“This plan provides an invaluable framework to steer our community towards achieving future prosperity over the next 30 to 40 years,” said Shire of Morawa President Karen Chappel.
“The plan is the culmination of a lot of hard work by the community, the Shire and a supporting team of expert consultants over the past few months and I would like to thank everyone for their efforts,” she said.
Cr Chappel said that she was proud of the vision and key strategies identified, and believed it had accurately reflected the community’s future visions and aspirations.
The SuperTown Draft Growth and Implementation Plan says that the North Midlands region is well positioned to cater for future population growth, with a strong agricultural base and significant expansion in the areas of mining, education, health services and government administration in recent years.
The report also recommends that a range of issues will need to be addressed to accommodate growth beyond double the current population and the key areas of focus to retain families, attract new population growth and support future investment include:
- An economic development strategy for the North-Midlands subregion
- An attractive and revitalised Town Centre
- Greater housing diversity, with a focus on quality housing for families, key workers, aged persons and students
- New job opportunities within the agricultural, mining, health, education and service industries
- Improved infrastructure, such as power, water and telecommunications
- Improved and diversified education and training services
- Improved health, palliative and aged care services for the North Midlands region
- New land supply, particularly residential and industrial land
- Improved regional road access between towns
- Refurbished community and recreational facilities
The Plan also outlines that other towns in the region are poised to benefit from an increase of services and amenities.
“Morawa will play a vital part of a network of towns that sees mutually beneficial services spread across surrounding areas of Perenjori, Three Springs, Mingenew, Mullewa, Carnamah, Coorow and Yalgoo”, the report says.
The report highlights the importance of a strong and committed partnership approach between the surrounding communities, for these benefits to be harnessed.
A key recommendation is the establishment of a collaborative SuperTown Working Group that is equipped with the appropriate resources and skills to lead the delivery of key projects within the region.
The Final Draft Growth and Implementation Plan will now be presented to the Western Australian Planning Commission, the Mid West Development Commission and the Department of Regional Development and Lands for endorsement over the coming months.
Business cases will also be finalised and funding approval will be sought for the top four transformational projects, through the Department of Regional Development and Lands.
Further information can be obtained from the Shire of Morawa by calling 08 9971 1204.
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Media Contact: Gavin Treasure T: (08) 9971 1204
