WA Labor boosting exports and supporting local jobs

A re-elected WA Labor Government will invest $18.4 million in tourism, hospitality and wine exports to further support local jobs and the diversification of the WA economy.
  • Re-elected WA Labor will deliver $18.4 million package to support local jobs through tourism and hospitality, and growing the volume of WA wine exports
  • Includes funding for projects in the Swan Valley, Perth Hills, Jarrahdale and Bells Rapids
  • Liquor reforms to be implemented, increasing trading hours and capacity for licensed venues
  • Reflects WA Labor’s ongoing vision for a diversified and strong economy

A re-elected WA Labor Government will invest $18.4 million in tourism, hospitality and wine exports to further support local jobs and the diversification of the WA economy.

The funding will support the delivery of projects across the Swan Valley and Perth Hills, including a mega mural and soft adventure attraction like a tree climb or ropes course in Pickering Brook, guided railbike experience on the disused Jarrahdale rail line and upgrades at the Bells Rapid Footbridge.

Additionally, a sculpture trail will form part of the package, with the organisation behind the popular Giants of Mandurah presenting a concept to deliver installations and murals across the Swan Valley.

Efforts to open more of the Swan River to tourists, operators and recreational boaters will be kickstarted, with the funding commitment supporting the cleanup of a section of the Swan River between Whiteman Bridge (Reid Hwy) and Maali Footbridge.

On top of this, the package includes $6 million to double WA Labor’s contribution to the Wine Industry Export Growth Partnership to grow the volume of wine exports, particularly into the east coast.

Further liquor reform will also be delivered to support hospitality operators, including:

  • Allowing venues to trade from 10am to 12am (midnight) on Good Friday, Christmas Day and ANZAC Day, with no requirement that liquor is sold ancillary to a meal;
  • Enhancing the capacity of small bars from 120 to 150, increasing opportunities for venue operators to grow their businesses; and
  • Removing the need to renew extended trading permits, cutting red tape and saving operators time and money

WA Labor revolutionised Western Australia’s night scene in 2007 with the introduction of small bar licences.

These reforms will build on that success, ensuring Western Australia’s hospitality sector can thrive into the future.

Comments attributed to Premier Roger Cook:

“Only WA Labor has a vision for a strong and diversified economy, and a plan to support local jobs.

“The tourism and hospitality industries form an important part of that strategy, employing over 100,000 Western Australians.

“That’s why we’re investing in these experiences at highly sought after destinations for visitors, like the Swan Valley and Perth Hills, as well as bolstering our support for licensed venues.

“Equally, Western Australia produces some of the best wine in the world, and supporting our wineries to grow the volume of their exports will also benefit our economy in the long-term.

“WA Labor changed the face of hospitality with small bars, and this next phase of reform will deliver more benefits for tourism, small business and local jobs.”

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