A total solar eclipse is expected to bring hordes of grey nomads flooding into Western Australia next year … and the state is doing everything it can to be ready for them.
The Ningaloo region will be one of the best places on Earth to view the eclipse and thousands of visitors are expected to travel to WA to witness the sun, moon and Earth align at 11.27am on April 20, 2023. Experts say Exmouth will experience a 100% solar eclipse, Onslow and Coral Bay will experience 99% darkness, while Carnarvon will be about 95%.
The McGowan Government has just signed $665,000 in new funding agreements with the Shires of Ashburton and Carnarvon to prepare for the arrival of the eclipse hunters … and to support a number of projects that will help leave a legacy for the areas.
The solar eclipse will bring tourists flocking to WA next year. PIC: PIxabay
The Shire of Ashburton will receive a $275,000 grant to help deliver Stage 3 of the Onslow Ocean View Caravan Park, which will more than double the number of caravan and camping sites from 40 to 100.
The Shire of Carnarvon will receive more than $390,000 for eight projects in Carnarvon and Coral Bay. The projects include an upgrade for the Carnarvon Visitor Centre, new car parking in both towns, and the refurbishment of existing Coral Bay ablutions. The funding will also be used to install water fill and sewerage disposal service points for caravans and campers, temporary ablution facilities and additional waste management in Coral Bay.
The Financial Assistance Agreements are part of the State Government’s $21.1 million package, which is funding a range of upgrades helping to ensure the region is ready for a significant increase in visitors.
The Government is also collaborating with Telstra on a range of telecommunications improvements in the Gascoyne, and upgrades to the regions’ roads including $1.9 million for rest area upgrades on the Minilya-Exmouth Road.
State Development, Jobs and Trade and Tourism Minister, Roger Cook, said the 2023 Total Solar Eclipse was an extraordinary and rare astronomical event, providing a unique tourism opportunity.
“We are committed to ensuring this event shows off the very best that WA has to offer, and that it leaves a legacy for the shires and towns,” he said. “Building new car parks, upgrading ablutions and providing additional waste management may not be glamorous projects, but they are essential in making sure the region has the infrastructure it needs to support the expected large number of visitors.”
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That’s great, I think other states should arrange for an eclipse as well, WA is a long way away. Ha ha