Regional Tourism Needs Strategic Investment, Not Neglect
Media Release | 14 January 2026
Scott Leary MLA
Shadow Minister for Tourism
Shadow Minister for Tourism, Scott Leary MLA, says growing pressure on popular regional destinations is clear evidence that the Cook Labor Government is failing to invest properly in regional tourism.
“Reports of so-called ‘overtourism’ in regional WA are not a sign of success — they are a sign of poor planning and chronic underinvestment,” Mr Leary said.
“The Government continues to focus its tourism effort almost entirely on Perth, while the South West, North West, Coral Coast and Golden Outback are left to cope with growing visitor numbers without the infrastructure or support they need.”
Mr Leary said the…
