MY VISION FOR THE FUTURE
Being an elected member is about more than the day-to-day of local government functions. It requires having vision for the future of our region and being able to see the upcoming needs of our towns to ensure we maintain sustainable economic growth. If elected, these are my visions for the next four years as your representative.
FINALISING THE DESIGN AND PLANNING STAGES OF THE MANJIMUP REA PARK & COLLIER STREET REDEVELOPMENT AND SIGNIFICANT PROGRESS TOWARDS COMPLETION OF THE REDEVELOPMENT WORKS.
The upgrade of this sport and recreation hub is long overdue. Not only are the amenities tired and run down, playing fields need significant upgrades for reliable use and safety, and changes to participation by men, women and juniors means the facilities do not meet current requirements and stifle activity growth. Upgrades to this precinct will ensure long term viability for the sport and recreational groups who utilise it, provide opportunity for new activities to start up and bring the standards of playing fields and facilities up to a level that allows for regional, state and national carnivals, higher level sporting events and growth of non-sporting events such as the Agricultural Show. This has broader economic benefits to our tourism, hospitality and retail businesses and makes Manjimup a more appealing option for families considering a tree-change move.
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ADVOCATE STRONGLY FOR A MENTAL HEALTH & WELLBEING REPORT FOR THE SHIRE OF MANJIMUP AND LOBBY STATE AND FEDERAL GOVERNMENTS FOR INCREASED FUNDING FOR MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES IN THE REGION.
This has been a continued focus for me as a member of this community, and my role as an elected member has provided opportunities to broaden my networks and research what other regional communities are doing to improve mental health services. The Mental Health & Wellbeing in the Shire of Augusta-Margaret River Report is a key research document providing detailed and specific information into the local needs, services and gaps in mental health for that region. I have been advocating for a similar research report to be conducted into our Shire and would continue working to have this achieved in my next term. A report such as this would assist our region to more effectively direct funding for mental health into the areas of highest need and greatest effectiveness. It would provide a strong foundation for local government, the Warren District Health Service, local GP's and allied health providers, not-for-profit organisations and community groups to lobby for funding to increase local mental health services. To see the Augusta-Margaret River Report click HERE.
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INCREASE INCLUSIVE COMMUNITY CONNECTION THROUGH IMPROVEMENTS IN ACCESSIBILITY AND REPLACEMENT/UPGRADES OF FOOTPATHS IN NON-MAIN STREET AND RESIDENTIAL AREAS OF OUR TOWNS.
This is a project I have been working on over the last year and have to date negotiated allocations of funding towards a project to improve inclusive access to Shire owned/managed buildings and a further allocation to begin a replacement program of older style, slab concrete footpaths in residential areas of our towns throughout the region. These older footpaths are well past their use by date, but more importantly are a significant obstacle for people living with disability, mobility concerns, vision impairments and for families with small children. My commitment is to do all we can as a local government to ensure all people in our community are confident in their ability to connect to their town, to their support networks, key services and enjoy a healthy lifestyle. Accessible path networks and buildings are absolutely vital to inclusive communities.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND TOURISM PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT THROUGHOUT THE SHIRE OF MANJIMUP
The WA Recovery Plan, announced by the state government in 2020, is intended to support WA in taking the next steps on our journey through the Covid-19 pandemic. Part of the announced plan was considerable funding for trail building and upgrades in the Great Southern which will have a significant impact on tourism in Walpole, and hopefully for the other towns in the Shire of Manjimup as we market our region as a destination to journey through. However, such a huge investment into trail infrastructure and the intended increase in tourist numbers into the future is going to require a range of complimentary businesses to support additional people within our towns. In particular, Walpole is going to require well considered and consultative economic development planning to ensure there is accommodation, hospitality, retail and service providers to meet the needs of tourists and locals. I believe we need to work with the community, business and industry organisations and government agencies early to ensure we are taking the front foot on economic development before infrastructure implementation is complete. With trail master planning also underway in the Pemberton and Manjimup areas, and hopefully soon the Northcliffe area, this is going to be an increasing need throughout the Shire over the next four years.