Shire of Manjimup
Manjimup Transformed—Aspirational Leadership
Contact: Andrew Campbell
Phone: (08) 9771 7777
Email: info@manjimup.wa.gov.au
The Project
Facing a decline in the regional timber industry, the Shire of Manjimup undertook a locally-led process to design an alternative growth plan for the Shire. A plan informed, and strongly embraced, by the local community.
The new plan focused on four broad categories to create sustainable growth, being: agricultural expansion, town centre revitalisation, regional airport and an aged-friendly town. The WA State Government nominated Manjimup as a WA Regional Growth Centre, an initiative of growing regional centres through investment in infrastructure.
In the eight years since endorsement of Manjimup's Growth Plan well over $150 million of new private and public sector investment and many new jobs have flowed into the community.
Community Outcomes
Manjimup has been transformed, building on strong foundations, community spirit and unique geographical, environmental and economic features.
These give scope to a ‘new feel’ regional centre that offers opportunity and lifestyle, and is well positioned to service the region.
Next Steps
The work of growing Manjimup continues, still guided by the principles of the original plan and evaluation is a strong feature of this approach. Telling the ‘transformation story’ also helps strengthen investor and community confidence in the future of Manjimup, with organisational representatives presenting at numerous forums and engaging with the private sector regularly.