THE CAPE Leeuwin Lighthouse will continue to be a major tourist drawcard for years to come, thanks to a $140,000 restoration project.
South West Development Commission, a State Government agency, has allocated the funds towards the removal of asbestos from historic buildings located within the Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse precinct.
SWDC chairman Stuart Hicks said the funding will enable the Augusta Margaret River Tourism Association to bring the buildings up to contemporary standards.
“The Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse precinct is not only an important maritime heritage site, but it is also a significant tourist attraction, luring more than 90,000 people a year,” he said.
“We are pleased to provide a grant that will enable the next stage of the heritage works to go ahead.”
The grant from SWDC will help to finance the second stage of the project which will focus on three outhouses, a carport, and the main work storeroom.
The first stage of the preservation and redevelopment project, which was jointly supported by SWDC and Royalties for Regions, saw two cottages updated.
“The South West is a wonderful place in Western Australia and the opportunity to visit the Cape Leewuin Lighthouse gives people even more incentive to travel to the region,” he said.
“As well as being a maritime landmark with a fascinating story to tell, it boasts a remarkable location because it is situated at the most south westerly tip of Australia at the point where the Indian and Southern oceans meet.”
SWDC is part of the West Australian government and aims to make the South West an even better place to live by strengthening the economy and enhancing quality of life. Tourism development forms a key area of the Commission’s work.