies said. “There’s such an amazing opportunity now with people focused on holidaying at home. “It’s the right time to be putting that infrastructure in place so that when we do get back to the ‘new normal’ we’re ready to take advantage of that.” The $3 million project is one of nine election priorities proposed by the group Progress Midwest. “The minister’s told them they need to develop a business case, which we understand has been done,” Ms Davies said. “We’d like to see that fast-tracked and approved so that there can be some confidence from the operator to continue to invest and build that product.” Member for Geraldton Ian Blayney said the money was available as the Royalties for Regions-funded Beresford foreshore redevelopment project had come in under budget. “I think it’s a no-brainer myself,” he said. “They just want to get on with it and do it.” A Progress Midwest document says the “private sector” is already “mobilising” towards providing day trips and diverse tourism activities at the islands. It says the jetties would also support other commercial maritime tourism such as diving and fishing charters and tours. Regional Development Minister Alannah MacTiernan said she had “strongly pushed” the project. “We need to finalise this work before a decision can be made by Government,” she said. “I have met with local tourism operators on several occasions to discuss this opportunity, and last year I asked the Mid West Development Commission to prepare a detailed business case and design on the project.”