Town looking ahead to a big, bright future

Silent streets, closed cafes and empty playgrounds — it is an eerie scene repeated the world over. But while the COVID-19 pandemic has put the brakes on the influx of visitors to Katanning for now, it will not last forever. There is a light at the end of the tunnel, according to Tourism Minister Paul Papalia, and it shines particularly brightly for the town at the heart of the Great Southern. “Katanning has a rich history of industry and agriculture that is on display with its beautiful Federation buildings,” Mr Papalia said. “But in recent decades, part of the town’s attraction has been its wonderful multicultural diversity.” The minister, who visited Katanning last year for the Harmony Festival, said it was a testament to the people of the region that they had not only accepted many new arrivals over the years, but proudly celebrated their culture. “I came from a migrant background so it was great to see so many diverse cultures on display when I visited,” he said. “I would challenge any other town in Australia to put on the kind of displays that Katanning does when indigenous, Malay, Karen, Afghan, European and many other dancers and performers show off their cultures. “I think it could lay claim to having the best food on the day as well, with delicious offerings from around the world. “It’s also fantastic to see that Katanning, Kojonup and many other towns in the Great Southern are increasingly celebrating and recognising the area’s ancient indigenous culture and history.” Shire of Katanning chief executive Julian Murphy said the town’s tourism was in hibernation and would reach new heights after the pandemic. “I think in the next couple of years people will tend to stay in Australia and holiday at home,” Mr Murphy said. “So when we’re back up and running, this will be a great opportunity to show people what we have to offer.” Mr Murphy said there were several projects in the pipeline for the town, which were expected to be completed this year. “The whole idea is to create a CBD or a central core of town that is attractive to people and has facilities which make it easy for visitors to stop,” he said. “So we’re looking to do some landscaping in the streets, we’ll be upgrading all the carparks in Austral Terrace, and we’ll also be installing an electrical charging station for visitors to keep up with the growing market of electric vehicles.” The upgrade of Piesse Park is also under way, set to transform the area around the Katanning Creek and the man-made lake into an oasis, with gazebos and a nature playground. “We’re hoping that the improvements we put in with the sound and stage at the park will also make it more attractive for more events and concerts,” Mr Murphy said. Mr Papalia said the Government would provide support to help Katanning’s tourism bloom once the COVID-19 crisis had blown over. “Katanning has been showing good signs of increasing its tourism offerings and we’ve seen the show of confidence in the town with the recent investments in upgrading accommodation and hospitality,” he said. “The McGowan Government has put billions of dollars into helping West Australians and businesses get through this pandemic, and we will put millions more into marketing and advertising when this pandemic is over to get people back out enjoying our wonderful State. “I know that Katanning will be part of that, and I encourage anyone looking for cultural diversity, history, fun and great food to look in their own backyard and visit Katanning when the restrictions have been lifted. “We will see the town and the festival rebound in all its glory.”