There's been some terrific coverage in the Mandurah Mail lately about government funding and significant project achievements in the Peel region.
Many of these projects are long-term initiatives that have been worked on for many years. Now we are seeing the first results.
The Peel Development Commission's role has been facilitating the state government priorities, creating jobs, ensuring a bright future and advancing the prosperity of the region.
We collaborate and cooperate between local government, state government agencies, industry and the local community. When we work together, we achieve great outcomes.
Thus, we can fulfil the big goals and make sure there are long-term benefits for the Peel region.
The Shire of Murray, for example, recently secured $21.75 million in federal funding for the Peel Business Park.
These funds will go towards the common-use facilities (e.g. cold storage, logistics, warehousing, research & development) in the agri-innovation precinct.
This will essentially activate the first stage of the Business Park.
This is a fantastic milestone within the bigger picture of the Transform Peel project and is coming to fruition because of the cooperation and ongoing commitment, planning, research and strategic actions involved by all.
The Shire of Murray have also supported investment in the Stage 1 release by offering early investors a three-year rate holiday as well as local government fees waived.
This has contributed to good Stage 1 land purchase. This has enabled the awarding of primary civil works contracts and more jobs for the region.
More jobs will also be created as a result of the Tonkin Highway transformation.
Notably for Peel, the Tonkin Highway extension from Thomas Road to South Western Highway in Mundijong will reduce traffic congestion, increase accessibility in this area and create jobs during construction.
The Peel Development Commission acknowledges and congratulates the Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale for the great deal of work that has gone into making this significant project a reality.
Peel-based business Wormall Civil was awarded two contracts totalling $7.3 million for the Stage 1 earthworks, and installation of trunk infrastructure and power works, for the Peel Business Park.
Again, this opportunity was realised as the result of the Peel Development Commission and LandCorp working together to apply the WA Industry Participation Strategy to the procurement process encouraging the participation of local businesses in contracting opportunities.
This is a great examples of local content working.
The recent RED Grant announcement of Peel's successful applicants is another illustration of the Commission's ability to work with industry and drive economic opportunity.
Seven regional organisations were recognised and awarded funding for their contribution to improving the tourism experience, diversifying local agriculture and expanding industry in the region.
Our population is growing rapidly and if our economy is to keep pace, we need to make sure our industries are supported and matched with opportunities to promote their growth.
We know that if we're going to create jobs and a bright and prosperous future for the Peel region, we must diversify our local economy.
That's not something that happens overnight and it's not something that can be achieved by government or industry alone.
This is a long-term vision that requires the commitment, collaboration and cooperation of all sectors of government, industry and community.
Facilitating and activating those partnerships and opportunities is at the heart of the Peel Development Commission's role in the wider region.
Paddi Creevey OAM is the chair of Peel Development Commission.
