¶ DEVELOPMENT of a multi-purpose tourist park in Allanson has been given a boost courtesy of $4 million in State Government funding.
The grant, delivered via the Collie Industry Attraction and Development Fund, was part of a wave of funding announcements unveiled by the government over the last week, including $499,266 for upgrade of the Collie Motorplex.
The Allanson park has been in the works for a number of years, with Collie Shire Council receiving an application to develop the site, off Coalfields Highway, in mid-2023.
Proponent Numans Accommodation Villages outlined an expansive, staged development, encompassing a caravan park, camping ground and chalets, along with a farm shop-style cafe/restaurant.
Over the course of the development, 51 caravan sites, 17 camping sites, 42 glamping sites and 53 two-bedroom chalets were proposed.
It was initially aimed to have the cafe up and running by the end of 2023, however the project since stalled.
Numans Group managing director Geoff Stowe said the same concept and staged approach is being considered.
“Not a lot has really changed,” Mr Stowe said.
“We’re looking closely at that now and making sure we can deliver an appropriate first stage.”
Mr Stowe noted there are a number of steps ahead of getting the development underway, which he anticipates could take place in late 2026 or early 2027.
“We’re reviewing it and we will have to go through council again,” he said.
“However, the funding now allows us to progress with more certainty.”
The Motorplex funding will enable upgrade of the venue’s track and facilities, including a power upgrade, pit upgrades and the construction of new carports.
Motorplex manager Anna Farrell said it has been a number of years in the making, with the Motorplex to match the funding commitment.
Ms Farrell said the upgrades will get underway “as soon as possible”, and the aim is to have everything completed by mid-2026.
The Motorplex will not be shut down, with the intention to balance the work around the venue’s calendar.
“I think with the upgrades and the ability to accommodate more cars and more competitors, the Motorplex is definitely a drawcard for what Collie’s trying to do with tourism,” Ms Farrell said.
Under other funding announcements, Barn-Zee's Burgers and Barista will receive $71,304 via the Collie Futures Small Grants Program for an upgrade and expansion, and Coastal Freightlines has been awarded $50,000 to expand its fleet.
Collie-Preston MLA Jodie Hanns said the funding supports a range of projects being developed amid Collie’s Just Transition.
“The funding towards further unlocking Collie's tourism sector will also open up opportunities for the wider community as the benefits of visitor expenditure flow through to local shops and tourism businesses,” Mrs Hanns said.