The state government made several announcements over the weekend related to projects in the South West, including Collie's $13.4 million emergency services management centre.
The state government made several announcements over the weekend related to projects in the South West, including Collie's $13.4 million emergency services management centre.
The first stage of the new Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) facility will include an emergency driver training school and a regional fleet maintenance and management services workshop, which can also be used as a Level 3 Incident Control Centre.
The 1,700 square metre facility will also be used for the construction of firetrucks for emergency services personnel.
The state government will invite tenders for the centre’s construction tomorrow.
Further, the new manufacturing facility to house Malaga-based Frontline Fire & Rescue Equipment, will be located close to the DFES centre.
Frontline had received a $2.5 million grant from the $60 million Collie Industry Attraction and Development Fund, with $1.6 million used to begin work on the new facility next month.
Premier Mark McGowan said the two facilities would ensure South West communities had the best possible resources to manage complex bushfires.
“The multi-purpose facility is designed to provide vital support and training to career and volunteer emergency services personnel, not just in Collie and in the South West, but across the state,” he said.
"The Frontline vehicle-manufacturing centre will assist volunteer firefighters with the latest vehicles to combat bushfires throughout Western Australia.
"Concentrating emergency services facilities in Collie has a pivotal role to play in forging a strong economy and sustainable future for the town."
The Collie Industry Attraction and Development Fund was established by the state government last May to help secure an economic future for the region, as well as create local jobs.
The state government announced today it would invest $4.4 million into tourism initiatives for the South West region, with funding to go towards town upgrades, wayfinding and tourist amenity, as well as business development and new visitor infrastructure at Wellington Dam.
Australian artist Guido Van Helton has been named the lead artist for the Wellington Dam mural, which will be the centrepiece of the $1.5 million Collie Mural Trail.
The trail will feature a number of smaller murals throughout the Collie township, with work currently underway to finalise the location of murals and appointment of local artists.
The recreation hub at Lake Kepwari and the Arklow mountain bike trails are also due to open this year.
A zip-line and climb infrastructure at Matagarup Bridge is also being installed, and expected to be ready early next year.
Applecross-based Byte Construct has begun building the zip-line launch and landing pad, with the route now expanded by 100 metres from earlier designs.
Byte is also installing the attraction’s ‘sky-view’ platform, as well as safety systems and lighting to extend activities into the night.
At the same time, the state government has unveiled concept designs for the $3.8 million Eaton Community Hub, with construction due to begin by the end of the year.
The facility will provide a space for local community groups, public functions and activities.
Further, the first stage of major upgrades to South Regional TAFE’s Collie Campus has now been completed, the state government said.
Architect Kent Lyon and builder Smith Constructions were engaged to complete Stage 1 of the project, which included a fully refurbished main administration and teaching block.
Stage 2 of the works, which will see two additional classrooms, bathrooms and student breakout spaces, is expected to be underway before the end of the year.
Work is due to complete early next year at an estimated $500,000.
