Government to assist in upgrading Fairbridge Village near Pinjarra

14/12/97

The State Government has joined other community and corporate sponsors to assist Fairbridge Western Australia carry out a major upgrade of the popular Fairbridge Village near Pinjarra.

Commerce and Trade and Regional Development Minister Hendy Cowan said Fairbridge was used by more than 150 youth organisations each year for a range of education and personal development programs.

Mr Cowan said it was also an important historical asset, being the first as well as the last remaining Fairbridge Farm School in the world. Many Western Australians had links with Fairbridge, either directly or through their parents who emigrated to Australia through the farm program.

The Minister said a $6.2 million restoration and redevelopment project was under way to improve facilities and make the site accessible to many more young people.

It was anticipated that visitor numbers could triple from 50,000 to 150,000 a year over the next five years.

The Department of Commerce and Trade would provide up to $287,000 towards the cost of upgrading sewerage, water and fire services at Fairbridge.

Announcing the assistance today, Youth Minister Mike Board said Fairbridge would become a world-class campus committed to the development of young people and the environment.

Mr Board said the State Government was very pleased to assist with its redevelopment.

"Many thousands of young people come here for a truly wonderful time each year and it is encouraging to see Fairbridge so full of plans for even more young people to become involved in the future," he said.

"Our young people are so full of potential and it is important that we have venues such as Fairbridge - a place where they can develop leadership, teamwork and initiative skills and experience the qualities of community responsibility and service.

Mr Board said water and sewerage works would address problems including leakage from the aged water tanks and pipes, insufficient water pressure for fire protection services, and the collapse of septic tanks causing health risks.

He said Fairbridge and its visitors would not be the only beneficiaries of the redevelopment project.

There would be significant local economic benefits, including an increased demand for goods and services from businesses in the area.

It was expected that the Peel region would gain direct benefit of as much as $10 million over the five-year period.

Media contact: Peter Harris (08) 9222 9211