South West Energy Experience
Media Release: Federal funding announced for South West Energy Experience
August 2017
The Shire of Manjimup have been successful recipients of a $2,677,725 grant from the Federal Government's Building Better Regions Fund (BBRF), which will be put towards the construction of the South West Energy Experience, within the Manjimup Timber and Heritage Park. Project funding partners also include $2,972,775 from the WA Governments Royalties for Regions program and $300,000 from the Shire of Manjimup.
Shire President Paul Omodei said that it is exciting to note that this grant represents the final piece of funding to see the South West Energy Experience (SWEE) constructed at a total cost of $5.95 million. "The SWEE represents an important tourism and cultural asset which will expand and improve regional visitor and local experiences. The project will deliver a high standard experience which will underpin the viability of the broader Manjimup Timber and Heritage Park and assist in driving tourism growth and economic diversification within the South West of WA".
The SWEE is a core component of the transformation of the Manjimup Timber and Heritage Park into a regional tourism precinct and central community hub. It will be a multipurpose facility which incorporates a new bespoke museum, caf, function space and visitor servicing centre. The location and unique contemporary design of the SWEE will act as a portal to the 10 hectare park, providing visitors with open access to the intergenerational adventure playground, heritage buildings, exhibits dedicated to the rail, agriculture and cottage industries, indigenous flora, native bushland and the Sandra Donovan Sound Shell.
The museum will showcase the heritage and future of energy through modern exhibitions, engaging displays and interactive building features. The SWEE will ensure the sustainability of the State Energy Heritage Collection which has important aesthetic, historical and social significance. It has significance at a national level and at least one of the objects is considered rare and valuable at an international level.
"The SWEE is at 50% design completion and will go to Tender for final design and construct shortly. Construction is scheduled for completion by December 2019. Preliminary feedback given indicated that the funding proposal submitted by the Shire of Manjimup was of an extremely high standard and this is testament to the staff who worked on the grant submission" said Cr Omodei.
-ENDS-
Authorised by Andrew Campbell, Chief Executive Officer
Contact Sheri Laba, Public Relations Officer
Contact: 9771 7777
Contact for comment: Paul Omodei, Shire President
Contact: 0448 810 773