Operators await State Govt lifeline

Struggling Pilbara tourism businesses are hoping the State Government’s latest recovery funding lifeline will help keep them afloat. Premier Mark McGowan last week announced $4 million worth of grants, from $25,000 to $100,000, were available for operators hardest hit by the Government’s COVID-19 restrictions. Mr McGowan said the scheme was designed to benefit areas that had suffered the most, and focused on WA’s “iconic experiences”. He said 1600 accredited businesses in the State would receive a one-off $6500 payment. Operators in the region now face an anxious wait to find out if their businesses qualify. Among those applying for the grant is Karratha-based Ngurrangga Tours, owned by Clinton Walker, which has been unable to hold tours over the past few months. “Mainly what I will be using it for is marketing and getting the business profile back out there,” he said. Mr Walker said the current restrictions limited what tours he could offer. “We’ll be able to offer rock art tours and bush tucker and can also do day trips and some overnights, depending on numbers,” he said. Ngarluma Yindjibarndi Foundation and Ngurrangga Tours tourism and events co-ordinator Emily Zimmerle said the border restrictions meant changing the marketing focus to domestic travellers. “This would normally be our busiest time, the start of tourist season, and we haven’t even had any tours yet,” she said. “We’re still paying memberships and licences and trying to keep staff on, so any funding would be useful so that we can be ready when restrictions ease.” Australia’s North West Tourism chief executive Natasha Mahar said while “mum-and-dad-type” business would benefit from greater State funding, it may be a drop in the ocean for others with higher operating costs.