‘We’ll invest in the regions’: Warren-Blackwood earmarked to receive $6.7m for infrastructure developments

WA Liberals have earmarked more than $6.6 million for infrastructure projects within the Shire of Manjimup, pledging to “invest in the regions” if they win the State election in March. Warren-Blackwood Liberal candidate Wade De Campo made the announcement on Friday at Manjimup Tigers Football Club as part of the party’s $80m Community Impact Program to be delivered Statewide. Liberal leader Libby Mettam was in attendance, vowing to support regional areas before confirming $5m of the program would go to the Manjimup Rea Park and Collier Street Redevelopment — $3.75m more than was pledged by Premier Roger Cook. “This is recognition of the role sporting facilities such as this play in regional areas, and in the seat of Warren-Blackwood,” Ms Mettam said. “It’s really important this project gets the support it needs on the ground. “It certainly has the backing of the Liberal party.” Mr De Campo said the Liberal party’s ethos was to bring people to the regions, aiming to do so by building on existing amenities in towns. “It’s so important to have a focal point in your town,” he said. Six other key infrastructure projects across the region also had the party’s backing, with $500,000 for both the Windy Harbour water infrastructure upgrades and Walpole’s Pioneer Park upgrades pledged. Another $120,000 was promised for refurbishment activities at Manjimup Airfield Terminal, its first major injection of funds in decades. Two heritage buildings could also be supported with the old Pemberton District High School and the Old Warren Church, promised $167,000 and $200,000 respectively. “They are projects that have been around a long time, and groups that have been desperately seeking funds just to do small upgrades,” Mr De Campo said.