❓ Mr Leary questions the Minister for the Environment about expanding the 'Nearer to Nature' program into the Great Southern region, highlighting the region's reliance on tourism. The Minister acknowledges support for tourism but defers to the budgetary process.

I refer to the potential expansion of the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions’ Nearer to Nature program into the Great Southern Region and the significant role tourism plays in the Albany economy, with visitor expenditure accounting for nearly 40 per cent of the local economy in January 2026:(a) Is the Minister aware of the extent to which Albany and the Great Southern Region rely on tourism and nature-based visitation to support the local economy;(b) Has the Minister requested advice from the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions regarding the feasibility of expanding the Nearer to Nature program into the Great Southern Region;(c) Has the Department undertaken any assessment of the potential economic or tourism benefits of expanding the program into the Great Southern Region;(d) Will the State Government consider funding the expansion of the Nearer to Nature program into the Great Southern region as part of the 2026–27 State Budget; and(e) If no to (4), why not?

(a) – (e) The State Government is supporting tourism in Albany and the Great Southern through a range of projects and investments, including improved visitor infrastructure, trails and upgrades to campgrounds. Consideration of expansion of the Nearer to Nature program into Albany and the Great Southern Region must go through the budgetary process and be balanced against other State Government priorities. This would occur in the ordinary course of budgetary decision-making.