WAMA Opportunity Confirmed by Second Study

For immediate release 22 Dec 2016

WAMA Opportunity Confirmed by Second Study

Good news about the WAMA project is very welcome with a second independent study confirming its potential to bring jobs and tourism to the region.At a time when the region could do with some good news, particularly with the closure of the Stawell Gold Mine, it’s very positive to have projects like WAMA in the pipeline.

WAMA is a project to establish a wildlife and art precinct in the Halls Gap area, with a gallery, artists’ workshops, educational facilities, botanical gardens and wetlands all celebrating the relationship between art science and nature.

The WAMA study, conducted by RAM Consulting, is awaiting consideration from Regional Development Victoria, however it has confirmed that the project should be on the agenda for the region.

A key recommendationfrom the studyis thatWAMA must become a high priority for Government investment.

According to the study, “the vision to create a nationally significant, high quality, visitor focused nature, arts and learning focused centre that will bring economic, cultural and social benefits to the region is a compelling one”.

Greg Randall, from RAM Consulting said, “The region needs some big ideas to realise potential economic growth. Tourism in particular, is a key growth driver for the region and large, attractive projects will only enhance the tourism potential generating income and jobs into the future.”

“The WAMA project has the potential to bring millions of dollars into the region in jobs and growth in tourism income,” said Greg Lewin, WAMA Chairman. “The building phase alone will create many local jobs, in project management, building and construction and conservation and landscaping works.”

Various models have forecast that by its 10th year of operation, WAMA is expected to attract between 150,000 and 250,000 visitors and to generate over $20 million a year.

Following a site visit in 2015, the Minister for Regional Development, Jaala Pulford formally wrote to the WAMA Board encouraging the them to continue working closely with RDV to advance the progress of the WAMA project.

It is now timely that local government and tourism organisations actively support the WAMA Project to ensure it is a part of the development agenda for the region.

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For more media information please contact:

Angela Turrell WAMA Marketing

M: 0429 521 121