The Shire of Collie and Geoff Klemm were announced as joint winners with Mount Gambier in the 2018 Planning Institute Australia national awards in the Plan to Place category.
The shire won the award by the work it did with the 14 Supertown projects which saw the revitalisation of Collie’s CBD.
The 14 Supertown projects included the central business district revitalisation, the A-class art gallery, youth space, swimming pool upgrade, men’s shed, park upgrades, child care centre and improvements to the Collie River as well as improved safety through better lighting, CCTV, road upgrades and pedestrian separation, and railway crossing upgrades.
Shire of Collie president Sarah Stanley said receiving the award on behalf of Collie was an honour.
“It was with great pride that we were able to receive this award on behalf of Collie, ahead of many other projects across the nation of a much larger scale and budget,” Cr Stanley said.
Supertowns project manager Geoff Klem said the project has improved the character of the town.
“The CBD Revitalisation Project has delivered a major improvement to the character and amenity of the Collie CBD and to the river environs,” Mr Klem said.
“At a time when there was a reduction in disposable income and loss of population that directly affected the viability of businesses, project funds spent locally coupled with the development outcomes has created a more cohesive, positive and determined culture in the town.
“Large numbers of people are now using the Central Park and Facebook postings from locals and visitors have commented that the town has a new heart with a high standard of amenity and community facilities,” he said.
Shire of Collie chief executive officer David Blurton said the planning process was developed with community, industry and special interest groups’ and their involvement helped ensure 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.
“A strong team of consultants and internal professionals ensured that the highest possible standard was achieved in every project,” Mr Blurton said.
