Nationals senate candidate Nick Fardell was in Collie recently to meet with community groups and discuss the issues they face.
Mr Fardell visited the Collie Motorplex to discuss potential federal funding for infrastructure upgrades.
The motorplex is seeking $3.7 million for upgrades with the construction of car parks, grandstands, a shaded competitor area, toilets, showers and upgrades to existing buildings in order to cater for national events.
Mr Fardell planned to raise the funding with Nationals colleague Sports Minister Bridget McKenzie when she arrived in Perth.
Mr Fardell said an upgraded motorplex would be a major boon for the Collie community, kickstarting marquee motorsport events and boosting motor-sports activities in the South West.
“These vital upgrades will create a motorplex that is a major tourism drawcard," he said.
"This in turn will enable the community to capitalise on the enormous potential to drive tourism in the region.”
The motorplex received $2.57 million in funding in January 2017 under the previous state government through the Royalties for Regions program.
The money went towards a track extension and upgrade, construction of a footbridge and upgrading of spectator and competitor facilities.
Mr Fardell also spent time at ValleyView Residence where he spoke to board chairman Neil Martin and staff about their concerns over the federal government’s recently announced Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety.
Mr Fardell said it was important to speak to community-based aged-care facilities about how they had responded to the royal commission.
He said the general consensus was that facilities were horrified by the reports coming out of the industry and afraid of being tarred with the same brush.
Mr Martin said ValleyView wasn’t afraid of the royal commission, because of it’s community focus.
“We have to see these people in the streets, so our focus is always on giving the best care,” he said.
“By being a community-based facility, we have a real accountability to the community.”