Dawesville and Murray MLAs share ups and downs a year on from State Election

DAWESVILLE MLA Zak Kirkup says he will fight day and night to ensure expansions to Peel Health Campus.

“I don’t care if Labor or Liberal is in (government) and I don’t care how it is done, we must get the hospital expanded for a growing population,’’ he said.

It’s nearly one year since the 2017 State Election and that is just one of Mr Kirkup’s targets.

In the next 12 months, he plans to fight for a well resourced and equipped Mandurah police station with specific focus on drug abuse and hoon drivers, the roll-out of utilities in what he describes as a “forgotten” part of the island, ensuring the infill sewerage program continues and expanding the reticulated gas network across Falcon.

He said a substantial community campaign would be starting soon focusing on safer pedestrian crossing of Old Coast Road and an expanded bus network to Lake Clifton.

Mr Kirkup is proud of securing an island-wide traffic review by Main Roads WA as part of his push to ensure a new Estuary Bridge is built as a matter or urgency.

“Even though the State Government has said it will not be funding it, I’m not giving up,’’ he said.

In the past year, Mr Kirkup has organised more than 10 community forums, barbecues or town hall-style events, sent more than 49,562 mail items, held 600 meetings with residents and asked more than 1898 questions in Parliament.

In the Murray-Wellington electorate, Robyn Clarke described the past year as an incredible experience – “meeting with community groups and schools, understanding the issues they face and gaining a greater appreciation of the work they do,’’ she said.

For the new MLA, successes include providing funding towards redevelopment of the Dwellingup and Pinjarra town centres, a new playground at Ravenswood, construction of a new facility at Waroona’s Men’s Shed, an upgrade of the Preston Beach Community Hall, upgraded access to Lake Clifton Volunteer Fire Brigade shed and development of the day use at Lake Clifton Lime Kiln.

Mrs Clarke said the Bush Fire Summit last July was able to bring together important stakeholders to discuss best practice for fire mitigation and she was proud to be a part of the ban on fracking in Peel and the South-West, an issue she felt very strongly about.

Her biggest disappointment was WA’s current budget situation which had caused unavoidable cut backs.

Among her plans for the next 12 months are ensuring people, businesses and groups in Murray-Wellington are heard.

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