Ningaloo businesses prepare for eclipse

Businesses in the Pilbara and Gascoyne have received grants totalling more than $837,400 to assist with preparation for the solar eclipse, which is expected to attract thousands of visitors to the region.

Tourism and hospitality businesses are bracing for an influx of thousands of international and domestic visitors to witness the sun, moon and earth align on April 20 at 11.27am.

Exmouth has been pinpointed at the best land-based location in the world to view the total solar eclipse.

The grants are a part of the state government’s $20 million commitment to preparing the Ningaloo region for the total solar eclipse.

Forty local businesses from Carnarvon, Coral Bay, Exmouth and Onslow have successfully received grants, most of which are within the tourism and hospitality sectors.

The funding will be used to obtain planning and business advice, improve internal business systems, train employees, buy new equipment or machinery and support operating costs.

Jobs, Trade and Tourism Minister Roger Cook said the government was helping to make sure local communities and businesses were prepared for the thousands of visitors the event is expected to attract to the region.

“Through the TSE round of the local capability fund, 40 Gascoyne and Pilbara businesses have been approved to receive direct funding that they will use to practically prepare for an influx of customers in April and continue to support their business into the future.

“We want to see the 2023 total solar eclipse leave a lasting legacy for the growing tourist centres in the Ningaloo region.”