Advertisement

Funding gives region a tourism boost

The Pilbara Development Commission's Cassie Baldock and Lenny Quakawoot check out the new destination guide with Visitor Centre manager Natasha Fry.

An information guide outlining attractions across the Pilbara has received funding from the Pilbara Development Commission.

The Port Hedland Visitor Centre was one of three tourism and education initiatives to be allocated money from a pool of $45,000 in round one of the PDC's Pilbara Community Chest Fund.

Visitor centre manager Natasha Fry said the $18,181 in funding would help deliver the destination guide to a greater number of possible visitors. She said the guide would highlight some lesser known attractions.

"The financial support secured through the Pilbara Community Chest Fund will enable the Port Hedland Visitor Centre to extend the reach of the destination guide to Statewide by distributing it through visitor centres, hotels and caravan parks," she said.

"Engaging with the travelling public prior to their arrival in Port Hedland through such a tool is a key to building a strong and sustained tourism industry."

The Karijini Experience, a weekend-long festival, received $20,000 funding.

PDC acting chief executive Terry Hill said expanding the economic base of the region through diversification of industries would help reduce some of the impact associated with a slowing resource sector.

"Both of these projects build awareness of the Pilbara as an exciting … place to visit that offers a range of destinations, tours and services," he said.

Meanwhile, in Marble Bar and Nullagine, primary school students will choose a selection of nine books for home reading thanks to $7590 in community chest funding.