Wheatbelt growth blueprint released
The Wheatbelt Development Commission has released its regional blueprint outlining the direction the region is to take over the next three decades and establishing goals that will encourage growth.
The 120-page document is one of nine across regional WA that forecasts opportunities for growth in each region.
The Wheatbelt is separated into five sub-sections and Narrogin is the regional centre of the Southern Wheatbelt.
Six categories for growth were identified: vibrant economy, clever people, liveable communities, valued natural amenity, marketing opportunity and planning project and investment.
WDC chief executive Wendy Newman said service delivery reform was a priority in each sub-region and meeting local needs was an important part of compiling the document.
"The Wheatbelt felt strongly about its five regional sub- regions," she said.
"Service delivery reform will be made to better meet the needs of people within that area."
She said services such as regional hospitals would remain serviced in each centre.
"In the South Wheatbelt blueprint, nothing will move to Northam," she said.
Ms Newman held high hopes for future growth.
"There's a high participation rate in the region, and given its proximity to Perth, there are a lot of positives to the region," she said.
"We need to sell the broad range of opportunity here."
Karinya and Narrogin Cottage Home chief executive Julie Christensen is a long-time campaigner for improving liveable communities for the ageing population.
She said although the document was positive for the future, the outcomes were not new and would require funding.
"People invested in the future of the region are already doing this, but I think it's great that it's been put to paper," she said.
"(But) we need to make sure the findings don't just sit in a draw in someone's office - in order to put these outcomes into action, we need funding but there is no money."
Town of Narrogin Mayor and WDC board member Leigh Ballard said the blueprint highlighted the need for towns to unify.
"We have to go forward as one, not as individual towns," he said.
Mr Ballard encouraged the community to read the blueprint and give feedback.
"We can't think of everything and if there's something that has been missed, let us know," he said.
