SW Leaders welcome Cabinet announcement

South West business leaders have welcomed the McGowan Government’s decision to hold its first regional Community Cabinet meeting in Bunbury.

The two-day event will include a “Town Hall” meeting at Koombana Bay Sailing Club on Sunday November 5.

Bunbury Geographe Chamber of Commerce and Industry chief executive officer Ray Philp said he was delighted by the announcement.

“This is a strong opportunity for the chamber to reinforce our strong position supporting the decentralisation of Government services to Bunbury as the regional capital and second city of the State,” he said.

Bunbury Wellington Economic Alliance chief executive officer Matt Granger said it was significant for Bunbury to host the meeting.

“It will give the community the opportunity to interact directly with State Government ministers, present issues of concern and also highlight opportunities to invest in and grow our local economy and community,” he said.

“It’s always more useful to present ideas and solutions rather than just complaints.”

Mr Philp said although he was disappointed the plan to shift the Department of Parks and Wildlife headquarters to Bunbury was not funded for the subsequent stages, he appreciated the Government was still committed to consolidating Government services within the Bunbury CBD.

“This would play a significant role in activating the CBD area, send a clear statement to private investors about the future of the city and encourage investment opportunities in the CBD in particular,” he said.

“We are also keen to facilitate discussion and community engagement around the future use of the previously proposed DPaW site for projects that will deliver a benefit to the city.”