Member for Collie-Preston Mick Murray has opened up about adding some artistic flair to one of the region’s tourism hot spots.
During the Collie Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s after hours event last month, Mr Murray discussed the prospect of a mural being painted on the wall of the Wellington Weir.
He told the Mail he was working alongside government agencies to assess whether the proposal could be carried out.
“We are currently still working with the relevant government agencies that will be involved in the implementation of this commitment,” he said.
“More work is to be done to assess the viability of a mural and how it is to be maintained.
This is the first step to establish whether the commitment goes ahead as planned.
“Originally the proposal was aimed at value adding to the tourism experience in the area surrounding Wellington Dam and increasing visitation by tourists to Collie where they will hopefully spend their money in our local businesses.”
The Labor Party pledged $200,000 for the development of walking facilities around Wellington Dam during the 2017 state election campaign.
The party announced plans for the creation of a “three-to-four-day” circuit walk trail around Wellington Dam with camping areas and connections to the Bibbulmun Track.
Collie Visitor Centre manager Fran Kenneally was aware discussions about future Wellington Weir developments had occurred around town.
Mrs Kenneally said a mural on the Weir’s surface could potentially increase visitors and highlight the region’s artistic side.
She said she would like to see an indigenous design for the mural.
“I think that would be really lovely, I think it could be a good nod to our aboriginal heritage in the area and there are some really wonderful Aboriginal artists around,” she said.
“I would love to see something like that, as opposed to just a generic pretty picture, because I think the area itself is beautiful and you can see all of the natural attractions around the area.”
Mrs Kenneally said Wellington National Park was a key tourism site for the district.
“The park alone attracts an awful lot of people so the fact that the dam is located in Wellington National Park is a huge bonus,” she said.
“There are a huge amount of attractions out there, everything from mountain biking, bush walking, camping water-skiing etc.”
What would you like to see on the Wellington Dam’s wall? Do you think it would increase tourism? Email thomas.munday@fairfaxmedia.com.au