6/09/05
The State Government and the City of Albany today formalised their commitment to the Albany waterfront project with the signing of a memorandum of agreement by Planning and Infrastructure Minister Alannah MacTiernan, Local Government and Regional Development Minister John Bowler and Albany Mayor Alison Goode.
Ms MacTiernan said the agreement would now allow development of the world-class waterfront precinct to begin in earnest.
“The Albany Waterfront Development will allow Albany to develop its potential as a tourism mecca for the region and the State,” Ms MacTiernan said.
“The project is made up of many components, providing for recreational, tourism, fishing and community facilities, and the agreement we have signed today will ensure that it progresses in a timely and smooth fashion.”
Over the next four years, the State Government will provide $26.8million towards the project, to be managed by LandCorp.
Another $14.9million will be provided to the City for the Entertainment Centre.
“The development will connect Albany to its waterfront and includes a marina to the east of the jetty, an entertainment and convention centre and tourism opportunities; with all of this linked to Anzac Park to the west,” Ms MacTiernan said.
Mr Bowler said the agreement provided a strategic framework for the project in terms of identifying the roles and responsibilities of each stakeholder in bringing this major regional project to fruition.
“Helping to guide this process will be a stakeholder reference group, including representatives from State and local government, which will ensure strong local involvement in the delivery of the project,” Mr Bowler said.
Member for Albany Peter Watson welcomed the agreement.
“The Gallop Government has shown a strong commitment to the Great Southern region and today’s signing is further evidence that regional Western Australia is receiving its fair share.”
City of Albany Mayor, Alison Goode, said the Memorandum of Agreement with the State Government was a significant milestone for Albany.
“For the past 20 years, Albany has sought a way to make the most of its beautiful harbour waterfront,” Ms Goode said.
“We now have an understanding with the State Government that will enable the development of the area to move forward.
“This agreement respects four core elements that Albany people value about their waterfront; access to the foreshore, a working port, provision of short stay accommodation only, and maintaining the superb harbour vista.
“The City of Albany looks forward to working in partnership with the State Government to gain appropriate development on the harbour waterfront that will enhance enjoyment of the area for residents and visitors alike,” Ms Goode said.
Minister's office: 9213 6400
