Traders call for more State Government support for Margaret River tourism destination

The State Government has tipped water on calls for greater support to businesses and ratepayers footing the bill for the region’s booming tourism economy.

The longstanding issue was recently revived after Margaret River main street business operator and former council candidate Richard Moroney noted ratepayers were under increased financial pressure.

With news of a 4 per cent rates rise for 2022-23, the Burger Baby owner said residents had to engage with the Shire of Augusta-Margaret River to address a structural imbalance where ratepayers were subsidising the region’s tourism appeal.

“As a popular tourist destination, we need more State Government support,” he said.

“In the meantime, those that live, work and play in Margaret River, those contributors to Margaret River that work on the land or stand behind a shop counter or raise their families are the ones footing the bill, and not one of the structural problems in our shire is meaningfully addressed, let alone fixed.”

But a State Government spokesperson declined to bite on the calls for a specific funding allocation to the destination, instead pointing to a list of State-funded projects of benefit to the region.

Key among those were millions tipped in to the Margaret River main street redevelopment, $60.2 million for the perimeter road, and $5 million pitched in to the Margaret River Heart project.

“The State Government has invested significantly to enhance the tourism potential of the Margaret River area and wider South West region,” the spokesperson said.

Included in the list was $47 million towards upgrades at the Busselton-Margaret River Airport supporting direct flights from Melbourne, and $9.5 million for the Busselton foreshore and Busselton Jetty tourism precinct.

Smaller projects included mountain bike trails in the Pines, carparks at Redgate Beach, Contos campground works, and the Canal Rocks boat ramp and jetty.

The latest Shire budget and annual report acknowledged the need to cater for residents as well as visitors.

“Visitors to the region significantly contribute to the local economy by spending money on accommodation, food, shopping, entertainment and experiences,” Shire president Paula Cristoffanini told the Times.

“This supports local businesses and those employed by them.

“Rates paid to the Shire help maintain infrastructure which is used not only by tourists when visiting, but also enjoyed by the whole community on a daily basis.”

Realtor Joe White said population growth made a case for more State Government back-up.

“The local population can’t sustain this growth with their rates base,” he said.

“That’s population so great your infrastructure needs State and Federal contributions.”