Potential plans to relocate a government department to the Bunbury-Geographe region remain up in the air.
Despite Labor scrapping the Parks and Wildlife Office plan for Bunbury in 2017, Mayor Gary Brennan said he was determined to see a government department come to the region.
“When I presented to the State Cabinet, as part of its first regional cabinet, I asked the Premier and ministers about the possibility of bringing a government department to Bunbury in their second term,” he said.
“That’s one of my aspirations. I laid that squarely with the Premier, he did not dismiss that request and they may still be considering that.
“It’s my understanding there have been more government employees moving back into Bunbury and we want that to continue.
“We do want to get a government department here in the future.”
Bunbury MLA Don Punch said the government would continue to support the development of the Kemerton Industrial Plant, opportunities for Bunbury Port, and residential services for the region.
”All of those are building a pattern up for a strong future in Bunbury,” he said.
“I haven’t heard any rumours that there will be a 2000-3000 government department moving to Bunbury, we are continually looking at the level of services from the public sector in Bunbury to make sure they’re commensurate with Bunbury’s growth.
“The Premier has been clear in his commentary that Bunbury should be regarded as the second city, naturally that means it’s a service centre and we need to grow that.
“The new chair of the WA planning commission has also acknowledged that Bunbury is regarded as a second city.”
It’s my understanding there have been more government employees moving back into Bunbury and we want that to continue.
- City of Bunbury Mayor Gary Brennan
Mr Punch said the Transforming Bunbury Waterfront and DPAW site projects were also high on the government’s agenda.
“My view is that the public sector has got a strong role to play in that and contributes in terms of expenditure in the city,” he said.
“However, we have to build our private sector industry base to guarantee a long term future.
“Public sectors grow and shrink so you need that solid foundation of infrastructure and industry that supports the port and supports diversity of career opportunities in the city.”
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