23 Jan COMMUNITIES AT WEDGE ISLAND AND GREY SEEK FUTURE COMMITMENT FROM POLITICAL PARTIES
Untapped tourism potential represents strong future for Wedge and Grey
Representatives of the ‘ Wedge Island and Grey shack communities are seeking certainty over their
future by calling for politicians to make a commitment to preserving these heritage communities in
order to enable their unique tourism potential.
After 8 years in Government the Liberal Party has failed to resolve the future of the communities
despite committing to do so when first elected in 2008.
A recent meeting with Environment Minister Albert Jacob has again confirmed that after 8 years
there is no resolution of the future of the communities likely in the near term, and that Government
agencies are taking a restricted and outdated view of the potential future of Wedge and Grey.
Wedge and Grey are the last shack communities left on the Turquoise coast, north of Perth, in fact in
Australia and represent a unique and iconic period in Western Australian history; as a time when our
state was more isolated and less developed, meaning families and individuals lived a coastal lifestyle
that was more laid back and much closer to nature.
Wedge and Grey representative Murray Knowles said the Barnett Government had made it very clear
that WA needed to focus on developing unique tourism products and the shack communities had a
significant role to play.
“We can be a unique Western Australian destination on the Turquoise Coast, within easy reach of
Perth and other well-known destinations such as the Pinnacles. We already welcome increasing
numbers of visitors who are travelling the Indian Ocean Road and they are entranced by the lifestyle
here, so there is no doubt that Wedge and Grey could offer a unique cultural and lifestyle experience
to interstate and international visitors”, said Mr Knowles.
The Wedge Island Protection Association and Grey Conservation and Community Association are
speaking to politicians and candidates across the Perth and outlying areas about their views on the
future of the communities as many of their local residents have a close connection with the
Turquoise Coast.
Mr Knowles said that the two Associations would be keeping their members and supporters
informed direct and via facebook.com/preserving wedge and grey for wa about all political party and
candidate views.
“We have a supporter base of at least 15,000 people, mostly in the northern suburbs, and they are
very interested in which parties and politicians see a sustainable future for Wedge and Grey”, said
Mr Knowles.
For more information:
Anthony Hasluck
Tel: 9380 0700
Mob: 0438 522 194
Email: anthony.hasluck@claritycommunications.com.au