19/1/01
Work has begun to plot a future of the Warren-Blackwood region through the State Government’s Country Land Development Program.
Planning Minister Graham Kierath said the program would examine how the region would develop over the next five years and identify available land to cater for demand, along with planning and infrastructure needs.
“It is important that we plan for the future of the Warren-Blackwood area to ensure that the communities can make the most of emerging opportunities,” Mr Kierath said.
Welcoming the initiative, Warren-Blackwood MLA Paul Omodei said the plan was important to the development of the region, triggered by new value-adding timber industries, the creation of tourist icons, and other aspects of the Government's drive for diversity of opportunity for families and communities.
Mr Kierath said that as part of the plan, the Ministry for Planning had already begun land use surveys in the towns of Boyup Brook, Bridgetown, Greenbushes, Manjimup, Nannup, Northcliffe, Pemberton and Walpole.
“A clearer picture will emerge of these Warren-Blackwood towns when the survey information is gathered and analysed, then fed into a land release plan,” he said.
“The forthcoming Warren-Blackwood Land Release Plan will then guide the local shires and Government agencies in future planning and development of these towns.”
Mr Kierath said the State Government would support the three local government authorities in the Warren-Blackwood region by providing $25,000 to help them prepare town planning schemes and local planning strategies.
“The Shire of Manjimup and the Shire of Bridgetown-Greenbushes will each receive $10,000, and the Shire of Nannup will receive $5,000,” he said.
Land release plans are prepared by the Ministry for Planning in conjunction with local government, the development industry, infrastructure and service providers.
They are part of the Western Australian Planning Commission County Land Development Program, co-ordinating efficient and effective use of infrastructure and service provision to meet demand for growth.
“The Warren-Blackwood Land Release Plan will be similar to those released for the Shire of Augusta-Margaret River in December, and Busselton-Dunsborough in June 2000,” Mr Kierath said.
“The planning commitment to the southern part of the State will continue after Warren-Blackwood with further land release plans scheduled for Bunbury, Albany and Esperance.”
Media contact:
Zac Donovan (08) 9213 6400
