The Shire of Murray has had a massive year with various projects and development plans coming to fruition.
While there has been plenty to toast towards in 2018, the Shire of Murray has anticipated some big changes in the new year, particularly, when it comes to the local economy.
By far the biggest news for the shire this year has been the first release of land in the highly anticipated Peel Business Park.
The project has spanned more than a decade and has the potential to reshape the local government’s economy.
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To help spur future business investment in the park, the shire joined forces with the City of Mandurah to develop a joint-economic growth plan.
In the hope of enticing business, the shire also rejigged their rates scheme to introduce a differential system.
Another big focus of the council in 2018 was tourism.
After work commenced on the Dwellingup National Trails Centre project in December 2017, the Shire of Murray has been patiently watching and waiting for the development to transform Dwellingup into a “tourism town of national significance”.
A $4.5 million investment is redeveloping the Dwellingup History and Visitor Information Centre into a Trails Centre, a meeting place for all trail users, comprising upgraded facilities including a bike and gift shop, laundry, lockers, ablutions with hot showers, an operator and tours hub and RV vehicle dump point.
The Trails Centre will be complimented by a skate park and pump track, an adventure playground, entertainment stage, additional barbeque and picnic facilities and improved footpaths and parking.
The shire also released concept designs for consultation of the future redevelopment of the Murray River Square and foreshore.
The plans aim to help revolutionise the area and adjacent foreshore reserve into a “well-planned, well-utilised community amenity”.
Another mammoth infrastructure project in the local government’s focus was the Pinjarra Heavy Haulage Deviation.
Long term, the deviation forms a strategic link between future extension of Tonkin Highway and connection to South West Highway and Forrest Highway.
In regards to environmental issues, the shire has been doing its part to spur positive change.
The local government had a big push for the community to get involved in the Clean Up Australia Day, discussed additional footpaths in the region, and reviewed the management and protection of unique natural waterways.
Bigger issues tackled on the environmental front have included the waste to energy plant, monitoring erosion at Herron Point and the lower reaches of the Murray River, and reviewing the EPA decision over a Point Grey Marina proposal.
One of the latest developments in the shire is the state government’s decision to undertake a Registration of Interest process to identify future land use options for a 1,608 hectare portion of its East Keralup landholding.
Shire councillors are also one step closer to the creation of a memorial at the Pinjarra Massacre after they voted to provide in-principle support for the project.
The vote came just months after a proposed Pinjarra caravan park development bordering the Pinjarra Massacre site was deferred by council for advice from the Aboriginal community.
Back to Pinjarra Day was another success in 2018, with hundreds paying their respects, including West Australian Police Commissioner Chris Dawson.
Other major events that took place included the much-loved Dwellingup Pumpkin Festival, the annual Christmas celebrations, the highly anticipated 2018 Pinjarra Park Cup Day and the inaugural Pinjarra Amazing Race.
For more about the year that was in local government visit the Mandurah Mail website or view past meeting minutes on the Shire of Murray’s website.
Would you like to share a highlight from local government this year? Contact our team via editor.mandurahmail@fairfaxmedia.com.au.
