Northcliffe Visitor Centre approved for $20,000 in Shire funding after recording significant deficit last year

After first denying funding to support the ailing Northcliffe Visitor Centre, the Shire of Manjimup has now committed $20,000. The Visitor Centre had it’s funding application rejected in May, but has since recorded a $30,000 deficit for financial year end and provided council projections of a dire outlook for the for 2023-24 financial year. The $20,000 committed by council however will be a temporary solution to the problems facing the Northcliffe Visitor Centre. It will be in addition to their regular allocated funding and independent revenue-raising activities, particularly the historic annual Karri Cup and Blooming Wild Festival. The Visitor Centre attributes its reduced visitor numbers to COVID-19 and its isolated geographic location which have fuelled the financial pressures. However it maintains a high level of enquiries due to its location and proximity to State owned and managed tourism assets, including the D’Entrecasteaux and Shannon National Parks, and Bibbulmun and Mundi Biddi Tracks. The Shire of Manjimup are encouraging the Northcliffe Visitor Centre to continue to explore sustainable visitor servicing options to ensure its ongoing viability, but also intend to advocate to the State Government for financial aid on their behalf. Officer’s comments in the July 27 Council meeting said “there is arguably a case to be made for the State to contribute financially for the services provided” as a significant portion of Northcliffe Visitor Centre enquiries are made regarding State tourism assets. The Walpole Nornalup Visitor Centre also recorded a $6872 deficit in 2022-23 financial year however, projected financials determined the centre was due to make a small profit this year and no longer require funding support.