Murray-Wellington MP Robyn Clarke has welcomed the state government's commitment to a second women's refuge centre in the Peel region, but said transport links need to improve for victims to access it.
The Mandurah Mail reported earlier this week that Premier Mark McGowan and Mandurah MP David Templeman have reiterated the government's commitment to a new refuge in the region.
There is a growing call for more services to help domestic violence victims, with about 140 people turned away from Pat Thomas House, the only refuge in the region, over a six-month period.
Ms Clarke said the refuge would be positive news for Peel but she was focused on improving transport links so people across the region could get to the facility.
"At the moment, the only women's refuge is in Mandurah and there is no public transport within the greater Peel region to get to Mandurah," she said.
"The Peel region goes all the way up to Boddington and all the way out to Waroona.
"My concern is that there are so many women out there suffering that do not have the access to these services.
"I really hope the decision is made and they think about the wider Peel region and those women that desperately need help, but can't get the access to come to Mandurah."
Ms Clarke said the current transport links needed to be expanded.
"There is one bus service that runs from Pinjarra to Mandurah and there is 1 hour and 40 minutes between buses," she said.
"There is nothing from Waroona, Dwellingup, North Dandalup or even from North Pinjarra.
"That is something I am absolutely focused on - how we can improve the public transport issue within my electorate.
"Public transport is a huge issue and it is something that I am constantly working on and advocating for.
"More importantly, if the government is going to put these services in Mandurah, they need to ensure there are outreach services to the surrounding towns."
Gareth McKnight
Gareth McKnight is Mandurah Mail's editor.
Gareth McKnight is Mandurah Mail's editor.
