❓ Hon. Louise Kingston questions the Tourism Minister regarding the Horizontal Falls closure and its impact on WA tourism, seeking details on consultations and government plans to maintain industry confidence. The Minister responds by outlining consultations and clarifying the scope of the closure.
AnsweredQoN 262Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
TOURISM — HORIZONTAL FALLS
262. Hon LOUISE KINGSTON to the minister representing the
Minister for Tourism:
I refer to the government's
recent announcement to close Horizontal Falls from March 2028 and the impact it
will have on WA tourism.
(1) Will the minister table a list
of those consulted before announcing the closure?
(2) Given the
southern forest tree climbs remain closed indefinitely and the Dolphin
Discovery Centre has entered administration, what will the government do to
ensure the industry can have confidence in the future of tourism?
262. Hon LOUISE KINGSTON to the minister representing the
Minister for Tourism:
I refer to the government's
recent announcement to close Horizontal Falls from March 2028 and the impact it
will have on WA tourism.
(1) Will the minister table a list
of those consulted before announcing the closure?
(2) Given the
southern forest tree climbs remain closed indefinitely and the Dolphin
Discovery Centre has entered administration, what will the government do to
ensure the industry can have confidence in the future of tourism?
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the
honourable member for some notice of the question.
(1)–(2) In the last 12 months, extensive consultation
occurred across government with the Dambimangari Aboriginal Corporation
and with tourism businesses with licences to operate at Horizontal Falls. Peak
tourism and cruise industry bodies were also engaged in advance of the
announcement. To be clear, only traversing through
Horizontal Falls is being phased out. New experiences are being developed to
continue showcasing this iconic tourism attraction. This is consistent
with the member's media statement of 31 January 2024, in which she said
—
�
the State Government needs to work to address any safety and cultural concerns
and come up with a solution that ensures these attractions remain open
for visitors to enjoy for years to come.''
honourable member for some notice of the question.
(1)–(2) In the last 12 months, extensive consultation
occurred across government with the Dambimangari Aboriginal Corporation
and with tourism businesses with licences to operate at Horizontal Falls. Peak
tourism and cruise industry bodies were also engaged in advance of the
announcement. To be clear, only traversing through
Horizontal Falls is being phased out. New experiences are being developed to
continue showcasing this iconic tourism attraction. This is consistent
with the member's media statement of 31 January 2024, in which she said
—
�
the State Government needs to work to address any safety and cultural concerns
and come up with a solution that ensures these attractions remain open
for visitors to enjoy for years to come.''
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