Mergers a must for growth: Barnett

An amalgamated Greater Bunbury with a major State Government presence would cement the city’s place as WA’s second capital.

That was the vision of Bunbury’s future outlined by WA Premier Colin Barnett during a visit to the city for a Liberal Party conference this week.

Mr Barnett spoke to the South Western Times about the State Government’s commitments and plans for Bunbury.

He said his Government would continue to push local government amalgamations and hoped “good sense” would prevail in country areas.

“I want to see regional councils show leadership on this and deal with it, ” he said.

“Everyone knows it has to be dealt with and I know it’s controversial down here but a Greater Bunbury would do wonders for population and employment growth.”

The Premier said an an amalgamation would happen in Bunbury.

Yesterday he took a tour of the city and was briefed on the Bunbury Marine Facilities Alliance’s plans for a marina at the Koombana Bay Sailing Club.

Mr Barnett said the alliance’s plea for $1 million for environmental studies of the harbour would be considered as part of the May Budget deliberations.

He reaffirmed an election promise to build a multi-million dollar headquarters for the Department of Parks and Wildlife in Bunbury.

“The money was not in the Budget but it’s a $15 million commitment and I expect we’ll spend more than that, ” he said.

The department is earmarked for Turkey Point and was allocated $116,000 in the 2013-14 State Budget to progress plans.

Mr Barnett said he could not give a date for the department’s move to Bunbury.

“But we will consolidate much of the South West into Bunbury and ultimately it will become the headquarters of the department, ” he said.

Bunbury MLA John Castrilli used the Liberal Party event as a chance to showcase the city.

“When we look at the dynamics of Bunbury, what’s happening with BREC, the council’s plans for the Leschenault Inlet, the Department of Parks and Wildlife – it’s all pretty special, ” he said.