Pilbara businesses win share of $800k for total solar eclipse preparations

Pilbara businesses will receive a portion of $800,000 as part of the State Government’s preparation for the 2023 total solar eclipse. Some 40 business from the Gascoyne and Pilbara regions and their tourism and hospitality sectors have applied for the grants through the TSE round of the Local Capability Fund. The round of grants is set up to help small to medium-sized businesses in the regions prepare for the increase in customers visiting the area for the eclipse. The TSE is expected to attract thousands of international and domestic visitors to the Ningaloo region to witness the sun, moon and earth align at 11:27am on April 20, 2023. Exmouth is set to experience a 100 per cent solar eclipse, Onslow and Coral Bay will experience 99 per cent and Carnarvon, 95 per cent. “At 11:27 am on 20 April 2023; the Ningaloo region will be one of the only places on Earth you will be able to see a Total Solar Eclipse,” said Tourism Minister Roger Cook. “The WA Government is helping to make sure local communities and businesses are prepared for the thousands of visitors the event is expected to attract to the region. “Through the TSE round of the Local Capability Fund, 40 Gascoyne and Pilbara businesses have been approved to receive direct funding that they will use to practically prepare for an influx of customers in April and continue to support their business into the future.” Applicants were able to apply for grants of 75 per cent of costs, up to a maximum of $25,000. In addition to the TSE round of funding, the WA Government has committed $21.1 million to a range of upgrades to the region’s roads, marine infrastructure, telecommunication networks and local facilities. “We want to see the 2023 Total Solar Eclipse leave a lasting legacy for the growing tourist centres in the Ningaloo region,” said Mr Cook.