Moore MP Shane Love MLA has slammed the McGowan Government for neglecting the Jurien Bay Marina in favour of extravagant commitments in the metropolitan area.
Asking a question of Transport Minister Rita Saffioti on November 28, Mr Love criticized the Labor Government for slashing Royalties for Regions funding worth $8.7 million for the Jurien Bay Marina, allocated by the former government.
“When asked about the future of Jurien Bay’s marina with respect to recent fish kills, Minister Saffioti was completely noncommittal,” Mr Love said.
“Jurien Bay’s Marina is a state asset that must be maintained.
“Instead Labor will disregard this regional marina, but at the same time are prepared to invest $120 million on a brand new metropolitan marina at Ocean Reef.”
Mr Love said the former government had put in place a steering committee who had worked hard and overseen efforts to improve the amenity and environmental health of the Jurien Bay Marina.
“The former government’s promise to invest $8.7 million in Jurien Bay’s Southern Harbour Precinct would have unlocked the potential of the marina and surrounding area,” he added.
“The investment was strongly endorsed because it would provide a real boost to the local Turquoise Coast economy and create jobs.”
Mr Love said visitor numbers to the Turquoise Coast were increasing all the time and infrastructure was critical to growing visitor numbers and achieving the State’s target to double the value of tourism in Western Australia.