Region aims to recapture tourism

Wheatbelt tourism groups are asking locals to support the region’s tourism industry by sharing photos taken from their windows on social media.

Roe Tourism, Newtravel and the Central Wheatbelt Visitors Centre have joined forces to create A Window in the Wheatbelt campaign.

Wheatbelt locals are invited to take a photo and post it on social media along with their location using the hashtag #awindowinthewheatbelt.

Roe Tourism executive officer Heather Ives said the initiative aimed to inspire people to take a road trip to the Wheatbelt once COVID-19 restrictions were lifted.

“With the State and regional borders closed we thought a lot more people would be looking to do road trips and we’re only a few hours from Perth so it’s the perfect opportunity for people to get out of the city and visit the country,” she said.

Accommodation, food, employment, arts, events and attractions play an important part in the Wheatbelt economy and have all taken a hit due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Tourism activities contribute around $275 million to the Wheatbelt economy with over 73 per cent of that being generated from the larger regional centres such as Narrogin.

“With COVID-19 restrictions having a significant impact on everyone, the Wheatbelt too has felt the impact of borders being closed and so are a lot of our businesses,” Ms Ives said.

“Now is not the time to go quiet and we are wanting to make sure that Wheatbelt tourism is ready to capitalise on the road to recovery.

“We’re encouraging people to post photos of farming, beautiful sunsets, salt lakes, if people have been exercising at some of our amazing rocks ... just pictures of things that would really inspire people to come out here and spend a day or weekend in our region.”

Inspired by the VisitScotland initiative, the project’s leaders hope the campaign will also offer Western Australian Wheatbelt businesses and communities an outlet to showcase their own views of the Wheatbelt and inspire visitors to see them for themselves in the future.