Bunbury MLA Don Punch is excited to see the Withers Action Plan taking shape.
At the 2017 state election, Mr Punch and the State Government announced the implementation of a staged action plan which would involve both Landcorp and the Department of Communities.
The plan would also include consultation with community members.
Mr Punch said the Bunbury Development Committee, with assistance from the Department of Communities, was completing its final structure plan which will see parts of Withers further developed.
“The structure planning is being finalised at the moment, the city and the Department of Communities are also working on the final closure of laneways as well as the road layout arrangements for Withers,” he said.
“We’re expecting that will be under way within the first half of 2019."
Mr Punch said the Department of Communities has been selling off housing stock in Withers to reduce its “social housing profile”.
“The plan for the statutory side of things will allow for Lazy Land areas to be developed appropriately,” he said.
“The committee, the council, and community members are identifying those project areas that are ready to go.
“That will include the laneways along with looking at some of the through road areas.
“I am very keen to see the city move on some of the derelict buildings around the shopping centre.”
Mr Punch said he was looking forward to a new era for Withers.
“We made a commitment to Withers and to following it through,” he said.
“That commitment began with requests coming through Adele Farina’s office originally.
“The state, along with the South West Development Commission, did the original strategy plan that looked at how to keep it affordable, how we could develop a village appeal, and how we could deal with some of the social issues.”
City of Bunbury Mayor Gary Brennan said they were committed to assisting the people of Withers.
“The Department of Communities is leading that plan and I understand the draft structure plan will be back with us early next year,” he said.
“They have conducted some very thorough research, have engaged local consultants, and have engaged with the community.
“From my point of view, they have done it really well as far as having close consultation with all the main stakeholders. Our staff attended those technical meetings as well.
“I have noticed, over the past five years now, a big improvement in pride from the local community.
“That comes from seeing some of the areas being made more aesthetically pleasing as well as the increase in security.”
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