Published on Thursday, 18 July 2024 at 10:16:17 AM
The Shire of Murray has released its 2025 election advocacy priorities; presenting key issues on behalf of the community in the political landscape.
The ten priorities – including four transformative and six community projects – total $168 million in investment and will bring significant value to the Murray and broader Peel Region.
Shire of Murray Chief Executive Officer, Dean Unsworth, said with the Peel Region’s rapidly growing population, diversifying economy and increasingly popular tourism scene, Murray has the opportunity to deliver outcomes that will provide significant value and address complex socioeconomic challenges.
“By articulating our advocacy priorities, we have listed opportunities presented by Murray’s unique characteristics that will strengthen our identity, address disadvantage and support catalytic change for the Peel Region,” said Mr Unsworth.
Transformative projects include a new $50 million health hub, $60.49 million railway heritage precinct and rail link, $30.04 million Western Deviation route, and a $10.85 million upgrade for the Murray Regional Equestrian Centre.
The Murray Health Hub will ensure an integrated, community-based care model that helps reduce the health gap within Murray and improve residents’ health, wellbeing and quality of life. The Murray Health Hub would provide a central location for a range of health services including general medical, allied health and pathology among others.
Through the Murray Heritage Railway project, the Shire will deliver world-class heritage railway experiences that significantly contribute to the State and Peel Region’s tourism sector and broader economy. The project will see Pinjarra Train Station revived and the tourism rail link between Dwellingup and Pinjarra reconnected.
The Western Deviation is the missing piece of the Pinjarra Heavy Haulage Deviation puzzle. If funded, it will link heavy trucks from Pinjarra Road and the Pinjarra Industrial Area onto the Heavy Haulage route. This will allow important development within the town centre of George Street and Pinjarra Road, which is important for Pinjarra’s future economic prosperity.
To secure the Murray Regional Equestrian Centre’s reputation as a top equestrian centre in Western Australia, the Shire seeks fund to allow the construction of new clubrooms and a covered arena.
Alongside these transformational projects, the Shire is seeking funds for a replacement of South Yunderup Bridge, upgrade to Pelicans Park, improved facilities at the Edenvale Heritage Precinct, upgraded changerooms at Sir Ross McLarty Oval, a revitalised recreation precinct in North Pinjarra and river platforms along the Pinjarra Foreshore.
“To achieve these aspirations, we need support from both the State and Federal Governments. Only together can we realise Murray’s potential and deliver these important projects,” added Mr Unsworth.
The Shire’s Advocacy Plan was presented to approx. 100 people at a community briefing on 11 July. This provided community further opportunities to raise questions and provide feedback, which was very positive.
The document has also been distributed to key stakeholders and government representatives. The Shire will now be undertaking proactive advocacy efforts in a bid to secure funding.
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