Newman revitalisation project well on track, Duncan

Author: Wendy Duncan
Published on: 18-January-2012

The Hon Wendy Duncan MLC has today accompanied the Minister for Regional Development, the Hon Brendon Grylls MLA, to Newman to see the progress through the Newman revitalisation project.

The project, undertaken by the Shire of East Pilbara and made possible with a contribution of $20million of Royalties for Regions funding, will provide improved lighting, landscaping, shade sails and the repositioning of the shopping centre car park.

The project will also include construction of Iron Ore Parade, the new tree-lined road that will provide a striking entrance to Newman’s town centre.

Ms Duncan said that residents could also expect improvements to the water, power, sewer, drainage and telephone services to the area.

The town’s sporting facilities will also be upgraded with plans to update Boomerang Oval with new multi-purpose sports fields and change room facilities.

"Every time I visit Newman there is something new to see with the exciting progress of the renewal and revitalisation of the town. It is great to witness the difference Royalties for Regions is making to Newman."

The aim of the revitalisation project is to ultimately accommodate a population of more than 15,000 people, which is a significant increase from the current 6,000 permanent and 2,000 fly-in fly-out residents.

"With an expert panel for Smart Property Investment recently announcing that Newman had secured a spot in the Nation’s top 50 property hot spots, the energy and growth of this regional centre should not be underestimated," said Ms Duncan.

Ms Duncan also visited 23 new residential lots in East Newman. These are priced from $173,000 and expected to be released by early February.

The residential land adds to LandCorp’s recently released 21 light industrial lots in the Newman LIA which have proven highly popular with local businesses.