Growth of the region
May 2017
The Shire of Manjimup is reinforcing the importance of the Royalties for Regions funded Manjimup Town Centre Revitalisation project, which will see the roll out of several transformational initiatives aimed at stimulating economic growth, improving investment opportunities, creating jobs and attracting population to the region.
Shire President Paul Omodei described the overall project as "creating a residential and business attractive environment to showcase the region's greatest attributes, such as agriculture and fresh produce, as well as drive investment, improve tourism and increase job opportunities."
An independent economic analysis that has recently been conducted on the outcomes of stage one of Town Centre Revitalisation, which was also funded by Royalties for Regions, has revealed that $18.65 million of investment has occurred in the region due to the projects implemented throughout stage one and that 120 jobs were created as a direct result.
Funding for stage two of Town Centre Revitalisation was announced in May 2016, with this stage now well advanced according to Cr Omodei. "Stage one of town centre revitalisation actually did achieve a lot in a small time, which will be further improved upon and reflected in future statistics following the completion of stage two. We're already seeing major change take place, with several other major components, such as the construction of a new entrance into the CBD and the development of a 'culinary precinct' on Brockman street, already in train to hit their milestones on time, if not sooner."
Currently, the newly elected State Government is conducting a review of the entire Royalties for Regions program. Cr Omodei explained that this is the typical course of action for a new State Government. "It is actually very good practice for them to conduct a full review of the way the previous Government conducted business - it represents strong leadership and means they are taking a diligent approach to the appropriation of all State funds, not just those allocated under Royalties for Regions," said Cr Omodei.
"Without the Royalties for Regions program, vital projects which give regional centres the opportunity to grow based on their strengths and what they do best, would not have been possible," explained Cr Omodei, who went on to describe the RfR funding as a spring board for further funding and growth opportunities. "Manjimup is the perfect example of this - we've received funding for a new hospital, a Premium Food Centre which is now located at the Department of Agriculture and Food in Manjimup, the Seniors Housing initiative and our Wellness and Respite Community Centre project has been supported at both a State and a Federal level."
"Minister MacTiernan is both well-researched and well-respected and we're very much looking forward to welcoming her to Manjimup so that she can see the results of what we have achieved, and continue to achieve as a regional growth centre, for herself," concluded Cr Omodei.
-ENDS-
Authorised by Andrew Campbell, Chief Executive Officer
Contact Gina Nieuwendyk, Coordinator Communication and Executive Support
Contact: 9771 7777
Contact for comment: Paul Omodei, Shire President.
Contact: 0448 810 773
