Denmark Youth Precinct (2024)

The Denmark Youth Precinct development seeks to rectify current deficiencies in youth provision by improving public amenities, developing youth recreational opportunities, leveraging partnerships with youth service organisations, and developing clear linkages between Berridge Park, McLean Park and the Denmark CBD. The precinct will therefore extend the provision for active recreation within the area and form a community hub that complements existing sporting infrastructure whilst meeting current and future youth demands within the shire.

To support various applications, Keston Economics has developed business cases with cost benefit analyses, supporting life cycle cost assessment, and completion of associated application forms on behalf of the Shire of Denmark.

To date, the project has been successful in attracting ~$700,000 in funding through the Community Sport and Recreation Facilities Fund (Department of Local Government Sport and Cultural Industries). Further funding is being sought, with active applications through the Growing Regions Program (Round 1), Regional Precincts and Partnerships Program, and Lotterywest.

Image Credit: CONVIC

Activation of Sustainable Tourism at the Houtman Abrolhos Islands (2023)

In October 2017, the Western Australian State Government made a commitment to develop a new whole-of-government approach to better protect the Abrolhos, and in July 2019 the Houtman Abrolhos Islands National Park (the National Park) was created. Coupled with State Government’s release of the Houtman Abrolhos Islands Strategic Direction 2020 – 24, signalled the intention to better position the Abrolhos Islands and surrounding waters as a sustainable, nature-based tourism destination, and to support regional economic growth.

The State Government has expended $13.8M for Stage 1 priorities in the National Park, which included two public jetties, shelters, toilets, boardwalks, interpretation and DBCA operations base at the Wallabi Group in the far north of the Abrolhos Islands. This Stage 2 Activation of Sustainable Tourism at the Houtman Abrolhos Islands project unlocks tourism and aquaculture industry development on the southern islands (Easter and Pelsaert Groups) around 30km south across open waters. A new public jetty, tourism operations base, visitor amenities and interpretation will be developed at the Easter Group, with additional public moorings and anchorages to be installed in key locations throughout the Islands. Appropriate management functions and resourcing will be introduced to protect the unique natural and cultural assets, with integrated tourism licensing and booking systems developed. The investment will stimulate the tourism economy and realise this iconic attraction for Western Australia.

On behalf of the Mid West Development Commission, Keston Economics developed a socio-economic analysis, including cost benefit analysis, to support a bid for funding. The project secured $8.1M in funding through the recently announced Cook Labor Government's $165 million Outdoor Adventure Tourism package (April 2024).

Kalbarri Beaches & Foreshore Revitalisation Project (2022-2023)

Kalbarri is the most important tourism location in the Mid West and a critical WA tourism link between Geraldton and the Ningaloo area. The town's economy relies almost exclusively on tourism. On 11 April 2021, Severe Tropical Cyclone (STC) Seroja made landfall in Kalbarri, destroying around 70% of public and private infrastructure (including 102 homes no longer inhabitable) and natural assets, including beaches and foreshore, decimating its thriving tourism economy.

Recovery efforts to date have focused on housing, accommodation, social and emotional support services, but to this date there are still numerous homes, businesses and public infrastructure that remain severely damaged. Kalbarri’s economy is driven by the tourism industry, which relies heavily on quality public infrastructure and natural environmental assets. Over the first 12 months following STC Seroja, the town experienced a loss of over $33.5M in visitor spending, with the decline persisting throughout 2022 and 2023. Without government intervention, this decline will continue, creating the urgent need to address revitalisation measures.

On behalf of Tourism Western Australia and the Mid West Development Commission, Keston Economics developed a socio-economic analysis and business case to support a bid for funding revitalisation  efforts. The project secured $8.1M in funding through the recently announced Cook Labor Government's $165 million Outdoor Adventure Tourism package (April 2024).

Pemberton Trails (2023)

The project will develop a suite of trails and supporting infrastructure throughout the Pemberton area to position Pemberton as a premier trails destination and stimulate investment in supporting industries (e.g. trail related retail, accommodation and food services, transport, etc.). A complete trails package was identified as part of the master planning process (Common Ground Trails), including iconic ‘backbone’ (hook) experiences and complementary immersive experiences.

On behalf of the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, Keston Economics developed a business case to investigate four key options for trails development, including varying levels of trails and infrastructure developments in line with Pemberton Trails Master Plan recommendations. The project secured $8M in funding through the recently announced Cook Labor Government's $165 million Outdoor Adventure Tourism package (April 2024).

Wadandi Track Enhancements & Completion Project  (2022-2023)

Formally known as the Busselton to Flinders Bay rail trail and colloquially as the ‘Rails to Trails’, the 110 km (once completed) Wadandi Track is a multipurpose (dual-use) walking and cycling trail showcasing the heritage of the former Busselton to Flinders Bay Railway. The track also intersects the original walking tracks of the Wadandi people and has many important and interesting cultural sites, stories and family connections associated with it.

The Wadandi Track, once completed, marketed and promoted, can take its rightful, and essential place as the recreational spine for the Margaret River region. In doing so it can be the catalyst for further walk and cycle trail tourism development projects that would be important spur connectors to the world-famous vineyards, wineries and restaurants of the Margaret River region, and its associated wine subregions, notably that of Willyabrup and Wallcliffe, which are home to some of the regions most renowned vineyards and acclaimed wines.

On behalf of the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, Keston Economics developed a business case to support a bid for funding, including extensive options analysis. The project secured $17.5M in funding through the recently announced Cook Labor Government's $165 million Outdoor Adventure Tourism package (April 2024).

Regional Connectivity Project (2023)

The Australian Academic and Research Network (AARNet) proposed an extension to its fibre optic cable being laid in Western Australia between Mullewa and Perth with four fibre optic spurs to provide gigabit speed internet to the townsites of Mingenew, Three Springs, Carnamah, and Coorow (the Regional Connectivity Project). The proposal will not only enhance general access to high-speed internet, but it will also future proof the towns by providing speeds in excess of those even in Australia’s capital cities and major metropolitan areas (5-10 times faster than services currently offered through the NBN).

On behalf of the Mid West Development Commission and AARNet, Keston Economics developed a socio-economic analysis, including cost benefit analysis, to support a successful AARNET funding application through Round 3 of the Australian Government’s Regional Connectivity Program (RCP). Work is currently underway to deliver the project.

Candela Electric Hydrofoil Vessel Operations on the Swan River  (2023)

As part of Tourism WA's National Park Tourism Experience Development program, Keston Economics was engaged to assist Little Ferry Company to develop a business case targeting both public sector funding and private sector investment.

The business case included extensive market assessment, cost benefit analysis, and financial forward planning modelling, with clear determination of return on investment  for both public and private funds.

Green Range Country Club

Bowling Green Revitalisation (2023)

Green Range is a small Western Australian Rural Location within the local government area of Albany, with a recorded population of 66 residents. The community is serviced by the Green Range Country Club (91 active members), a vital social and recreational facility with an 18-hole golf course, an aged grass bowling green, and cricket oval.

The project aims to upgrade the Country Club’s bowling green to a synthetic surface with new fencing and lighting, allowing home games to be played (currently unavailable due to the type and quality of the existing green) and will consequently reduce the burden on members due to constant need to travel to the nearest bowling green 70km away. Further, lighting will enable greater access and associated use/participation for what is at its core a farming community (few daylight hours available for recreation and socialisation).

On behalf of Green Range Country Club, Keston Economics developed a business case and funding application to successfully attract the required funds through the Community Sport and Recreation Facilities Fund (DLGSC). Work is currently underway to deliver the project.

Ancient Lands Discovery Park @ Ngilgi Caves (2021)

The Ancient Lands Discovery Park @ Ngilgi project provides a unique natural and cultural experience through the development of above ground visitor facilities, interpretive signage and pathways to mirror and complement the below ground experience at Ngilgi Cave in the City of Busselton, Western Australia.

The project provides a compelling, authentic and expanded visitor experience, increasing site and regional viability through increased marketability, visitor and community satisfaction, and resulting in increased visitation, spend, length of stay and employment in the region. 

On behalf of the Margaret River Busselton Tourism Association, Keston Economics developed a business case and funding application through Round 5 of the Building Better Regions Fund, successfully attracting the required funding. Works have recently been completed, and the new visitor experience is open to the public.

Southern Ocean Surf Reef (2021)

The Southern Ocean Surf Reef will create a consistent, surfable wave central to Albany, driving benefits for the community, tourism, economic development and the retention of the region’s younger age demographic. The reef will deliver an optimised ‘left-hander’ surfing wave in the target range for beginner and intermediate surfers, providing surfing rides of up to 100m during average conditions with surfable waves expected for 41 per cent of the year over the reef with further increased surfing opportunities inshore of the granite rock structure. 

On behalf of the City of Albany, Keston Economics developed business cases and funding applications, including through the cancelled Round 6 of the Building Better Regions Fund. Ultimately, the business case was used to secure the required funs through State and Federal Government election commitments. Works are currently underway to deliver the project.

Dwellingup Gap Trails Project (2019)

The Dwellingup Gap Trails Project facilitates stronger linkages between major trail heads and Dwellingup Town, and ensures the completion of a number of visitor and community oriented recreation and tourism assets.  It is a $2.7M extension to the broader Dwellingup Adventure Trails project aiming to transform the area into a world-class trail destination.

On behalf of the Shire of Murray, Kesotn Economics developed a business case for the noted project funding shortfall, which was successful in attracting State Government funding. Trails WA has recently awarded Dwellingup with Trail Town accreditation on the back of the investment.

John Forrest National Park Improvement Project (2019)

John Forrest National Park is WA’s first national park. It is a popular location for the local community and tourists. However, prior to this improvement project commencing, it had been a long time since any significant improvements were made to the park’s facilities.

On behalf of the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, and the Western Australian Parks Foundation, Keston Economics developed a business case, with supporting cost benefit analysis. The State Government has now committed more than $17 million to the John Forrest National Park transformation. Works are currently underway to complete the development.

The improvements will make the park more accessible to a broader range of visitors and allow more people to enjoy the natural beauty. The project includes a new Park Hub with a café and interpretation space, improvements to existing picnic areas, gardens, carparking, and improved walking and new off-road cycling trails. 

Middleton Beach Foreshore Enhancement Project (2018)

On behalf of the City of Albany, Keston completed a comprehensive business case and funding applications for a project to create regional Western Australia’s most iconic and active beach precinct, offering world-class community, commercial and civic amenity on the pristine South Coast. The project was awarded $4.5M federal funding, and was completed and commissioned early 2022.

The first stage of the project started in November 2019, including the creation of a sea wall and other coastal protection and civil works. A carpark expansion, beachfront promenade treatments, playground upgrades, improved public amenities and landscaping were delivered under the second stage of the project.

A key to the success of the plan was in maintaining the foreshore's unique landscape character and natural assets, whilst enhancing lifestyle, tourism and increased patronage, and attracting private investment for recreational, retail and accommodation economic development projects to complement and work with the key principles and objectives of the Middleton Beach Activity Centre.

The development has fulfilled a core objective by attracting large scale private investment into the adjacent hotel and Activity Centre (commercial and residential) sites. Stage 1 of the Activity Centre development was completed in late 2023 (Middleton Beach Duettes town houses).

Albany Motorsports Park (2018)

On behalf of the City of Albany and Albany Motoring Venues Inc., Keston completed a business plan and business case, including detailed cost benefit analysis and forward planning financial and viability models, for the development of the Albany Motorsport Park. Significant consultation and feasibility work undertaken by Keston, GHD and other consultants confirms a significant demand for motorsport and a suitable facility to fill the gap in motorsport infrastructure, particularly for motorcycle racing. 

The documents have been used to secure land for the facility and leverage state government funds for the project, and to attract funding through the Building Better Regions Fund (Round 5). Construction of the Stage 1A motocross and 4WD/ATV precincts was completed in mid-2023. The broader vision includes a 3.25km sealed race track, drift pad and driver training area, services provision, safety barriers and fencing, and associated infrastructure and facilities.

Other Business Cases & Cost Benefit Analyses

Keston Economics and its sister company, Keston Technologies, have developed a great number of business cases, socio-economic and cost benefit analyses to support funding applications throughout Western Australia and globally. Beyond the above examples, Keston's work has included, but is not limited to:

• Mid West Gascoyne Designated Area Migration Agreement
• Southern Ports Pilot Cottages
• Gingin Gravity Discovery Centre Upgrades
• Denmark Surf Life Saving Club Transformation
• Ocean to Channel Recreational Precinct
• Christmas Island Mountain Bike Trails
• Great Southern Adventure Trails
• Albany Attwell Park Speedway Enhancements
• Barrel + Bale (Frankland River Community Facility)
• Conserving the Capes Initiative
• Great Southern Botanic Gardens
• Albany Regional Tennis Centre
• Albany youth Challenge Park
• Investigation into WA Trails funding options
• Railways Football and Sporting Club
• William Bay and Denmark Tourist Infrastructure Renewal
• Kojonup Sports Precinct
• Norman House Transitional Accommodation
• City of Albany Bicentenary 2026 Planning and Launch Event
• Middleton Beach Bowling Club Enhancements
• Albany:Kinjarling Connect 2026
• Kodja Place Precinct
• Margaret River Hub for Entertainment, Arts and Regional Tourism
• South West Mountain Bike Trails
• Albany Civil Cultural Precinct
• Kojonup Memorial Hall
• Breaksea Island Restoration and Tourism Infrastructure
• Albany MenShed Facilities
• Albany Agricultural Society Sheds at Centennial Park
• Great Southern Housing Initiative
• Cheynes Cottage Student Accommodation
• Serpentine Road Student Accommodation
• Albany Tourism and Information Hub
• Centennial Park Sports & Recreation Precinct
• Drainage solutions for the Wheatbelt Catchment Alliance
• Muchea Livestock Saleyards
• Kojonup Early Childhood Hub
• Katanning Country Club
• Katanning Regional Saleyards
• Collet Barker Court Residential Accommodation
• Tambellup Sports Ground and Pavilion Upgrade