Tourism development in the southern wheatbelt of Western Australia. From dryandra woodland to dryandra country

M. Hughes; J. Macbeth

Tourism development is often viewed as a means to counter the social and economic decline of communities in regional areas of Australia. Such decline is prevalent, particularly in areas determined to be on the tourism periphery. Peripheral regions present special problems in terms of tourism development owing to a lack of product, market access and infrastructure. This report presents the findings of a case study focusing on the southern Wheatbelt of Western Australia, in an area known as Dryandra Country. This is a region that is seeking to develop tourism as a buffer against the varying fortunes of its grain and sheep based economy as well as a means to counter the social decline of the towns. Seven local government areas (LGAs), in league with the state conservation agency, Department of Conservation and Land Management (CALM) and various other interest groups, embarked on a tourism development initiative centred on Dryandra Woodland and the wildlife tourism product it potentially offered. The purpose was to develop Dryandra as an internationally significant naturebased destination. This was attempted partly through constructing an iconic captive wildlife tourism facility, Barna Mia, which housed some very rare fauna. Research during 2003 found that while Barna Mia provided a highly satisfying experience for its visitors, there was no indication that it was progressing toward the international tourism icon status as intended. The progress of the LGAs toward developing a coordinated regional product also appeared to be slow. Various issues were identified that contributed to the observed situation including: CALM’s role as the sole manager of the regional icon; the character of the tourism system in the region; a lack of adequate and accurate tourism data and poor communication. The report provides a detailed description of the situation as it was found in 2003. Recommendations to enable further progress in tourism development are made.

Tourism development in the southern wheatbelt of Western Australia. From dryandra woodland to dryandra country

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