Carpet made entirely from WA fleece to be laid in Minister's office

11/12/97

Western Australian wool will always be on prominent display in the office of Deputy Premier Hendy Cowan with the laying of new carpet made entirely from local fleece.

The Government contract is believed to be the first commercial sale of carpet made in the State from pure WA grown and processed wool.

The 33+ micron wool comes from Tukidale sheep from properties in southern areas of the State.

The 6.5 tonne consignment of wool was scoured at Jandakot before being spun at Albany Spinning Mills. WA company Westwools Carpets then manufactured the carpet.

Mr Cowan, the Minister for Commerce and Trade, Regional Development and Small Business, said it was a satisfying experience to have WA product covering his office floor.

"The carpet is aesthetically pleasing and will mean that a quality WA product is on display to visitors to this office, including many from overseas countries," he said.

"The manufacture of carpet from WA wool is also a significant development for the local wool industry and in terms of downstream processing of our primary production.

"While WA has produced carpet for many years, most of the wool involved has come from outside the State, particularly New Zealand. Westwools Carpets and Albany Spinning Mills are to be congratulated on their initiative and commitment to local product.

"I would urge businesses to consider buying the WA carpet as it compares favourably in terms of quality and is competitively priced."

In addition to Mr Cowan's office, two other floors in the Governor Stirling Tower in Perth are having the new carpet laid as part of a major refurbishment by the building's owners. In all, a total of 2,215sq.m is being laid with the WA carpet.

Media contact: Peter Jackson 9222 8788

Deputy Premier Hendy Cowan (centre) and Westwools Carpet's managing director Jim Coles (left) try out the new carpet in the reception area of the Minister's office.

Deputy Premier Hendy Cowan (left) and Westwools Carpet's managing director Jim Coles (right) get a feel for the new WA carpet as it is laid by Iain Bliemeister from The Carpet Centre.