Community consultation set to end today for $21 million Harvey and Australind precincts

Public consultation for the Shire of Harvey’s precincts is due to close today.

Set to be built in Harvey and Australind, the precincts have stirred up controversy among the community, with one local MP labelling the plans “extravagant” and local organisations fearing they might miss out on the space.

Harvey’s master plan makes use of existing heritage buildings such as the town hall and adapts them to incorporate an arts, culture and tourism centre and a community events space.

The development will also see new Shire council chambers built in the town as well as new administration buildings and facilities.

Australind’s community precinct will incorporate new amenities and administration buildings and is earmarked for one of three locations — creating a “town centre” in Treendale, using the Leschenault Leisure Centre or repurposing the existing administration building.

The consultation process gave residents the opportunity to share their thoughts with Shire representatives through pop-up stalls and online surveys.

Murray-Wellington MLA Robyn Clarke said she was yet to find someone who supported the plans and dubbed the $21 million project as “extravagant for the size of Harvey”.

A Shire spokesperson said the feedback had been mostly positive so far.

Final master plans for the precincts will be presented to councillors in September.