Local economy takes priority 4 COLLIE RIVER VALLEY BULLETIN, JANUARY 26, 2023
THE strategic community plan which will guide the decision-making process of the Shire of Collie for the next 10 years has been adopted. The plan, described as a major review, was drawn up after a community engagement process which involved a total of 207 attendees at workshops, through interviews and a community survey. At a time when the shire is facing a period of significant change there is a need to ensure that council decisions are consistent with the needs and wants of the community. Shire president Sarah Stanley said, in the plan’s introduction, that prioritising aspirations of residents against available resources is a constant challenge. “Our most important objective is to grow the local economy,” she said. “This means encouraging and enabling new industry, employment and growth that will sustain our town.” The top five priorities which emerged from this consultation were safety and security, bushfire prevention and control, economic development and employment, facilities and services for youth and conservation and environmental manage-
ment. For community health, safety and wellbeing, the first strategic priority is to prepare and implement a comprehensive open space and recreation facilities strategy. The second is to improve emergency management planning through prevention, preparedness, response and recovery capabilities. For community connection, engagement and participation, the first priority is to conduct a community satisfaction survey on public health and safety, services and facilities, twice a year. The second is to work with sporting clubs and community groups to promote volunteering and increase participation. The third is to improve how the council communicates with the community and other stakeholders. On economic matters, the top priority is to support the State Government’s Collie Just Transition initiatives to achieve economic diversification and sustainability. Second in importance is to work with State Government, business and landowners to ensure appropriate serviceable industrial land is available, and third is
the need to develop a plan to commercialise the airstrip. Tourism promotion and attractions are next in priority to economic development. Objectives are to increase tourism and marketing capability, focussing on destination marketing; registering as a Trail Town to promote Collie as a recognisable destination for adventure trails; and the third to plan for a new cultural and heritage museum to celebrate Collie’s unique history. After criticism from some respondents about failing to complete projects, the plan is to deliver safe and fit for purpose roads and footpaths, and upgrades and improvements to facilities and infrastructure to a high standard, on time and on budget. There is a recognition in the strategic plan that a variety of housing options and rental stock is needed to suit the future needs of the community and to attract people to Collie. Land planning provides future opportunities for business growth and jobs, but this requires housing to be available to match the jobs provided. Most people involved in the consultation said they love the natural environment, but are concerned that not enough is being done to preserve it. The strategic plan lists preparing, implementing and reviewing the revitalisation strategy to improve the health and
amenity of the Collie River. Obtaining funding and increasing the community’s capacity to remove weeds and pests on council reserves is vital. Council also plans to pursue funding to implement the Minningup Pool Day Use master plan. The summary of the strategic plan says it will provide a clear avenue to pursue funding and grant opportunities by demonstrating how projects align with the aspirations of council.
Survey: Council lacking leadership RESPONDENTS to the workshops and surveys conducted to produce the Shire of Collie’s latest strategic plan said that council leadership and community engagement were lacking, and footpaths need attention. Those involved in consultation were asked to rate council’s services. However, there was praise for support of emergency services, the library and waste management. In its strategic plan, the council agreed to develop and share a quarterly achievements report against community strategic priorities, but its main focus will be on developing a long-term financial plan and improving its financial health indicators.
ACHIEVEMENT: Ash Griggs (centre) with his brothers Chase (left) and Corey.
Ash pedals for Parkinson’s
FORMER local Ash Griggs recently rode 340 kilometres, from Albany to Bunbury, to raise more than $23,000 for the Shake It Up foundation. The money was raised via online donations and cash donations, a silent auction and proceeds from a custom charity shirt, and a signature cocktail designed to commemorate the ride. Mr Griggs’ marathon ride passed through Collie, where he stayed the night at his parents’ farm. The Shake It Up foundation raises money for Parkinson’s disease. Mr Griggs said his grandfather suffers from the disease, and he chose the foundation because all donations go directly to finding a cure. “I did my research into charities set up for Parkinson’s and this was a stand out,” he said. “They are affiliated with the Michael J Fox foundation in the US, and are just really well run. “I love how active the foundation is and, when I reached out, they gave me so much guidance in that early planning stage.” Mr Griggs trained for four months before embarking on the big ride. “I had never ridden on the road, so this was a whole new discipline for
me,” he said. “I trained myself and enjoyed the process.” Mr Griggs said he chose Albany as his start point due to a connection through his work. He said he liked the idea of stopping at the family farm in Collie, and then finishing at the Rose Hotel in Bunbury with family and friends. “The Collie stop was always planned due to it being where I grew up and where my family still resides; it was always going to form a big part of the ride,” he said. Family and friends turned up to Central Park during his stopover, including a local couple who shared their story with Parkinson’s and gave a donation. Mr Griggs said the end total was raised in a number of ways. “Fourteen businesses came onboard as sponsors. I am still accepting donations for the next few weeks.” Although the long ride took its toll, Mr Griggs said he would love to do it again. “I’m taking in what was achieved and I’m really proud of what I could contribute to the foundation,” he said. “I would love to either do it all again, or perhaps something different. We will see.”
