Wanneroo partners with Wheatbelt commission to boost region

THE City of Wanneroo has partnered with the Wheatbelt Development Commission to strengthen tourism and boost the economy in their region.

Mayor Tracey Roberts, Wanneroo chief executive Daniel Simms and Commission chairwoman Rebecca Tomkinson recently signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) at a formal event attended by Regional Development, Agriculture and Food Minister Alannah MacTiernan.

The Wheatbelt region includes 42 local governments, 200 communities and almost 10,000 small businesses, with the City primarily working with the central coast sub-region, comprising the Shires of Dandaragan, Gingin and Chittering.

Mrs Roberts said the partnership aligned with the City’s ‘Strategic Community Plan 2017 -2027’ to advocate and collaborate for the benefit of the City.

“The Wheatbelt and City of Wanneroo share similar opportunities for growth in agriculture, tourism, strategic investment attraction, health, education and jobs growth,” she said.

“This needs to be underpinned through the strategic planning and development for infrastructure delivery, freight routes, public transport and facilitating innovation.

“By working together on mutually beneficial regional development projects, this partnership will create more agribusiness industry and agritourism opportunities for the City, making it a better place to live, work, visit and invest.”

Ms MacTiernan said the partnership would help deliver infrastructure and services more strategically, avoiding duplication across the high growth northern suburbs and peri-urban Wheatbelt regions.

“With strong growth across the peri-urban fringe in both the City of Wanneroo and Wheatbelt infrastructure, service provision needs to be coordinated across both regions,” she said.

The MOU will be in place for three years from the execution date, with the option to extend for a further three year term by mutual agreement of both parties.

Visit www.wanneroo.wa.gov.au.