The Shire-operated caravan park undertook installation of six onsite short-term accommodation units, providing much-needed accommodation services to the community and region.
The units consist of three 1-bedroom units and three 2-bedroom units, with one of these being universally accessible.
Project cost
$836,000
Budgeted amount $900,000.
Funding was provided through the Australian Government’s Drought Communities Fund, which aimed to provide local employment utilising local businesses and suppliers for communities impacted by drought.
Project timeframe
Project was completed in a period of 18 months.
What was the problem or opportunity being addressed?
Like most small communities, there was evidence of a lack of accommodation services in town and none that offered a self-contained option with ensuite. This was demonstrated by visiting tourists, consultants and businesspeople choosing to stay in other towns close by.
How the project addressed the problem or opportunity
The project was completed during the COVID-19 pandemic when ‘travel local’ was booming. The project was delivered by local tradespeople and businesses, in line with the purpose of the grant funding. At the time COVID-19 was hard on local communities and trades, so this was a positive way to ensure support for local businesses.
With the installation of these six self-contained cabins, the Shire was able to provide people with the option to stay in the community and therefore add economic benefit. Adding three 1-bedroom units and three 2-bedroom units has enabled accommodation of solo and family travellers looking to stay and explore the area. One of the 2-bedroom units is universally equipped, allowing people with impairments to stay comfortably also.
Project outcomes
These units consistently generate roughly $90-100,000 profit per annum, and last financial year saw over 1,500 nights booked and roughly 2,700 guests. Since the initial intrastate travel boom, the cabins now service a mixture of contractors during the week and tourists on weekends. This is expected to reduce slightly now as some major Main Roads WA projects come to an end in the district.
Lessons learnt
- While a local builder was engaged as the Project Manager, the Shire requested each local business be engaged individually for portions of the work. The intention was to support as many local businesses as possible, but in reality some tradespeople were unwilling to fulfil smaller contracts or work collaboratively with their competitors. It would have been a simpler task to have the Project Manager as a single point of contact and allow them to sub-contract in the most efficient manner.
- There has been an unexpected level of demand for these units, which are often booked out well in advance. A greater level of insight into potential demand would have suggested construction of additional units at the time. This will need to be considered in future budgets to carry out an expansion.
