5/9/00
The State Government has agreed that the whole of the Shearwater tuart forest in the City of Bunbury should be conserved.
Housing Minister Dr Kim Hames said the Government had listened to the strong arguments put forward by the local community and the Member for Bunbury Ian Osborne to save the whole of the tuart forest.
“The Government has decided to add the remaining 21ha of tuart forest to the already extensive public open space, thus conserving the whole of this tuart forest in the City of Bunbury,” Dr Hames said.
“We have tried to reach a compromise and I must pay tribute to Mr Osborne for his tirelessness in working to balance his electorate’s needs for conservation and affordable housing.
“The Ministry had already foregone 160ha of tuart forest for public open space, but the Government has decided the extra 21ha should also be conserved.
“This now gives the region 181ha, plus further land set aside by the City of Bunbury, making it larger than Kings Park.
“This means that the management committee I appointed to draw up plans for the parkland will now take this extra area into the management strategy.
“This will be an important asset for all those who visit the picturesque South-West and a benefit to future generations.
“I was pleased to be told that the Dalyellup Beach Estate, a Ministry of Housing joint venture south of Shearwater, is ahead of schedule and blocks are selling well which has provided extra funding to allow the Ministry of Housing to pursue other options.
“Development can now proceed with the remaining cleared area of Shearwater.
“To cater for the Ministry of Housing waiting list in the area the Mr Osborne has been looking at the potential for purchases of alternate land. The Ministry of Housing is also looking at the development of the old Bunbury Hospital site and the option of increased spot purchases.
“The City of Bunbury has indicated it is pleased with the Government’s decision and will work closely with the Ministry of House to find alternate options for affordable public housing,” Dr Hames said.
Media Contact: Sandy Gater 9424 7450
