- Goldfields-Esperance
Minister David Michael sets sights on key regional investments
- Significant
liveability projects underway in Norseman, helping attract and retain regional
families and essential workers
- Nature
to put on a spectacle at the Ravensthorpe Wildflower Show
Goldfields-Esperance Minister David Michael returned to the
Goldfields-Esperance region this week, catching up with local government
leaders and attending a significant regional tourism event in Ravensthorpe.
During the visit, the Minister attended the Goldfields Volunteer
Regional Organisation of Councils, highlighting the recent announcement to
invest more than $10 million in support of three projects under the Regional
Housing Support Fund. This significant funding will help deliver essential
residential housing and land developments in the region.
Successful projects included $1 million toward Pensioner Community
Housing in Norseman delivered by the Shire of Dundas, $4 million to the Shire
of Esperance to develop 36 lots as part of Flinders Estate Stage 3, and $5
million towards M/Group's residential housing development as part of Amara
Estate in Kalgoorlie-Boulder.
In Norseman, the Cook Labor Government has committed $850,000 to deliver
major infrastructure upgrades at Norseman District High School.
The investment is specifically targeted towards improving early
childhood and outdoor learning environments at the school.
Pre-primary building upgrades will include enhancing existing facilities
for the school's youngest learners and construction of a specialised
nature-based outdoor play area to encourage active, open-ended play and student
wellbeing.
Additionally, two new modular homes were completed in Norseman in June
2026 for the Government Regional Officer Housing program.
The two-bedroom, two-bathroom dwellings were built off-site in Perth and
trucked over 720 kilometres to the Goldfields town to provide housing for local
teachers through the Department of Education.
The use of modular building methods has been utilised to speed up
regional housing supply.
These dwellings are vital to attracting and keeping essential public
sector workers like teachers and police personnel in remote areas.
The Cook Labor Government also contributed $100,000 to improve Norseman's
sports facilities, including resurfacing community netball and basketball
courts, upgrading two tennis courts, and adding a new pickleball court.
Contractors are currently being engaged to create this great addition to
Norseman's community recreational facilities.
Minister Michael also travelled to Ravensthorpe, visiting the historic
Town Hall to witness what is widely celebrated as one of the largest wildflower
shows of its kind in the world. The event showcases approximately 700
botanically identified floral specimens collected by licensed volunteers
throughout the globally recognised UNESCO-listed Fitzgerald Biosphere.
The Ravensthorpe Regional Herbarium acts as a vital scientific hub for
the Fitzgerald Biosphere, backed by Lotterywest support. Partnering with annual
events like the Ravensthorpe Wildflower Show, it houses thousands of pressed
local flora specimens.
Comments attributed to
Goldfields-Esperance Minister David Michael:
"Investment into key liveability projects in Norseman highlights the
Cook Labor Government's ongoing commitment to the Goldfields and its residents.
"I always look forward to visiting Goldfields-Esperance region
communities, which continue to prosper and grow in such unique settings.
"I encourage all to visit Ravensthorpe for the annual wildflower show,
which continues until the 19 September."
Comments attributed to
Education Minister Sabine Winton:
"The Cook Labor Government is committed to ensuring Western Australian
students have access to the best possible learning environments.
"These upgrades at Norseman District High School will create improved
spaces for our youngest students to learn, play, and grow.
"This investment is another example of the Cook Labor Government backing
regional schools, students, and staff."
Comments attributed to
Kalgoorlie MLA Ali Kent
"The Cook Labor Government's funding of major
upgrades at Norseman District High School and the provision of two new homes to
house teachers in the town highlight our commitment to delivering quality
infrastructure.
"The local community will also benefit from
upgrades to the town's sports and recreation facilities."
