Opinion of the Chairman of Murray Shire Cr. David Boulon | Mandurah Courier

The increase in intrastate visitors to small regional cities caused by interstate and international border controls has seen many of these cities scramble to try and meet the growing demand for visitor services.

Murray’s towns have resisted this trend well, as Western Australians have “wondered over there” to embrace nature-based tourism experiences and escape metropolitan areas.

In Dwellingup for example, the Trails and Visitors Center recorded a 245% increase in visitor numbers in the 2020-2021 fiscal year.

Most accommodation providers are booked for weekend stays through April 2022 and there has been a noticeable increase in midweek bookings.

But what happens when the borders reopen?

Council is committed to diversifying Murray’s economy to ensure a sustainable future for our cities.

As part of this commitment, we strive to achieve a balance between existing industries including tourism, residents’ quality of life, art, heritage, culture, environmental protection and maintenance and the completion of a pipeline of major projects that will develop new and existing industries.

The approach adopted for the development of Dwellingup is an example of this.

For more than two years, alongside major investments in tourism infrastructure, the Shire has worked with the community and stakeholders on the Dwellingup Futures project, to plan a sustainable future for the city and the surrounding region.

Managing the often overlapping water, mining, forestry, tourism and accommodation sectors, while providing a safe and secure place to live for around 400 residents and their families, poses challenges, significant risks and opportunities.

Throughout the process, the different perspectives and aspirations of stakeholders were heard and a thoughtful and thoughtful roadmap was formulated, which documents a collective and shared vision and a clear path to implementation.

The roadmap is currently being finalized following the recent public comment period and will be presented to Council for approval at the October meeting, before being considered by the Minister of Regional Development.

In addition, the Council supports the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions in its attempt to reclassify Lane Poole Reserve as a national park, in order to protect this internationally recognized biodiversity hotspot and cultural, heritage and cultural asset. ecotourism of strategic importance.

Beyond Dwellingup, the Council advocates for the delivery of the second stage of the Pinjarra heavy transport diversion and the west diversion in order to improve access to the industrial area of ​​Pinjarra.

Revitalization of Pinjarra is progressing through projects such as the redevelopment of the Exchange Hotel, the downgrading of downtown roads to improve pedestrian activity, and the activation of Edenvale Heritage and the Heritage Railway Precinct.

In addition, construction of the Food Innovation Venue in Western Australia is well advanced and the Council is overseeing developments to ensure it functions smoothly.

With our community by our side, the future is bright for Murray.

• Cr. David Bolt is Shiring of president Murray