The Donnybrook-Balingup Shire’s natural assets would be showcased as part of a Labor Government plan to promote tourism and create jobs in the region.
Collie-Preston MLA Mick Murray visited Donnybrook and Balingup on Wednesday to pledge a series of investments for the centres if Labor wins government at the March 11 election.
Front and centre would be $2 million for a new Donnybrook town centre heritage precinct and museum showcasing the history of the apple industry.
“The new $2 million heritage precinct and apple museum is the next step for Donnybrook tourism,” Mr Murray said.
“It will link with and complement the Apple Fun Park, keeping tourists in the CBD longer, supporting small business and creating local jobs.
“The Apple Fun Park was an excellent investment to attract young families into the region.
“The new town centre upgrades will broaden the appeal of the area, particularly to the ‘grey nomad’ caravan tourists who come and eat lunch, visit the pub, get a coffee. All of those purchases add up to benefit small business and create jobs.”
Mr Murray also promised $200,000 to modernise Balingup Town Hall to provide opportunities for new events and functions.
Labor would also work with the tourism industry to create day-trip packages to bring cruise ship passengers inland and by slashing travel times on the Australind train service, Mr Murray said.
“Europeans like travelling by train and we need to improve that experience for backpackers and other tourists coming into the region,” Mr Murray said.
“By slashing the travel time by about 40 minutes and tying specific tourism packages into areas like Donnybrook and Balingup we will make sure we maximise that tourist dollar and grow local employment opportunities.
“The cruise ship market in the South West has been sorely neglected by the Liberal-National Government.
“We will engage with cruise ship operators to create day-trip packages to bring tourists beyond the usual coastal spots to make use of our undersold local attractions.
Mr Murray said all of the projects would create jobs and provide new opportunities for apprenticeships and traineeships in Donnybrook-Balingup.
Other pledges included $25,000 for Golden Valley Tree Park and $30,000 for Donnybrook – Western Tourist Radio.
“Donnybrook – Western Tourist Radio is a great local asset deserving of government support to help it grow its presence, working in conjunction with local tourism operators to benefit the broader industry,” Mr Murray said.
“Golden Valley Tree Park is just a terrific asset for Balingup.
“There is a lot of potential for some upgrades to let locals and visitors to the park have a barbecue or a picnic and enjoy the beautiful location for longer.”
Donnybrook-Balingup Shire President Angelo Logiudice welcomed the promise of more investment on worthwhile projects in the district.
“They all involve capacity building, the creation or retention of jobs in the district and collaboration between community, state and local government, which is great to see, he said.
“While we appreciate Mr Murray and the Labor Party’s announcement, we recognise there are multiple candidates running for the seat of Collie-Preston and would welcome a discussion with each of them on their vision for the future of Donnybrook-Balingup and what they can offer in the form of commitments to our district.”
Mr Murray said Labor would work with the tourism industry to bring cruise ship passengers inland and slash travel times on the Australind train service.
