State Government quiet on extra measures to support tourism and growth in Augusta-Margaret River shire

State Government figures are seemingly unmoved by pleas for direct support to the Margaret River region in the face of population growth and increasing tourism pressures. While State Government spokespeople pointed to a raft of investments in the region’s infrastructure over the past decade, no specific measures were identified to meet cost pressures on the Shire of Augusta-Margaret River and their ratepayers. Those costs were among the prime reasons cited for the recently endorsed shire rates increase as the local government battles inflation and maintaining facilities and services. Ahead of last week’s trip to Canberra for the National General Assembly of Local Government, Shire president Julia Meldrum and deputy president Tracey Muir said more was needed to ease the region’s growing pain. At the Federal level, Ms Meldrum said tax revenue distribution to local governments had nearly halved in the past 30 years. “We want funding levels to return to historical levels, as well as more funding for local governments who, like us, host tourists, because it just doesn’t seem fair that our ratepayers are the only ones investing in services used by visitors and local alike,” she said. Recent State $1.2 million upgrade for campgrounds and parking in Capes national parks, $2.7m for the Cape-to-Cape Track, and more than $17m to restore and connect the Wadandi Track were touted as projects to draw visitors, but locals are concerned conservation needs are not being met. A State Government spokesperson did not respond to requests for comment on the concerns raised by local leaders, Instead, they noted the South West Development Commission’s Southern Stars Holiday Park investment for seasonal wine industry workers ($50,000), major campground and track investments, work on the Busselton Airport expansion plan, and undisclosed subsidies for Jetstar’s direct flights from Melbourne and Sydney. The spokesperson pointed to past funding for the Margaret River main street’s upgrade and the perimeter road which opened to vehicles in 2019. It was also noted a steering committee established in 2022 continued to explore project proposals to help with “activating worker housing, including for the wine and tourism industry in the Cowaramup area”. Margaret River-Busselton Tourism Association chair Stuart Hicks commended the Shire’s leadership for highlighting the region’s needs to decision makers. But Mr Hicks said residents lived in the shadow of the region’s tourism appeal. “It’s not one long holiday for everybody who lives and works in a visitor economy, and we need recognition and support from government,” he said. “Shortages in affordable housing, gaps in the labour force, inadequate transport infrastructure, mental health challenges, and the deterioration of our natural environment are all key issues our region is grappling with. “They require the strong support of State and Federal governments to be overcome. “It’s never been more critical that politicians know about our challenges in sustaining that reputation.”