The Shire of Collie will receive almost $1.2 million of Federal Government funding to complete two major infrastructure projects.
The shire will receive $764,000 to continue upgrades at the Collie Motorplex and a further $420,000 for the Collie River Trail and Trail Corridor project.
The funding will come from the Federal Government’s $641 million Building Better Regions Fund.
The $764,000 committed to the Collie Motorplex will see the further resurfacing of the 1.7km of existing track, a pedestrian overpass bridge built and upgrades to the marshalling area.
Member for O’Connor Rick Wilson said the upgrades would allow the motorplex to hold bigger and more frequent events throughout the year, providing an economic benefit to Collie.
“The upgrade will make the Collie region a more attractive place to live, promote inclusiveness and community engagement and increase volunteering opportunities,” he said.
“Around 15 jobs will be created during delivery of the project, while it is anticipated a further 30 ongoing positions will be available once completed.”
Shire chief executive David Blurton said the funding announcement was a ‘fantastic outcome’ for the region.
“This is a fantastic outcome for the Collie region,” he said.
“Stage 2 will complement the current track extension works which are nearing completion and further improve the Collie Motorplex venue to ensure the facility is capable of hosting significant national events.”
The shire also received $420,000 to help fund the construction of a 6.5km dual-use trail along the Collie River between town and Minninup Pool.
Shire president Sarah Stanley said the trail would fit in with the town’s desire to become a trail tourism hub.
“The Collie River Trail is a significant project that connects our beautiful natural assets and existing trail network with the facilities and amenities of our town centre,” she said.
“Trails are great tools to connect people with places, with nature, with community and with each other.
“I expect we’ll be seeing many more cars with mountain bikes strapped to them, spending several days exploring the beautiful Collie River Valley, needing to be fed, watered and a place to lay their head.
“And in the long term, people that come to Collie to enjoy our trails may decide they like it so much, they’ll unpack and live here.”
The trail will connect Collie’s network of trails, including the Wagyl Biddi mountain bike trail network and the Karak Trail that connects Collie to Allanson, with the Bibbulmun Track and the Munda Biddi mountain bike trail.
The project will also include a trail link between the Coombes Street Bridge and the East End Bridge on both sides of the Collie River, funded by the Department of Transport.
In addition to Federal Government funding, the project has received a $40,000 contribution from the shire, $250,000 from the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, $90,000 from South32 and $40,000 from the South West Development Commission.
The project will be constructed in two stages, with the first stage beginning in August this year and final completion expected in 2020.
