The planning for a new campground to be built at Minninup Pool is underway, with community consultation and an environmental assessment being undertaken in order to create a concept design for the site.
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Collie-Preston MLA Mick Murray committed $500,000 towards the project prior to the 2017 state election, with the planning stage to be jointly managed by the Shire of Collie and the South West Development Commission.
The planning process will include extensive engagement with the Collie community, an economic prefeasibility study, Aboriginal heritage assessments, environmental assessments and a concept design.
The Minninup Pool Tourism and Campground Project is intended to build on Collie’s growing tourism industry by providing a high-quality camping ground close to the Collie town centre in order to make the town a more attractive option for campers from around the state.
This project is part of the Shire of Collie and the state government’s ongoing efforts to diversify Collie’s economy by expanding on the local tourism industry, which will create jobs and support local business.
A large focus of the project will be to address the environment damage which has been caused by unauthorised and wild camping on the water’s edge, with an organised camping ground expected to limit further erosion and damage to the river banks.
Mr Murray said Minninup Pool’s natural beauty and proximity to town made it an ideal choice to drive local tourism for the benefit of local businesses and jobs.
“Minninup Pool is one of Collie’s best natural assets,” he said.
“Providing a campground so close to town will ensure we take advantage of the idyllic spot, for the benefit of local tourism and small business.
“Protecting the river banks from unnecessary erosion and damage is crucial in ensuring the longevity of Minninup Pool.”
Shire president Sarah Stanley said it was essential that the process involved extensive engagement with the community.
“Minninup Pool is a significant site, not only for the traditional owners, but the Collie community generally,” Cr Stanley said.
“It is an important asset for our community and any proposed development needs to be thoughtfully designed.”
The shire has invited the Noongar community to have its say on the future of Minninup Pool at a meeting to held there at 9am on Tuesday, January 22.
The development of Minninup Pool as a tourism hub with ‘eco cabin style short stay accommodation and camping plus a day use area’ was one of the main opportunities identified in the Shire of Collie’s draft Local Planning Strategy 2018.
The strategy also recommended investigating the potential for land ‘adjoining Minninup Pool to be used for a new caravan park site’.
