The Shire of Collie’s SuperTowns projects have been recognised as the best in the state at Planning Institute of Australia’s annual awards.
Collie was awarded first place in the ‘From Plan to Place’ category for the 14 SuperTowns projects that have transformed the central business district at the award ceremony at Crown Casino last week.
Some of the SuperTowns projects have included CBD revitalisation, Collie Skate Park and the upgrade of Soldiers Park, Central Park, the Collie Art Gallery and improvements to the Collie River, along with improved safety measures such as better lighting, CCTV and road upgrades.
Shire President Sarah Stanley said the SuperTowns projects have provided the opportunity to plan and develop strategies around how to transform Collie.
“It was the deeply held desire to change the perceptions of Collie from an industrial town with poor amenity, social problems and inadequate services that drove the insistence on a high quality product in the planning of our SuperTowns projects,” Cr Stanley said.
“We wanted to continue to reposition perceptions of Collie as a highly desirable place to live, visit and invest. We want people to not only want to come and work in Collie, but be proud to raise their families here and call Collie home.
“It was with great pride that we were able to receive this award on behalf of Collie, ahead of projects such as Elizabeth Quay of a much larger scale and budget.”
Shire CEO David Blurton said it was the involvement of the community, industry and special interest groups in the planning processes that led to the success of the projects.
“Throughout the implementation, it was necessary to regularly review the alignment of the actions on the ground with the overall objectives of the growth plan,” he said.
“A strong team of consultants and internal professionals ensured that the highest possible standard was achieved in every project.”
The win means the Shire’s SuperTowns projects are now eligible for national recognition at the Planning Institute of Australia’s National Awards in Perth next year.
