‘So much potential’: Kerry White calls for Tom Price investment after Top Town finalist recognition

A local government leader in the Shire of Ashburton is urging the State Government to consider investing more heavily in the town of Tom Price to allow the town to build accommodation for visitors and reach its full tourism potential. The town was announced as a finalist in the 2023 7NEWS Top Tourism Town Awards last Tuesday. However, while Shire of Ashburton president Kerry White said the nomination was something to be proud of, she added that Tom Price needed more support and infrastructure for the area to reach its full potential. The Pilbara town of 3000 residents, which sits at the entrance of Karijini National Park, was one of three West Australian settlements to be nominated in the Top Small Town award category. Others up for the nod included Exmouth and Goldfields’ favourite Leonora. The awards recognise and reward towns in WA that demonstrate a strong commitment to encouraging tourism and increasing visitation to their destination. Cr White said the nomination was a wonderful reflection of all the hard work put into the town. “It means a lot because the staff at the visitors centre put a lot of work (and) a lot of effort in to promoting Karijini and Tom Price,” Cr White said. “It’s a beautiful town, it’s very green and it has a lot of potential to grow more. If the Government put in some money for a decent hotel for tourists to go there. That’s the problem it doesn’t have good accommodation or flights for international tourism. “Most people who visit go in caravans or campervans.” Cr White said she believed the unique nature around the town made it a natural must-visit for tourists with vast opportunities for them to explore. “In Tom Price you’ve got the four biggest mountains in WA,” she said. “The potential there for bike riders in Australia and road races. It would be great if someone took it on board to promote it more.” Voting for the 7News’ Top Tourism Town Awards is open to the public until April 26 at westernaustralia.com/au/pages/top-tourism-town-awards.