Waroona secures Lotterywest grant for major revitalisation plans, hoping to give the townsite a ‘facelift’

Plans to give the Waroona townsite a community “heart” are still beating after more than $450,000 was pumped into the project last week. Hoping to breathe new life into the community, the project contains plans for a dedicated town centre that is set to include an open grass area for events, nature play area and playground, skate park and pump track, accessible toilets and landscaping. Amenities, such as a post office and supermarket, are currently spread across the town of 3000 people — a stark contrast to the neighbouring centres of Harvey and Pinjarra, which boast busy main strips. The new Lotterywest grant brings the total funding for phase one of the revitalisation project to $3.5 million, with the State Government’s $1.3m contribution to the project earlier this year joining further funding from the Alcoa Waroona Sustainability Fund and local community groups. Waroona Shire president Mike Walmsley said the local community had thrown its support behind the exciting project and he was keen to see Waroona undergo a “facelift”. “The shire has a bold vision for revitalising Waroona,” he said. “The community precinct will start to bring the town to life. “We are very appreciative of the support from Lotterywest.” Mr Walmsley said the precinct was the cornerstone of what the shire has planned for the rest of the townsite. He said community consultation, which closed in March, went well and construction work was expected to begin late this year or early next. Shire CEO Dean Unsworth said stage one would focus on the precinct’s pump track, skate park and walking trails, while stage two would look at the construction of a visitor centre, community centre and environmental hub. “There’s a lot to do yet, but this is the start,” he said. “We are keen to link areas for active and passive recreation and events with RV parking, local businesses and amenities that will be a drawcard for visitors to stop, stay and spend in our town.” Murray-Wellington MLA Robyn Clarke said the new funding solidified a “fantastic” project. “I think for small businesses that are in town at the moment, it’s going to boost them and bring vibrancy back,” she said. “This will bring a lot of tourism, it will take people off the Forrest Highway and make people decide to do the South West trek.” The project is being led by a dedicated council-run taskforce and also includes a foreshore strategy for Preston Beach, truck assembly and breakdown area, Drakesbrook Weir redevelopment and plans to create 300 new jobs through more support towards Waroona abattoirs.