'Visionary' Nambeelup investment to secure Peel’s future

Transform Peel, which includes the business park, a food and agribusiness zone and a water initiative, is expected to deliver up to 33,000 jobs by 2050 and significantly boost economic opportunities across the region.

“One of the issues particularly for Mandurah is that the population is growing rapidly, the investment particularly in hospitality and tourism is really quite outstanding,” Mr Barnett said.

“But there is high unemployment and there are some social issues related to that, so the local community and the City of Mandurah and the state government are keen to see more employment opportunities and job creation in this area.

“In terms of growing the economy and creating jobs, this project in the Shire of Murray will rank alongside industrial zones at Canning Vale and the Henderson Marine Complex.”

Mr Barnett said the first phase of the project – the 1000 hectare business park for agricultural and industrial businesses – would be complete by 2020.

“The money will be used primarily for roads into the area, power supply, water supply, gas supply, waste disposal and the like,” he said.

Peel Development Commission chairman Paul Fitzpatrick said the project was “visionary” and would be a “game changer for the Peel region”.

“As we researched and developed the business case for Transform Peel, we grew confident that the state government would share our vision for this hub for employment and innovation,” he said.

“We are looking forward to working with Landcorp and other agencies to enable phase one.”

The Peel Development Commission estimates that the Nambeelup project will generate an additional $16.2 billion in economic output every year.

Mr Barnett said the benefits of the project would be important for the state as well as the regions.

“It is a major investment decision by the state government, not only for Mandurah and the Peel area but for the state.”