Two years after the election of the McGowan Government, local Member of Parliament Terry Redman has reviewed the positives and negatives for the Warren-Blackwood region.
“I am pleased the Southern Forest Food Council has continued to be funded as this group has achieved brand recognition and new markets for produce from the Manjimup-Pemberton region,” Mr Redman said. “This alongside continued funding for the Manjimup Revitalisation project has allowed important projects to proceed.”
“Further west, it is satisfying to see the Margaret River Perimeter Road completed, taking heavy vehicles away from the centre of town and creating a much safer area for pedestrians.
“The Regional Film Fund has continued to attract film producers to Western Australia, with new films Rams, Itch and H is for Happiness currently being filmed. These films highlight the unique landscapes of Western Australia and have the potential to attract international visitors.
“Unfortunately, the region has also suffered, with Royalties for Regions funding almost non-accessible. The community-based grants are virtually non-existent, and the larger regional grants are very limited. This means Local Governments cannot leverage state based funds to progress key projects that help build the social and economic infrastructure of our towns.
The water recycling project in Denmark has been cancelled, resulting in treated effluent still being pumped into the inlet, and the golf course without the promised water needed for the greens. Allocated funds for the much-needed upgrade to William Bay have been re-directed to Perth projects such as Metronet.
The transition of aged care and disability services from state responsibility to the Federal ‘My Aged Care’ and National Disability Insurance Scheme has left families feeling confused and without the support to navigate changes. The State Government needs to assist with this transition and ensure no-one falls through the gaps.
“My biggest disappointment is the lack of attention on small communities outside the big regional centres, and the city-centric focus of the McGowan Government,” Mr Redman said. “Regional communities deserve better.”
