BUSSELTON JETTY —
UNDERWATER DISCOVERY CENTRE
454. Hon JAMES HAYWARD to the Minister for Regional Development:
I refer to Busselton jetty's
proposed Australian underwater discovery centre.
(1) Can the
minister reveal whether any of the $69.5 million allocated to tourism in the
2022–23 state budget will specifically be spent on the proposed Australian
underwater discovery centre in Busselton?
(2) If no to (1), why not?
(3) Can the
minister confirm that the federal government had indicated that it would be
prepared to explore additional co-funding for the project?
(4) Did the minister take up this
offer from the federal government; and, if not, why not?
Hon DARREN
WEST replied:
I provide the following answer on
behalf of the Minister for Regional Development.
(1) The McGowan government committed $9.5 million
towards the proposed Australian underwater discovery centre during the
2021 state election. This funding is included in the 2022–23 state
budget.
(2) Not applicable.
(3) We are aware
that as a result of significant cost escalations, Busselton Jetty Incorporated
is re-scoping the project for consideration by funding partners. We are advised
by BJI that the federal government is prepared to consider maintaining its $13 million
commitment towards a re-scoped proposal.
(4) Not applicable.