Minningup in spotlight during Premier's visit

FOCUS shifted to the development of an eco-tourist resort at Minningup Pool during Premier Mark McGowan’s visit to Collie after he was approached by Aboriginal elder Phillip Ugle snr and son Phillip Ugle jnr.

Mr McGowan spent a number of minutes talking to the menshortly after a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the new Jobs and Skills Centre in Forrest Street.

Many Collie residents have voiced their objection to the development, expressing anger over a lack of consultation and planning transparency.

Planning for the accommodation is continuing, with two lots having been earmarked for development.

Mr Ugle jnr said he wasn’t happy with the premier’s response that he did not know about the development.

“Hopefully he gets himself up to date with the project, comes back to us and talks to us,” Mr Ugle jnr said.

“Don Punch and Jodie Hanns said they want to re-engage with us about the project at a later date. So, hopefully they do that as well.”

Mr Ugle jnr said that while he was involved in earlier consultations, plan-

Standing Committee on environment and PubliC affairS

Inquiry into past forced adoptive policies and practices

The Standing Committee on Environment and Public Affairs is inquiring into forced adoption policies and practices in Western Australia.

The Committee invites written, video or audio submissions to the inquiry by 16 June 2023. Information about the inquiry and making a submission (including requests for privacy) is available on the Committee’s website at www.parliament.wa.gov.au/env.

For inquiries, or lodging submissions, contact:

Kristina Crichton Committee Clerk

Standing Committee on Environment and Public Affairs Legislative Council

Parliament House, GPO Box A11, PERTH WA 6837

Telephone: 9222 7231 Facsimile: 9222 7805

Email: env@parliament.wa.gov.au ning has since proceeded without traditional owner input.

“I told them a number of times that they’re going ahead too fast,” he said. “We don’t support the project as traditional owners because we believe our voice has been lost at the table.”

Mr Ugle jnr said tourist developments should be focused elsewhere, with Minningup both a sacred site for traditional owners and a communal place for locals.

“That’s the only place that the local people have,” he said. “I told the Premier that today.”

Collie-Preston MLA Jodie Hanns said she is proud to see the centre up and running.

“Every day, the Collie Jobs and Skills Centre will assist people in our community to find stable, local jobs and support local businesses to grow and upskill their workforce, securing our town’s future,” Mrs Hanns said.