Travellers to Western Australia’s Mid-West will soon be able to enjoy new and improved facilities with the WA State Government setting aside $1.5 million for upgrades to caravan and camping infrastructure in the region.

Tourism Minister Kim Hames said the funding would help the shires of Irwin, Coorow, Dandaragan and Northampton to increase camping sites and upgrade and install new infrastructure at Cliff Head, Sandy Cape, Halfway Bay, Lucky Bay and Milligan Island camping grounds.

“Facilities at popular coastal campgrounds are often under pressure from increasing use which in many ways is a happy dilemma because these areas are obviously attracting high numbers of visitors, but the amenities need attention,” Dr Hames said.

“The funding for the four shires will help better manage this through new services and equipment such as shaded picnic seating and tables, toilets, interpretive and instructional signage, fencing and improved vehicle access.

“Vehicle access is important because self-drive holidays are a popular way for people to explore the State, contributing more than $860 million to WA’s economy in 2014.”

Dr Hames said State Government-funded initiatives such as the $40.7 million Western Australian Caravan and Camping Action Plan and Parks for People aimed to give more families and visitors the opportunity to explore the State.

“Regional tourism is vital to the economy.  In 2014, total visitor spend in the State was $8.6 billion, and $3.8 billion of this was spent in regional Western Australia,” he said.

Regional Development Minister Terry Redman said he was pleased to see Royalties for Regions investing in essential infrastructure for caravan and camping visitors to the Mid-West.