'Super town' gets support

The Collie Chamber of Commerce and Industry has supported Nationals Leader Brendon Grylls’ claim that the mining town had the potential to become a ‘‘super town’’ in the South West.

Mr Grylls identified Collie as a major centre recently, where the State Government was looking to invest in future growth due to its population size, economic credentials and level of projects in the pipeline.

Chamber chief executive officer Richard Jackson told the South Western Times projects on the table at the moment were the revitalisation of the Collie CBD and the swimming complex.

‘‘In addition, the long drawn-out opportunity to develop Lake Kepwari as a major eco-tourism resort looks to be coming to a conclusion with the various parties close to agreement regarding ongoing liabilities,’’ Mr Jackson said.

‘‘The Kostecki Motorplex is already growing as a major motor racing attraction, with its calendar of events growing every year.’’

Mr Jackson said the chamber was supporting a new tourism initiative called Spring into Collie, which is poised to take place in October.

The initiative is to attract visitors to Collie during the spring break with a collection of events which includes Collie horse races, Collie Speedway, the Collie Art & Craft Festival, the Collie Adventure Race, the Kostecki Motorplex Spring Race Meeting and the Wild Flower Season.

‘‘The chamber believes that there will be something for everybody to enjoy and an opportunity to see a different side to Collie,’’ Mr Jackson said.

Mr Grylls last month outlined a plan to use Royalties for Regions funding to expand rural towns like Collie, after the success of the Pilbara Cities initiative, a progressive and strategically-focused plan in the social and economic development of the Pilbara.

He said at the time ‘‘super towns’’ could alleviate population pressures of the metropolitan area if amenities and infrastructure were improved in those regional centres.

But Collie-Preston MLA Mick Murray has scoffed at the idea, urging the State Government to provide services and invest in infrastructure before promoting the idea of a ‘‘super town’’.