Committee to kick-start growth plan for Bunbury and Collie

Strategic opportunities to drive economic growth and job opportunities for Bunbury, Collie and surrounding areas are the focus of an inaugural steering committee meeting today.
  • Ministerial Steering Committee to oversee development of an economic development plan for Collie and Bunbury regions
  • Committee to explore ways to diversify the regions and drive job growth
  • Inaugural meeting today in Collie 

Strategic opportunities to drive economic growth and job opportunities for Bunbury, Collie and surrounding areas are the focus of an inaugural steering committee meeting today.

The Ministerial Steering Committee, chaired by Regional Development Minister Alannah MacTiernan, will oversee the creation of an economic development plan targeting the region.

The committee, whose membership also includes Reece Whitby MLA, Mick Murray MLA, Robyn Clarke MLA and Don Punch MLA, will convene for an initial term of 12 months.

A multi-agency approach, facilitated by the South-West Development Commission, is being undertaken to develop and implement the plan.

Comments attributed to Regional Development Minister Alannah MacTiernan:

"There is enormous growth potential in Bunbury and Collie; our plan will help to drive future development by identifying new industry, employment, upskilling and training opportunities, as well as building community capacity.

"We are focused on jobs creation and economic diversification to create a sustainable, prosperous future with a diversity of employment and business opportunities for local people.

"Over the next 12 months, we will work towards creating a strategic plan that will look at new opportunities for industry and jobs, training plans to assist workers and young people to develop capabilities to work in new regional industries, and programs to build community capacity.

"We will be working closely with local industry and the community to identify and build on the existing strengths of Bunbury and Collie to help unlock new opportunities for the region."

Comments attributed to Collie-Preston MLA Mick Murray:

"It's great to be part of a committee that will provide direction for towns in the Collie-Bunbury region.

"This will ensure that there's a co-ordinated approach to building economic opportunities across the region.

"Too often we have been competing against each other but now I look forward to working together for a positive outcome."

Comments attributed to Bunbury MLA Don Punch:

"There is huge opportunity in our region to attract new industries, particularly within the manufacturing sector, to generate significant jobs growth and to make the most of our existing assets like the Bunbury Port. I am very pleased to be involved with any initiatives that support these outcomes.

"It is well known that when Collie sneezes, Bunbury catches a cold, so we must work together to grow jobs.

"Having the Minister for Regional Development working directly with myself and Mr Murray as local members to focus attention on securing the strongest possible jobs growth for our communities is a great step forward, and demonstrates the commitment of the McGowan Government to our region."

Minister's office - 6552 6200