The Bunbury-Wellington region was ideally placed to reap the benefits of Western Australia's economic and social development into the next century, Premier Carmen Lawrence said today.
"The region has sustained strong growth during a time of recession," Dr Lawrence said.
"This illustrates the resilience of the regional economy which already has an established range of activities based on abundant natural resources."
Dr Lawrence said the growth of the region over the next 30 years would be guided by the Bunbury-Wellington region plan prepared by the Department of Planning and Urban Development.
Releasing the plan, the Premier said it provided a comprehensive overview which aimed at establishing a balance between industry, commerce, residential development, recreation, conservation and the environment.
"The plan will provide the framework for continued economic and social development in an environmentally responsible manner."
Dr Lawrence said that as well as canvassing general issues, the region plan examined economic and environmental matters and the future of the region's towns.
"It also aims to increase the involvement of local communities in decisions which have a long-term impact on their lives and those of future generations," she said.
The region plan was developed over several years with extensive community consultation to identify issues which local people considered most important to the future of the region.
Dr Lawrence urged people interested in the future of the Bunbury-Wellington region to read the report and provide any comments to the Department of Planning and Urban Development's Bunbury office by April 9, 1993.
