Feature: Batavia Coast Marina

The Batavia Coast Marina is a serene spot to take the kids, or relax with your friends.

With beautiful views of the dancing boats on the glistening water, it is a great location to stretch your legs and enjoy the fresh air.

There is a playground for the kids to band up and ward off pirates from their ship.

The rocks are lovely for spotting crabs, relaxing and practicing your skimming skills. 

The jetty is an awesome place to get dirty and do some fishing.

The location is super central, walking distance from the Museum, the Foreshore and café/restaurant, Skeetas.

The Batavia Coast Marina was set into plan as early as 1988 and opened in 1995. It was a $14,000,000 project that attracts tourists all year round and truly was a wonderful development.

The Marina is a fantastic spot with something for everyone, see for yourself!

 

Town Towers Redevelopment Underway

Artists impression of finished project  

The City of Greater Geraldton has been in negotiations with the developers of Geraldton’s iconic Town Towers building and works have now commenced. 

The application proposes the refurbishment of the existing building to include a mixed use development, consisting of commercial and retail components as well as 40 serviced apartments.

The City has been in talks with property developers for quite some time to ensure the best outcome for the building.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said in-depth discussions had been taking place to ensure the best result.

“Negotiations on rates concessions and incentives have been concluded and all parties have agreed on an outcome that will see Town Towers redeveloped,” he said.

“I extend my praise to the developers on this project who have worked tirelessly on the progression of this development and the works, and on behalf of the City we are very grateful for their investment.”

Built in the 1970s, Town Towers was occupied by tenants until 2008. Since then, it has been empty and under much scrutiny due to crime and vandalism.

“The development of Town Towers has been a big talking point for quite some time as the building holds such significance in our community due to its prominence in our CBD,” Mayor Van Styn said.

“We know the potential this building holds and that’s why we have been working so closely with developers to get this over the line.

“This is a great and very significant indicator of the up-turn in our economy and it means great things for Greater Geraldton’s future.”

Project Manager, Grant Pitman, said the positive growth in Geraldton was a big factor in moving forward with the development.

“We’re extremely excited about the development of Geraldton’s Town Towers and we know the potential this holds for the city,” he said.

“This has been a prolonged process, and a tough project to get off the ground, but it was the proactive approach of the Council and the willingness to work right alongside us that helped us get the project going.

“We see a very strong future for Geraldton and we believe this development will only help grow that.”

A recommendation to grant a rates concession for the building was passed by Council and Mayor Van Styn said the project would mean positive outcomes for the City’s vibrancy.

“This development fits in perfectly with our City Centre Revitalisation Plan,” he said.

“We have a new vision for our CBD and we will be engaging and working with even more key industry stakeholders, developers and investors to help enhance the vibrancy of our CDB.

“Revitalisation in our City centre has been a top priority for us and we have already progressed our Foreshore with the finalisation of the West End Revitalisation Project and the progression of Town Towers is the next phase in our bigger plan.”

Updates on construction works and announcements on road closures will be released in the coming weeks.

Brilliant news! Tourism to the Coral Coast up 15% for the year

In brief:

• The Coral Coast stretches from Cervantes to Exmouth. 
• Visitors spent $638 million in the last 12 months. 
• 951,000 domestic tourists visited in 2015-16 financial year
• That's 15 higher than last year, and 42% higher than 3 years ago. 

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Australia’s tourism industry is currently growing three times as fast as the rest of the Australian economy, and the latest tourism numbers for the Coral Coast show it. 

More than 950,000 domestic tourists came to Australia's Coral Coast, the coastline between Cervantes and Exmouth, and spent $638 million in the last 12 months, the latest figures from Tourism Research Australia show.

The Member for Durack Melissa Price MP said the National Visitor Survey shows Australia's Coral Coast is proving popular for those holidaying in Australia.

“This is great news for the local economy and local jobs,” Ms Price said.

“It is fantastic people are choosing our beautiful region to visit and spend their money.”

Produced by Tourism Research Australia, for the 2015-16 financial year, the survey shows 951,000 domestic tourists visited Australia's Coral Coast, an increase of 15 per cent from the previous year and 42 per cent over three years. 

While visiting tourists spent $638 million, an increase of 16 per cent from the previous year and 58 per cent over three years.

Visitor nights also recorded growth, with domestic tourists staying 4,740,000 nights in Australia's Coral Coast, an increase of 24 per cent from the previous year and 46 per cent over three years.

“The survey shows tourism continues to drive local jobs and economic growth,” Ms Price said.

“Tourism remains an important focus for the Turnbull Government, with our vibrant tourism sector forecast to continue its growth trajectory over the next decade,” she said.

The National Visitor Survey is available on the Tourism Research Australia website: tra.gov.au

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