ISSUE 34 Funding for rail loop, seniors Royalties for Regions support for Great Southern projects

Two major projects in the Great Southern shared more than $3 million in Royalties for Regions funding announced in March.

Funding of $2.5 million will support the construction of a $6 million rail loop at the Port of Albany and a further $532,820 will support Stage 2 of the $8 million Collet Barker Court project providing seniors’ accommodation in Mount Barker.

Regional Development Minister Terry Redman announced the funding on Wednesday 26 March. At a function at the Albany Port Authority, Mr Redman said the new rail loop would make train movements at the Port more efficient. Collet Barker Court is a Plantagenet Village GSDC Chair Peter Rundle (left) and Regional Development Minister Terry Redman look over He said the long-term sustainability of Homes project to provide independent living accommodation for seniors in 21 two- and the layout of the proposed rail loop with Albany regional communities depended on Port Authority Chief Executive Officer Brad economic development and the Port of three-bedroom units near the centre of Williamson (right). Albany was critical to enabling growth in the Mount Barker. Great Southern. Stage 1, the first five units, is now under way, Mr Redman said the rail loop was a significant supported by the GSDC through the Great piece of infrastructure to ensure that the Port Southern Regional Grants Scheme. It will be would not be a bottleneck to the growth of finished in June. the region. Stage 2 comprises a further five units, a inside this issue: Currently, the rail line into the port ends clubhouse and communal facilities. The near the woodchip terminal. The rail loop, Royalties for Regions funding announced Festival season delights...... 2 expected to be completed by 2015, will by Mr Waldron supports the clubhouse and Bus trip for coastal treat...... 2 improve efficiencies and enable increased communal facilities components of Stage 2. Three on medal shortlist...... 3 flow of export product through the Port. Contact: Duane Schouten, Christine Grogan Saleyard nears official opening...... 3 Ph. 9842 4888 Albany Port Authority Chief Executive Officer Major projects update...... 4—7 Brad Williamson said the rail loop would open up a new area of waterfront at the Port, Healthier future for lake...... 8 the last available land in the precinct.

“It’s an enabler of an enormous amount of trade for the Port,” Mr Williamson said.

Building the rail loop is the first stage in a plan that includes the later construction of a bridge over the rail at the east end of the loop.

Wagin MLA Terry Waldron formally Wagin MLA Terry Waldron congratulates Linda Sounness, the Deputy Chair of Plantagenet announced the funding for the Collet Barker Village Homes, with GSDC Chair Peter Court project at a function at the Shire of Rundle and Plantagenet Shire President Ken Plantagenet on Wednesday 16 April. Clements. Festival season delights

Food and culture celebrations

Thousands of people enjoyed the Great Southern’s 2014 festival season in February and March.

Late summer and early autumn bring the stimulation and pleasures of the Great Southern Festival and IGA Taste Great Southern, drawing visitors to the region and enticing locals to a host of events.

Both festivals were initiated with the help of the GSDC and both continue to be supported by the Commission.

The GSDC is the Great Southern Principal Partner of the Great Southern Festival. The Great Southern is the only region in WA to host a program of Festival events.

Cellos dominated the Great Southern Festival and music lovers were treated to some virtuoso performances from Above: Booker T Jones entertained the crowd classical to contemporary. at Castelli Estate during the Great Southern Festival.

Another successful film season drew Right: Poh Ling Yeow demonstrated some crowds, soul legend Booker T Jones tasty techniques at the Oyster and Bush Food entertained a big audience at Castelli Festivals during Taste Great Southern. Estate and solo actor Dennis O’Hare 2 conjured up a cast of thousands in his At Albany’s Eyre Park, special attention telling of An Iliad. was given to bush foods and oysters at a dual celebration that rolled smoothly into Chefs and winemakers seduced the the Great Southern Festival’s outdoor tastebuds at a string of events in Taste Great cinema presentation Girt By Sea. Southern, some of them complementing the Great Southern Festival program. Contact: Linsey McFarlane, ph. 9842 4888 Bus trip for coastal treat Holiday program for inland young people

The GSDC’s annual Holiday Bus “The Holiday Bus is a great initiative towns along the route on Great Southern service carried 138 people from inland for communities in the central Great Highway and . communities to the coast during the Southern,” Ms Schlueter said. summer holiday in January 2014. The coach can accommodate up to “It enables our young people, who might 46 people and all the essentials for The temporary ‘coastal migration’ not otherwise get the opportunity during holiday fun, including skateboards, included teenagers and young children the holidays, to get to Albany bikes, bodyboards and surfboards, in the accompanied by a parent or guardian, baggage compartment. looking to spend a day at the beach, surf “We would encourage families and young park, cinema or in the city. people to get on board in 2015 for a great The 2014 Holiday Bus was funded by the day out.” GSDC with contributions from the Shires of The Tambellup Community Resource Broomehill-Tambellup, Plantagenet, Wagin Centre administered the service in 2014 Now in its 12th year, the Holiday Bus runs and Woodanilling. and manager Beth Schlueter commended twice a week during January, from Wagin the program. to Cranbrook then to Albany, stopping at all Contact: Beth Schlueter, ph. 9825 1177 Three on medal shortlist

Panel selects contenders

Nominations have closed for the GSDC and the South Coast Shorebird survey Medal and three regional leaders are in program. the running for the prestigious award. Gary Muir, from Walpole, is an interpreter Regional Development Minister Terry and communicator for science and Redman will present the 2014 GSDC management of natural resources. Mr Medal at a gala dinner event on Friday 20 Muir is an innovator for phytophthora June 2014 at the Albany Entertainment dieback control, an outdoor educator and Centre. WOW Wilderness eco-guide.

The finalists are project leader Basil Schur, In addition to local projects such as the WOW Wilderness proprietor Gary Muir and UR Walpole school eco-education program innovative farmer Stephen Frost. (now in its 10th year), Mr Muir develops and implements a range of local, state Great Southern Development Commission and international projects through the Chairman Peter Rundle thanked the international WOW team. nominators. Stephen Frost is a farmer from Narrikup “The GSDC Medal recognises people who incorporates biodiversity conservation doing great work in the community, and The GSDC Medal will be awarded in June. and innovative techniques to enhance the contribution they make to the pool of production. These include grass and sedge expertise and knowledge we have in this their motivations and their views on the plantings to improve water quality in dams, region,” Mr Rundle said. management of natural resources in the wildflower production, fodder trees such region. as sweet oaks, and semi-rotational grazing “It would not be possible without those on systems. the ground identifying local leaders and Finalist Basil Schur, from Denmark, is an innovators, and taking the time to prepare educator, facilitator and project leader with Mr Frost is a pioneer in soil microbiology the nominations.” Greenskills. including ongoing research and trials to develop sustainable biological farming 3 The medal assessment panel, led by Through his work, Mr Schur incorporates systems. He is also responsible for chair Naomi Arrowsmith, shortlisted three conservation values with social and the establishment of Western Mineral finalists from the nominees and conducted production outcomes across a host of Fertilisers in Tenderten. interviews to determine who will receive projects implemented in the region. the sterling silver medal and a $12,000 Enquiries about the GSDC Medal dinner grant to further their work. Examples of his work include the can be directed to reception at the GSDC development of management plans for Albany office on 9842 4888. Ms Arrowsmith said the interviews were wetlands and waterways, the creation of a unique opportunity for the panel to the Denmark Learning Precinct including Contact: Jessica van der Waag learn firsthand about the finalists’ work, the eco-architecture inspired Sanctuary Ph. 9821 3211

Saleyard nears official opening

Finishing touches under way

Katanning’s new livestock saleyard is now through the Regional Development pipeline to a created lake at Piesse Park operationally complete and will be officially Australia Fund. in Katanning. opened in May. The saleyard includes a 4.2 ha roofed area The project’s finishing touches, including The GSDC supported the development of and an extensive concourse. landscaping and the Piesse Park works, a business case for the $24.9 million sale- are expected to be finalised by July. yard, which gained $17 million of State Storm water captured at the site will Government funding and $7.42 million fully supply the saleyard operation and Contact: Jessica van der Waag from the Commonwealth Government the excess will be pumped via a 4.5 km Ph. 9821 3211 Great Southern Major Projects

The Great Southern Development Commission provides this update on major industry, infrastructure and construction related projects to better inform the community of the status of major projects and to maximise local and regional business and employment involvement. These projects are also listed at www.gsdc.wa.gov.au. Additional information can be obtained through the contact person noted for each project.

Albany Health Campus Centennial Park Upgrade Description: The construction of a new state- of-the-art sheep saleyards to support improved Proponent: Proponent: Health Department compliance with environmental legislation, Value: $42 million Value: $170.4 million animal welfare regulations and occupational Location: Albany Location: Albany health and safety. Description: Construction of a new health Description: Includes the delivery of a new pre- Status: Under construction. Official opening campus which functions as the hub for health mier oval, grandstand, clubrooms and event scheduled for May 2014. space; drainage and reticulation improve- services in the Great Southern and demolition Contact: Dean Taylor, CEO ments; improved vehicle access; sport fields of the old hospital. Address: PO Box 130, Katanning, WA 6317 lighting and power upgrades; additional multi- Telephone: (08) 9821 9999 Status: Stage 1 was completed when the new user soccer and cricket club room and storage Fax: (08) 9821 9998 hospital was opened in May 2013. facilities; new multi-use field behind PCYC; Email: [email protected] Stage 2 was completed in December 2013 additional space for playing surfaces; shared Website: www.katanning.wa.gov.au and involved the demolition of the old hospital pathway trail connections; and civic park and building, refurbishment works and the crea- nature play space. tion of additional car parking bays and land- Albany Borefields Status: Stage 1 under way: Multi-use playing scaping. Proponent: Water Corporation field behind the PCYC, Railways Football Club Value: $24 million Contact: Susan Kay, Regional Director playing field renovations and lighting Location: Albany Address: Warden Avenue Albany, WA 6330 Stage 2 detailed design: mid-late 2014 Description: A series of new bores will be con- Telephone: (08) 9892 2672 Stage 3 works to western precinct: late 2014 structed to improve the spread of groundwater Fax: (08) 9842 1095 Stage 4 works to eastern precinct: end of withdrawal points. Up to 25 old bores will be Email: [email protected] 2015 replaced due to ageing, clogging and dete- Website: www.wacountry.health.wa.gov.au Contact: Samantha Stevens, Manager Rec- rioration. The expansion and improvement of reation Services the borefield is required to meet the needs Address: PO Box 484 Albany, WA 6331 4 of increasing population and seasonal water Southdown Magnetite Telephone: (08) 9841 9333 demands. Fax: (08) 9841 4099 Feasibility Study Status: Replacement of the existing bores Email: [email protected] commenced in late 2013 and will take approx- Proponent: Grange Resources Ltd Website: www.albany.wa.gov.au imately three years to complete. Construction Value: $150 million (feasibility study only) of the new bores will progress in parallel with Location: Wellstead Plantagenet Water Main the work on the existing bores and will take ap- Description: Grange Resources is developing Proponent: Water Corporation proximately 12 months to complete. a $2.9 billion Southdown magnetite project Value: $35 million Contact: Steve MacKenzie, Community En- near Wellstead. The original project proposal Location: Albany gagement Officer targeted production of 10 million tonnes per Address: PO Box 100, Leederville, WA 6902 Description: A staged upgrade of the existing annum of high grade magnetite concentrate Telephone: (08) 9420 3057 water supply pipeline and pump stations be- to be shipped from Albany Port. Transport Fax: (08) 9423 7722 tween Albany and Mount Barker to improve from the mine to port was proposed via an Email: steve.mackenzie@watercorporation. the surety of water supplies. underground slurry pipeline. The magnetite com.au concentrate would be processed into pellets Status: Stage 1 to replace the 27km section Website: www.watercorporation.com.au at Kemaman, Malaysia. from Chorkerup to Mount Barker is under con- struction and due for completion by the end Status: Definitive feasibility study complete. National Anzac Centre of 2014. A new pump station will be built at Mine and port environmental permits se- Proponent: Building Management and Works, Kokokup by 2015 as part of the project. cured. Grange Resources is currently review- Department of Finance (on behalf of the Com- ing the project on the basis of a reduced scale Contact: Jeffery White, Project Manager monwealth Government; Government of West- start-up. Address: PO Box 100, Leederville, WA 6902 ern Australia; City of Albany; and RSL) Telephone: (08) 9420 3642 Value: $12 million Contact: Glenda Stirling, Community Liaison Fax: (08) 9420 3626 Location: Mount Adelaide, Albany Officer Email: [email protected] Description: World-class interpretive centre Address: 110 Serpentine Road, Albany, WA Website: www.watercorporation.com.au with virtual connection capability and asso- 6330 ciated landscape works located within the Telephone: (08) 9841 4255 precinct on Mount Fax: (08) 9841 3643 Katanning Regional Saleyards Adelaide, Albany. The Centre will feature elec- Email: [email protected]. Proponent: tronic displays and state-of-the-art interpretive au Value: $24.9 million Website: www.grangeresources.com.au Location: Katanning • More page 5 Great Southern Major Projects systems, exhibitions and educative resources is under way at Frost Park with the construc- depicting the stories of the Australian and New tion of a thoroughbred racehorse training Zealand service men and women of World track and on-course stabling block. Further War I and the important role the town of Al- developments will be progressed on the com- bany played in the creation of the Anzac spirit. pletion of Sounness Park. Status: Forward works to clear the site con- Contact: Rob Stewart, CEO cluded in September 2013 and the main Address: PO Box 48, Mount Barker, WA 6324 construction works commenced in November Telephone: (08) 9892 1125 2013. The building will be officially opened on Fax: (08) 9892 1100 1 November 2014. Email: [email protected] Contact: Gary Dixon, Department of Finance Website: www.plantagenet.wa.gov.au Address: 16 Parkland Road, Osborne Park, WA 6017 Katanning SuperTown Telephone: (08) 6551 1819 Proponent: Shire of Katanning Fax: (08) 6551 2112 Value: $8.9 million Email: [email protected] Location: Katanning Description: Katanning was granted $8.9 Denmark Wastewater Treatment million through Royalties for Regions for two Plant Upgrade projects. The major project is an $8.7 million transformation of the town’s central precinct Proponent: Water Corporation and town entry. Value: $11 million Location: Denmark Status: Work under way. Due for completion in Description: An upgrade to Denmark’s waste- December 2014. Katanning’s SuperTowns project will water treatment plant to meet future commu- Contact: Dean Taylor, CEO transform the town’s centre. nity needs. Includes the construction of new Address: PO Box 130, Katanning, WA 6317 inlet works, an oxidation ditch to circulate and Telephone: (08) 9821 9999 Description: Significant restoration and new oxygenate wastewater, a large circular clari- Fax: (08) 9821 9998 works on Mount Clarence to improve space, fier for the separation of solids and treated Email: [email protected] safety and aesthetics. This includes improve- wastewater, and a new laboratory / operations Website: www.katanning.wa.gov.au ments to the Avenue of Honour, a new lookout building. platform and refurbishing the Desert Mounted Status: Works due for commissioning in Sep- Port of Albany Rail Loop Corps Memorial. The project is funded by the 5 tember 2014. Proponent: Port of Albany State Government, including $2.8 million from Royalties for Regions. Contact: Derek Duffy, Project Manager Value: $6.5 million Address: PO Box 100, Leederville, WA 6902 Location: Albany Status: The work was completed in April 2014 Telephone: (08) 9420 3276 Description: A rail loop will be constructed in time for Anzac Day. Fax: (08) 9423 7722 to replace the current single track rail siding Contact: Anthony McEwan, Director of Major Email: [email protected] which has a dead end. This will improve rail Projects Website: www.watercorporation.com.au transport efficiencies by allowing trains to Address: PO Box 484, Albany, WA 6330 continue in the same direction of travel and Telephone: (08) 9841 9333 Frost/Sounness Recreation Precinct permit woodchip and bulk minerals trains of Fax: (08) 9841 4099 Development varying lengths to operate within the Port. The Email: [email protected] project received $2.5 million from Royalties for Website: www.albany.wa.gov. au Proponent: Regions. Value: $10.9 million Status: Planning and approvals are under way Community Services and Health Location: Mount Barker and will take about nine months followed by Sciences Building Description: Development of recreation fa- construction which is expected to be complet- Proponent: Great Southern Institute of Tech- cilities at the Frost / Sounness Recreation Pre- ed in late 2015. cinct in Mount Barker. nology Contact: Simon Fretton, Business Develop- Value: $5.8 million Status: Stage One of the Sounness Park pre- ment Manager Location: Albany cinct is complete and comprises new sporting Address: PO Box 175, Albany, WA 6330 Description: The construction of a new teach- clubrooms, change rooms, a refurbishment of Telephone: (08) 9892 9007 ing and learning block that provides additional the Sounness Park Oval, competition standard Fax: (08) 9841 7566 classrooms, laboratories and workspaces to lighting and an integrated water recycling sys- Email: [email protected] ensure that the training environment meets tem. The total Stage One cost is $6.1 million. Website: www.albanyport.com.au Funding of $1.45 million has been received the standards of industry and expectations of from Regional Development Australia and the Mount Clarence Infrastructure students. The project will expand and improve Department of Sport and Recreation towards upon the institute’s existing infrastructure the construction of Stages Two and Three. The Upgrade currently available for the delivery of qualifi- budget for Stages Two and Three is $2.5mil- Proponent: City of Albany cations in health, community services & chil- lion. The Shire of Plantagenet is aiming to start Value: $5.8 million dren’s services these stages within the next six months. Work Location: Albany • More pages 6 and 7 Great Southern Major Projects

Status: Funding received via the State Govern- Email: [email protected] Description: Purchase of land and construc- ment Royalties for Regions program. Forward Website: www.westernpower.com.au tion of 12 two-bedroom dwellings for aged or works completed in July 2013 with the main disabled tenants. Part funded by Royalties for construction project scheduled for completion Albany Airport Upgrade Regions. in September 2014. Proponent: City of Albany Status: Completed January 2014. Contact: Neil Augustson, Manager Facilities Value: $4 million Contact: Kaz Sternberg, CEO and Services Location: Albany Address: 1/87 Aberdeen Street, Albany, WA Address: PO Box 894, Albany, WA 6330 Description: Terminal works: The design and 6330 Telephone: (08) 9892 8711 implementation of a new permanent depar- Telephone: (08) 9845 9605 Email: [email protected] ture lounge, improved baggage check-in and Fax: (08) 9842 8698 Website: www.gsit.wa.edu.au reclaim facilities and enhanced X-ray security Email: [email protected] screening equipment. Website: www.gscha.com.au Albany Gas Works Site Jet compliance works: An upgrade of the main Remediation runway to ensure the airport can handle jet Restoration of Berths 1 and 2 aircraft services under the MOS 139 civil avia- Proponent: Albany Port Authority Proponent: LandCorp tion safety regulations. Works include replac- Value: $3.2 million Value: $4.4 million (subject to determination ing the lighting, hardening the shoulders and Location: Albany Port of site use) extending the runway emergency stopping Location: Princess Royal Drive, Albany Description: Berths 1 and 2 are the oldest areas. wharves at the port and are in need of restora- Description: Remediation of former Albany Aircraft parking aprons: Relocation and expan- tion to their original design capacity. Gas Works site to return it to productive use. sion of the general aviation aircraft parking Status: Substantial completion of pile resto- apron. Status: LandCorp is currently closing out an ration to the front half of both wharves has Status: All works are under construction and ecological impact assessment to determine enabled the removal of all of the imposed no- due for completion by July 2014. the impact the site’s groundwater is having load zones. For the next year, pile restoration upon the marine environment of Princess Contact: Matthew Bird, Manager Tourism De- work continues to the rear half of berth 2 in an Royal Harbour. Upon completion of the as- velopment and Services access area near the joint between berths 1 sessment (expected later this year), LandCorp Address: PO Box 484, Albany, WA 6331 and 2. The work is expected to continue for an- will develop a remedial action plan and seek Telephone: (08) 9841 9202 other five years, after which there will be ongo- advice from the Department of Environment Fax: (08) 9841 4099 ing restoration work to berths 1 and 2 albeit at Regulation, in consultation with the local com- Email: [email protected] a slower rate. This would complete repairs to 6 munity. The future land use for the site is yet to Website: www.albany.wa.gov.au the concrete deck and the piles as they slowly be determined and is likely to be influenced by deteriorate to a point where repair is justified. the outcomes of a site management plan and Torndirrup Upgrade Contact: Eric Norman, Wharf Manager community input. Proponent: Department of Parks and Wildlife Address: PO Box 175, Albany, WA 6330 Value: Contact: Ben McCarthy, Senior Project Man- $3.95 million Telephone: (08) 9892 9009 Location: ager Albany (The Gap) Fax: (08) 9841 7566 Address: Locked Bag 5, Perth Business Cen- Description: Through Royalties for Regions, Email: [email protected] tre, Perth, WA 6849 the Department of Parks and Wildlife (DPaW) Website: www.albanyport.com.au Telephone: (08) 9482 7475 has received funding to upgrade the facilities • More page 7 Fax: (08) 9841 3315 at The Gap and Natural Bridge in Torndirrup Email: [email protected] National Park near Albany. The updates in- Website: www.landcorp.com.au clude new lookout structures at The Gap and Natural Bridge, new site information and Electricity Capacity Expansion a new pathway network with full access for wheelchairs. Proponent: Western Power Status: Design work completed. Tender pro- Value: $4.2 million cess under way. Location: Albany Contact: Peter Hartley, Regional Leader Parks Description: As rapid network growth and load and Visitor Services increase continues throughout the Albany Address: 120 Albany Highway, Albany, WA region there is a requirement to increase the 6330 fault level protection across the networks by Telephone: (08) 9842 4518 installing additional protection equipment Fax: (08) 9841 3329 in multiple feeder locations to protect feeder Email: [email protected] conductors. Website: www.dpaw.wa.gov.au Status: To be completed in 2014/15. Contact: Tim Hunter, South East Regional Community Housing Manager Proponent: GS Community Housing Associa- Address: 85 Prinsep Rd, Jandakot, WA 6164 tion Telephone: (08) 9411 7504 Value: $3.8 million Fax: (08) 9411 7698 Location: Albany (Cockburn Road) Albany Port. Photo by Katrina Bartley. Great Southern Major Projects

Albany Highway Widening Address: 9 Bedbrook Place, Shenton Park, WA Chester Pass Road Widening 6008 Proponent: Main Roads Proponent: Main Roads Telephone: (08) 9388 2800 Value: $1.4 million Value: $3 million Fax: (08) 9388 2739 Location: Borden – ongoing staged project Location: Kojonup Section 2 Email: [email protected] Description: Sealed widening. Description: Sealed widening. Website: www.fightdementia.org.au Status: Project planning complete, scheduled Status: Planning and design complete. Deliv- for delivery May-June 2015. ery scheduled for February - March 2015. Seniors Accommodation Contact: Ron Stevens, Senior Project Officer Contact: Ron Stevens, Senior Project Manager Proponent: -Tambellup Address: PO Box 503, Albany, WA 6330 Address: PO Box 503, Albany, WA 6330 Value: $1.7 million Telephone: (08) 9892 0555 Telephone: (08) 9892 0555 Location: Tambellup Fax: (08) 9841 8213 Fax: (08) 9841 8213 Description: The Shire of Broomehill-Tambel- Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] lup will construct six two-bedroom units for Website: www.mainroads.wa.gov.au Website: www.mainroads.wa.gov.au independent living seniors accommodation in Albany Highway Passing Lane response to a long-term unmet need. Morgan Richards Community Status: Construction of the units commenced Centre Refurbishment Project Proponent: Main Roads in November 2013, with estimated comple- Proponent: Value: $2.5 million tion in September 2014. Value: $1.1 million Location: Settlement Road Contact: Location: Denmark Description: Construct north-bound passing Joanne Trezona, CEO Address: Description: Refurbishment and redevelop- lane 46 - 48 Norrish St, Tambellup, WA 6320 ment of the former Denmark Hospital site to Status: Project development delivery sched- Telephone: (08) 9825 3555 provide integrated community, business, tour- uled for November 2014 - February 2015. Fax: (08) 9825 1152 ism and events facilities. The facility provides Contact: Ron Stevens, Senior Project Officer Email: [email protected] a much-needed co-located ‘hub’ for regional Address: PO Box 503, Albany, WA 6330 Website: www.shirebt.wa.gov.au community and tourism activity by providing Telephone: (08) 9892 0555 integrated spaces for business incubation, Fax: (08) 9841 8213 Groundwater Investigation festival support, artistic gallery and sales, dy- Email: [email protected] namic regional events, inter-generational and Website: www.mainroads.wa.gov.au Proponent: Department of Water community groups, shared offices and sup- Value: $1.6 million port services. 7 Location: Albany Great Southern Highway Widening Status: Funding has been secured for the Proponent: Main Roads Description: The Department of Water has re- project and final development approvals have Value: $2 million ceived funding through Royalties for Regions been obtained. Expected completion date is Location: Cranbrook - Section 2 to investigate groundwater resources in the mid-2015. Albany hinterland and the Albany groundwa- Description: Sealed widening Contact: Dale Stewart, CEO ter area. The four-year investigation program Address: 953 South Coast Highway, Denmark, Status: Planning and design commenced. involves airborne geophysical survey, topo- WA 6333 Scheduled for delivery March – May 2015. graphic LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) Telephone: (08) 9848 0300 Contact: Ron Stevens, Senior Project Manager surveying and analysis of data using a ground- Fax: (08) 9848 1985 Address: PO Box 503, Albany, WA 6330 water model. The data collected during the Email: [email protected] Telephone: (08) 9892 0555 project will improve knowledge of the ground- Website: www.denmark.wa.gov.au Fax: (08) 9841 8213 water resources and assist to: identify and Email: [email protected] confirm new groundwater sources to the north Albany Ring Road Planning Website: and west of Albany; map groundwater quality www.mainroads.wa.gov.au Proponent: Main Roads variations and saltwater intrusion in the Al- Value: $1 million bany groundwater area; quantify the recharge Hawthorn House Location: Albany potential of the Albany groundwater area; Description: Detailed planning for stages 2 Proponent: Alzheimer’s Australia WA and produce reports and maps on potential and 3 of the proposed Albany Ring Road. The Value: $2 million groundwater availability to support develop- work will determine future funding require- Location: Albany ment in the region. Description: A new centre to care for people ments. Status: The aerial electromagnetic surveys with dementia and their families. With the as- Status: Stage one of the Albany Ring Road have been completed and the drilling phase sistance of GSDC, the AAWA gained a grant of was completed in 2007. Preliminary concept is scheduled to for April/May 2014. Overall $992,334 from the Regional Development design has been completed for stages 2 and study due for completion mid-2015. Council’s Action Agenda Funding Scheme to- 3. Detailed planning is progressing. wards construction. Contact: Andrew Maughan, Program Manager Contact: Ron Stevens, Senior Project Officer Address: PO Box 525, Albany, WA 6330 Address: PO Box 503, Albany, WA 6330 Status: Under construction and close to com- Telephone: (08) 9842 5760 Telephone: (08) 9892 0555 pletion. Hawthorn House operations will move Fax: (08) 9842 1204 Fax: (08) 9841 8213 to the new centre in May. Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Contact: Rhonda Parker, CEO Website: www.water.wa.gov.au Website: www.mainroads.wa.gov.au Healthier future for Katanning lake

Research to enhance water quality

Better water quality and and existing drainage channel,” improved amenities are in store Mrs Maesepp said. for Lake Ewlyamartup in the Shire of Katanning. The consultants will now develop the preliminary designs for the Stage 2 of the Department of engineering works to improve Regional Development Living water quality, in consultation with Lakes Initiative has started, the LEWG, and a draft design bringing closer its objective is expected to be ready for of enhancing existing natural community consultation in May. ephemeral lake systems through The final engineering design creative engineering solutions. and costing is anticipated to be completed in November. After preliminary work in 2011, Canoeing enthusiasts at Lake Ewlyamartup. Lake Ewlyamartup was one of As well as the Living Lakes work, two Western Australian lakes selected to “We were really pleased to have the the LEWG and the Shire of Katanning, proceed to Stage 2 of the initiative, which opportunity to share with the consultants supported by partners including the GSDC, is the development of construction-ready the local knowledge about the lake, and are implementing a Recreation Area Plan engineering designs and costing. Funding discuss in detail the various options to to improve amenity at the site. support from the GSDC helped to set up improve water quality,” Mrs Maesepp said. initial technical studies that will inform the The access road and parking area has current consultations. “We took kayaks out in order to get an idea been gravelled, and facilities will soon of water conditions across the lake, and be installed including a new boat ramp, Consultants from Worley Parsons visited point out key areas such as the hooded toilets, sheltered seating, barbecues and the lake in February with members of the plover nesting sites. signage. Lake Ewlyamartup Working Group (LEWG). LEWG Project Officer Ella Maesepp said “We also spent significant time exploring Contact: Jessica van der Waag there was great energy at the meeting. the characteristics of the lake’s inlet, outlet Ph: 9821 3211

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Albany: Pyrmont House, 110 Serpentine Road, Albany WA 6330 Phone: (08) 9842 4888 Fax: (08) 9842 4828 Email: [email protected] Katanning: 10 Dore Street, PO Box 729, Katanning WA 6317 Phone: (08) 9821 3211 Fax: (08) 9821 3334 Email: [email protected] Web: www.gsdc.wa.gov.au

Postage Paid Albany WA 6330