Collie revamp gets nod ahead of bigger projects

The Shire of Collie’s Supertowns project has claimed the From Plan to Place category at this year’s 2017 WA Planning Institute of Australia’s annual awards ceremony held at Crown Casino last week.

Shire president Sarah Stanley said she was proud to win the award ahead of bigger community projects.

“I look on it as a point of pride that we were able to win ahead of projects of a much larger scale,” she said.

“We even bested Elizabeth Quay which was also in our category.

“This win is a credit to the vision shown by previous councils to get this project up and running.”

The Supertowns projects included the central business district revitalisation, the A-class art gallery, youth space, swimming pool upgrade, men’s shed, park upgrades, child care centre and improvements to the Collie River.

Supertowns project manager Geoff Klem said the planning process identified priority projects that were to collectively transform the town.

“The CBD Revitalisation Project has delivered a major improvement to the character and amenity of the Collie CBD and to the river environs,” he said.

“At a time when there was a reduction in disposable income and loss of population that directly affected the viability of businesses, project funds spent locally coupled with the development outcomes has created a more cohesive, positive and determined culture in the town.

“Large numbers of people are now using the Central Park and Facebook postings from locals and visitors have commented that the town has a new heart with a high standard of amenity and community facilities.”

Cr Stanley said she was excited to see the next phase of works for the shire.

“We have managed to secure the services of Geoff Klem who will continue on our planning,” she said.

“The next project will be the extension for the Collie motorplex which we will be working on soon.”

The awards celebrate, recognise and reward outstanding planning and planners that make valuable contributions to communities.