Eco-resort to diversify economy

An $80 million eco-resort on the picturesque Ningaloo reef has received the backing of the local government as part of its efforts to diversify the region’s economy. The project would involve redeveloping the Ningaloo Lighthouse Caravan in the Vlamingh Head precinct into an eco-resort by Tattarang, formerly the Minderoo Group, which bought the land in 2017. A development plan was approved by the Shire of Exmouth in May last year, subject to eight conditions including a coastal hazard risk assessment; a visual landscape impact assessment; and a lighting management plan to address the impacts of light spill on nesting turtle habitats. A report by Lucid Economics estimated the project would create 120 local jobs and inject almost $18m into the Exmouth economy during construction. Shire of Exmouth president Matthew Niikkula said the accommodation project would help the Shire achieve its goal to diversify its economy and provide year-round employment opportunities while protecting the region’s unique natural and built environment. “A high-class eco-resort like the Lighthouse Resort gives Exmouth as a whole the opportunity to showcase our rich environmental assets to the world while appropriately balancing key environmental principles and tourism aspirations,” he said. “During the operation phase, the resort will support an estimated visitor expenditure in excess of $30m per annum for Exmouth. This level of visitor expenditure will support a total (direct and indirect) of 150 jobs locally in our community.” Mr Niikulla said the council had asked for eight information clauses. “The Shire of Exmouth emphasised the point that environmental and heritage concerns have to be assessed, as all stakeholders are committed to respond sensitively to the area’s unique landscape and retain the semi-remote visitor experience,” he said. Community consultation for the project will begin this month.