- Liberal National Government delivers on public sector decentralisation
- $28.9m Royalties for Regions funding for agency headquarters and visitor centre
The Liberal National Government is forging ahead with its commitment to decentralise public sector agencies, with development starting soon on the new Department of Parks and Wildlife headquarters in Bunbury.
Premier Colin Barnett, on site in Bunbury today, said although decentralisation had been talked about for the past 30 years, very little had actually been done by previous governments to deliver such an outcome for regional communities.
“The relocation of parts of the public service, in this case Parks and Wildlife headquarters to Bunbury, will attract new investment and skills to the region and provide ongoing economic and social benefits,” Mr Barnett said.
“The move will initially see 100 staff from Parks and Wildlife located in the new development, generating more than $25 million per year for the local economy, with plans for the number of staff to increase to 300 within 10 years.”
Environment Minister Albert Jacob said the development of the new headquarters included the creation of a state-of-the-art visitor gateway for Western Australia’s south-west.
“The development is being done over three stages and, when completed, will include a wide range of facilities including a landscaped pedestrian avenue to link the Leschenault Inlet to Koombana Bay, a new lookout, walk trails, a playground and renewal of the mangrove boardwalks,” Mr Jacob said.
“The area’s rich history and natural environment, including significant maritime values, has been incorporated into the design and will be featured throughout the buildings, landscaping, artwork, interpretative information and boardwalk restoration.
“The project highlights the importance the State Government places on encouraging people to visit national and marine parks, and other natural attractions of the greater south-west region.”
Regional Development Minister Terry Redman said the $28.9 million project, funded under the Royalties for Regions program, would stimulate the growth of the Bunbury region.
“The relocation of a major government department to a regional centre such as Bunbury is a huge step forward for regional development in WA. On the project’s completion, it is estimated the total population benefit to the region will be 1,545 people with an economic output of $75 million per annum – a huge positive impact,” Mr Redman said.
Fact File
- Construction of the landscape enhancements will start in October 2016 and be completed in mid-2017
- Office accommodation construction will start in early 2017 and be completed by late 2018
- The headquarters will be located on Koombana Drive, Koombana Bay, Bunbury