WA Lands Minister Ben Wyatt has called for registrations of interest for a unique opportunity to activate and develop the historic Cossack townsite in Western Australia’s Pilbara region.
Located on the Pilbara coast at the mouth of the Harding River, by the iconic Jarman Island, Cossack is a State Registered Heritage Place that comprises a collection of remaining buildings and archaeological sites rich in cultural history.
“This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to revitalise a unique historic Pilbara townsite through a contemporary and sensitive heritage tourism development,” said Minister Wyatt.
“We are inviting the best innovative and sustainable ideas for a future vision that will activate the precinct while celebrating its rich heritage and stunning coastal location.”
Established as the first port of the North West of Australia, the townsite played a central role in the State’s first pearling industry and today offers a central base for adventurers to explore the stunning Pilbara landscape, Aboriginal history and rock art and various recreational activities.
Interested parties are encouraged to come forward with their vision to revitalise this underutilised precinct, whilst also ensuring short and long-term conservation and future management of the site.
“Well considered development in Cossack will provide a strong regional economic boost, contributing to the growth of the Pilbara as a tourist destination that offers something for all visitors and will be appreciated for generations to come,” said Mr Wyatt.
He said favourable consideration would be given to proposals that entertained low-impact tourism development and ancillary uses such as high quality eco-tourism accommodation, low-cost camping, cafés or galleries.
Submissions would need to respond to and consider physical site constraints, heritage protection and conservation, Native Title considerations, future planning, development and land management, the Minister said.
Registrations of interest close at 2pm on Friday, November 20. For more information and agent details, visit http://www.dplh.wa.gov.au/cossack
