With the state election drawing nearer, neither political side has yet committed to supporting the council's plan to re-locate a state government agency to Mandurah.
The council says the relocation of a 900 to 1000-strong department is the one non-negotiable part of its 10-year Transform Mandurah plan to turn around horrendous unemployment figures, now sitting at more than 18 per cent.
"Without that government agency, the rest of the plan won't work," Mandurah mayor Rhys Williams said.
He said the council was working with all sides of politics to consider it as an election commitment.
But while both Liberal and Labor claim to support the council's plan, neither has yet made a commitment.
Mandurah MP David Templeman said Mandurah had an advantage over other regional centres because it was close to Perth but highlighted concerns about insufficient accommodation for staff.
"Accommodation requirements need to be considered on a needs basis and balance all existing accommodation space," he said.
His government had no current plans to relocate additional agencies but it "regularly reviewed opportunities across Perth suburbs and regional WA".
Meanwhile, Dawesville MP Zak Kirkup, who is Shadow Health Minister, said he was looking at "opportunities to relocate within his portfolio".
Mr Kirkup said the Liberal party would make further announcements about Mandurah closer to the election.
"I appreciate the City of Mandurah's push to get a government agency here ...but it is not solely the responsibility of the local government to help get Mandurah back on its feet - it really is the responsibility of state government.
"We need to be looking at Mandurah as a regional centre as most regional cities do have more of a presence of government agencies."
Mayor Williams said an agency was the catalyst Mandurah needed.
"If economic growth could happen naturally, it would've happened already," he said.
He said the agency would ideally be related to Mandurah's strength as a waterways city.
The council would either provide the land for the relocation or work with the private sector to create an opportunity.
Daniela Cooper
Daniela has returned to her first love after a decade of working in local, state and federal governments, non-profits and the corporate world. She has a passion for injustice; to be a voice for those who don't have one; to hold power to account; and to bring readers the news without fear. She loves to explore new places and unfamiliar topics (both in her professional and private life) but her go-to loves are travel, health, social justice, foreign affairs and the outdoors. Email daniela.cooper@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Daniela has returned to her first love after a decade of working in local, state and federal governments, non-profits and the corporate world. She has a passion for injustice; to be a voice for those who don't have one; to hold power to account; and to bring readers the news without fear. She loves to explore new places and unfamiliar topics (both in her professional and private life) but her go-to loves are travel, health, social justice, foreign affairs and the outdoors. Email daniela.cooper@austcommunitymedia.com.au
