Premier Colin Barnett has cut funding to an economic development committee, squandering an opportunity to generate thousands of jobs and billions of dollars, according to government whip Phil Edman.
The Western Trade Coast Industry Zone, covering an area of about 3900 square kilometres on the outskirts of Perth, is a major economic hub, employing more than 10,000 people and generating $15 billion a year.
But the economic zone has been hampered by numerous logistical and environmental issues that have hindered its growth - including recent accusations that Cockburn Cement polluted nearby residential areas.
Phil Edman, Government Whip in the Legislative Council, said the Western Trade Coast Industries Committee was established to address such problems.
"Currently the park turns over $15.5 billion a year, but there's the potential to create 22,000 jobs contributing to a $28 billion per year gross state product, and we're running it, the committee, on $360,000 per year," he said.
"If there's an opportunity to create an extra 10,000 jobs and contribute an extra $10 billion why wouldn't that be value for money?"
Mr Edman also believes the committee served as a necessary body to help coordinate relations between industry and residents living within the economic zone.
The area also suffers from water and energy shortages in addition to basic logistical issues such as trucks struggling to find their destinations within the zone.
"Because sometimes they can't find it," Mr Edman said
"You don't know where the hell anything is.
"The signage is appalling, mate."
Mr Edman, Chairman of the Western Trade Coast Industries Committee, said the organisation recently allocated $150,000 on signs to solve that issue.
"We've just spent the money," he said.
But Premier Barnett has signalled the end of the committee, telling Mr Edman in a letter that the $369,000 funding will be cut, stating "I cannot see a continuing need for the committee".
"He didn't even bring me into his office to talk about," Mr Edman said.
James England, WA State Manager of Australian Steel Institute, has questioned the government's foresight.
"It's a worrying development, this is," Mr England said.
"We've seen a lot of cuts in other areas, particularly the Department of Commerce's Local Content Unit and the withdrawal of funding for the Industry Capability Network.
"So this latest withdrawal from a state government initiative is another blow for support for local industry.
"We've gone from having a very positive level of support from the state government, in which they've been very visible in their effort to support local business and provide a lot of dedicated staff and put a lot of time and effort into helping local businesses be competitive.
"The state government has shown leadership in the past by encouraging local business to develop skills, capability and capacity.
"But it's worrying that these initiatives are being eroded and downgraded."
A spokeswoman for Premier Colin Barnett said he was not available for comment.
