What’s on in 2015

What's on in 2015

MEDIA RELEASE - What's on in 2015

January 2015

2015 already has a lot on the agenda for the Shire of Manjimup with several Supertowns initiatives due to come to fruition, the continuation of a number of major projects and a number of other initiatives about to launch.

Supertowns

This year will see the continuation of a number of components of the Town Centre Revitalisation project. Shire President Wade DeCampo said "the groundwork has been done which means that over the next 12 months we will witness a number of transformations take place across Manjimup." Some of these include:

• Re-opening of Ipsen Street crossing following the removal of approximately 25 metres of railway line in December 2014;
• Brockman Street Revitalisation, including replacement of the eaves and paintwork, will commence in the first quarter of 2015;
• Installation of decorative power poles on Mottram Street; and
• Installation of additional features, including the largest playground slide in the southern hemisphere, in the playground at the Manjimup Timber and Heritage Park.

The Agricultural expansion project is also a Supertowns initiative, and will see the Shire's Southern Forests SEED Program facilitating its second year of events and initiatives, for both students and education providers, that foster relationships and promote pathways to a career in Agriculture.

Town Strategies

In 2015 the Shire will continue to work with the communities of Manjimup, Pemberton, Northcliffe and Walpole to identify opportunities for improvement and elements that make each town unique. From this information and input, various projects will be rolled out. "Slowly but surely, in cooperation with the community and other funding partners, we're seeing a celebration of our towns' with restoration and modernisation of the streetscape and building facades, amongst other features. This is important to each locality and will certainly continue in 2015. Two classic examples are the Pemberton Mainstreet and the Art Deco project in Manjimup," said Cr DeCampo.

Opportunities

• Seniors Housing Opportunity - with the announcement of $2 million Royalties for Regions funding in 2014, the Shire will continue to work with the Department of Housing to further this project for the development of over 55's housing on the old Manjimup Primary School site, Ipsen Street.
• Medical Professional Housing - this project entered the construction phase in 2014 and will be completed in 2015. The planning phase for the new hospital in Manjimup has commenced, following the announcement of $31.4 million for this project in 2014.
• Windy Harbour lease sites available for tender - the Shire is currently seeking expressions of interest from parties who wish to take part in the tender process for the sale of twelve (12) 20-year lease sites in the holiday settlement of Windy Harbour. The tender will open on 21 February 2015 and close on 31 March 2015. To register your interest contact Samantha Royer at the Shire of Manjimup on 9771 7777 or email info@manjimup.wa.gov.au. For further information visit www.manjimup.wa.gov.au/windy-harbour
• Biomass - Shire President Wade DeCampo said "I'm continuing to push for a decision on the renewable energy target so that we can see this project kick-off this year, which will bring jobs, training and business opportunities to the region."
• Development opportunities - "I'd like to see locations within our Shire become 'development ready' to cater for population growth," said Cr DeCampo. "The Shire intends to commence pre-planning work to enable small-lot development to occur with ease. This will eliminate the technical development constraints that often hold back small-lot development."
• Partnership with Rio Tinto - "The Shire's strong relationship with Rio Tinto continues, with one of our school-based trainees taking on an apprenticeship hosted jointly by the Shire of Manjimup and Rio Tinto," said Cr DeCampo.
• Niche opportunities - "There are several niche retail and hospitality opportunities that exist across the Shire, and through the promotion of the region and population growth, 2015 could be the year that we see some unique and exciting new businesses start-up in our towns," said Cr DeCampo.

-ENDS-

Authorised by Andrew Campbell, Chief Executive Officer, Shire of Manjimup.

Contact: 9771 7777

Contact Gina Nieuwendyk, Public Relations Officer, Shire of Manjimup

Contact: 9771 7777

Contact for comment: Wade DeCampo, Shire President.

Contact: 0427 094 081