Pinjarra Brunswick Sustainability Strategy

In 2004 the State Government released the Pinjarra-Brunswick Sustainability Strategy to identify issues faced by the district and to offer solutions for the future.  In 2006 $2.64 million of new funds was allocated for major projects. 

The Peel Development Commission is involved in the following projects:

Local Jobs for Local People

The Pinjarra Brunswick Sustainability Strategy (PBSS) - Local Jobs For Local People attracted $610,000 State government funding over three years to help local people and businesses access contracts, jobs and training.

In 2010 the Peel Development Commission is finalising the following projects in partnership with Small Business Centre Peel and Challenger TAFE in:

• The delivery of one-to-one ‘Business Health Checks’ for small and medium businesses to help pre-qualification for construction tenders; For more information please contact Small Business Centre Peel on T: 9582 0022.
• An innovative outreach program aimed at increasing recognition of prior learning qualifications and skills development across all industries within regional centres and workplaces. For more information please contact Mark Jeffery, Pinjarra and Brunswick Sustainability Project and Peel Workforce Development Strategy on T: 9586 7406 M: 0418388020.

Waroona Town Centre Redevelopment

In April 2007, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Shire of Waroona and Peel Development Commission to formalise the $1 million PBSS funding provided by the State Government towards the Waroona Town Centre Redevelopment.

Funding for the project has been provided to the Shire in three stages. Stage 1 included improvements to pedestrian and vehicular access and the refurbishment of amenities within Drakesbrook Place. Stage 2 (near completion) is to include an upgrade of Fouracre Street Park. Stage 3 has included an upgrade of the road surface and pedestrian footpath along the main street, community artwork, street furniture, landscaping and the completion of underground power along South West Highway.

Key objectives for the redevelopment include the employment of more than 20 persons during the construction phase, an increase in commercial occupancy along South West Highway and an increase in the level of community pride as a result of the creation of a town centre.

Escape for a While

The State Government to allocated $445,000 to the Peel Development Commission to support local tourism businesses to develop marketable tourism packages.

In May 2008 the Commission engaged an experienced tourism facilitator to assist with the package development. All market-ready tourism businesses who were interested in package development were invited to participate in a series of workshops which gave members all of the information and skills to ultimately develop Peel Region Packages for marketing to domestic and international markets. Businesses across the region were given the opportunity to participate in the workshops which included the use of pod casts for those who could not attend in person.

A Tourism Exchange was held in Mandurah on 19 May 2009  to bring together 18 package administrators and 20 Perth buyers. Businesses were assisted with the cost of promotional material.

Agriculture Futures

Funding was provided for the establishment of an Agribusiness Officer in Waroona to develop opportunities for farmers in the Peel and Southwest. The program is managed in partnership with the South West Development Commission, Department of Agriculture and Food, and Harvey Water.

Opportunities have been identified for farmers in the Pinjarra-Brunswick region that will assist with new high value food products, marketing and improving or diversifying land use. The development of the Peel Farmers Market is seen as a high value marketing opportunity for the Peel Region in light of its rapid land use change.

Peel Farmers Market

The Peel Farmers Market operates every Sunday morning from 8am at the Peel Education and Training Campus, Education Drive, Greenfields.  Since the inception of the markets in December of 2008 the Peel Farmers Market Association has grown from 29 to 36 trading entities with 6 new entities and increasing patronage.

At the markets there is locally grown, locally raised, locally produced fruit and vegetables (organic and hydroponic), fresh cut flowers, plants, herbs, farm-fresh eggs and dairy products, organic and biodynamic  meats, home-made fudge and nougat, jams, chutneys, pickled onions, relishes, freshly baked breads and pastries (organic, biodynamic and conventional) , olive oil, olives, dukkah, honey, home- made biscotti, gluten free cakes and cupcakes and many more local products. 

Any enquiries about the Peel Farmers Markets should be directed to Jayne Hyde on telephone 0414 232422.

Eyes on Tomorrow

Eyes on Tomorrow was a campaign led by The Fremantle-Peel Education District, the Peel Development Commission and Mandurah Youth Commitment, with the support of the City of Mandurah. The aim is to promote a positive image of Government schools within the Peel Region and also the career aspirations of, and opportunities for, young people through closer relationships with local commerce and industries. The Eyes on Tomorrow was held in October 2008 and provided the community with an opportunity to meet students, view the variety of quality programs that are on offer within government schools and to see for themselves the standard of achievement of the students.

Horticulture Industry

The Commission, Department of Agriculture, Harvey Water and the Shire of Waroona jointly funded a study into the expansion of horticultural opportunities in the Peel Region. The report was finalised in October 2004 and an information brochure was produced in December 2004. The report and brochure provided base data for sole investors, joint ventures and entrepreneurs to make sound business decisions on horticultural initiatives in the Peel Region. The report is now being used as the foundation for development of the horticulture industry in the Region by the Commission and other key partners. Download a copy of the report.

Pinjarra Court House

In 2004 a study of the accommodation needs of the non-government sector identified the Pinjarra Court House, a registered heritage site, as a potential location for the provision of community services and outreach programs. In 2004-05 the State Government, through the Peel Development Commission, provided $200,000 in funding to the National Trust of WA to enable conservation works and refurbishment of the court house to be undertaken.

Investigations into the viability of using the refurnished building to accommodate services provided by the non government sector was undertaken in collaboration with the National Trust, the Peel Community Development Group and the Shire of Murray.

The final decision was made not to continue with the project due to leasing arrangements not being agreed to.

Peel Music Foundation

The Peel Music Foundation is a not-for-profit group auspiced by the PCDG. The foundation provides young musicians with access to live original music and alternative school programs, and focuses on the training and employment of young people in the music industry. In 2004 the Peel Development Commission supported the Peel Music Foundation in the preparation of a successful submission for State Government funds of $163,000. The Commission continues to support the Foundation through the Regional Development Scheme, providing $10,000 for the Mandurah/Murray Youth Entertainment Needs and Infrastructure Project which is due for completion December 2008. The Foundation also received funds form Lotterywest in 2006-07 to acquire information technology equipment and furniture.

Town of Hamel

The State Government provided $100,000 towards community infrastructure in Hamel as identified through the Hamel Eco-Historic Precinct Conservation Plan and community consultation. One outcome of this initiative has been the upgrading of the children’s playground. Construction of new public toilets were completed in 2008.

Peel Careers and Employment Week

The Peel Careers and Employment Week held in 2007 and 2008 as a result of recommendations from the Peel Regional Skills Shortage Forum and Peel Workforce Development Strategy. The aim of the week was to provide high school students and the wider community with access to information and advice on training, employment, education, apprenticeships, traineeships and career opportunities within the greater Peel Region.

Indigenous Enterprise Development

The development of Indigenous enterprise is a priority for the Commission. During 2004-05 this activity focused on the development of Indigenous artists. Five artists now have their products displayed at galleries in the State. Three of these artists have registered their own businesses. Through this program, the Commission also assisted an artist to hold exhibitions in Tuscany and Milan, Italy.

Winjan Sustainability

Winjan Aboriginal Corporation is a not-for-profit organisation located on a large bush block in Mandurah along Pinjarra Road. The Corporation has an established office where it seeks to assist the estimated 1,600 Aboriginal people living in the Peel Region. In 2006 the Peel Development Commission provided Regional Development Scheme funding to help the organisation build management capacity, ensure good governance, accountability and record keeping, and to implement key strategies to move towards independent income and sustainability in the longer term.

In addition to the above, Peel Community Development Group Inc auspice many worthwhile and success community projects in the Peel region including Streetnet and Streetchat and Peel Early Years. For further information, please contact PCDG on 9535 0011.

Peel Campus Expansion

In 2004-05, the Commission continued to support the establishment of a Murdoch University Campus in the Peel Region. Colocated with Challenger TAFE and the Mandurah Senior College, top priority was given to the allocation of additional fully funded places and further capital funding for essential infrastructure. Murdoch University opened its new Mandurah Campus in early 2005 with 176 enrolled students.

Boddington Old School

In 2004-05 the Commission assisted the Shire of Boddington in undertaking an evaluation of a 20-month trial which saw the management of the Boddington Old School facility handed over to a registered non-profit organisation, the Boddington Old School Inc. (BOS Inc.). In 2004-05, an additional grant of $10,000 was provided to the BOS Inc. from Regional Development Scheme to assist with the development of a rural transactions centre, as well as $15,000 to fund a Youth Centre Coordinator within the facility. The Boddington Old School continues to provide a valuable community asset to the region.

Peel Broadband Aggregation Project

In 2004-05, the Peel Region was one of 13 regional areas in Australia, and one of three in Western Australia, that successfully applied for funding under the Federal Government's Broadband Demand Aggregation project. The Commission, in partnership with the Region's five local governments collaborated on a project to ensure more equitable coverage and uptake of broadband telecommunication services to less populous and/or remote population centres in the Peel Region. As a result, Byford, Dwellingup, Pinjarra, North Yunderup and South Yunderup now have access to ADSL services.

Small Business Centre Peel (formerly Peel Business Enterprise Centre)

The Commission was involved in the establishment of the Small Business Centre Peel and continues to provide support for the development of new business and the expansion of existing businesses in the Peel Region. The demand for contract services provided by the Centre continues to grow.

Mandurah Visitor Information Centre

The Mandurah Visitor Information Centre opened for business in 1997 and continues to service the increasing number of visitors to Mandurah. The Commission provided funding for the Centre and commissioned the design and installation of the Spirit of the Peel leadlight. Designed by local Aboriginal artist Sandra Hill, the artwork has received wide acclaim from visitors and the community. The incorporation of fused glass elements in the design distinguishes this window as a unique piece of craftsmanship which has become a "must-see" tourist icon in its own right.

Peel Thunder

The Peel Development Commission was instrumental in helping the Mandurah Football and Sporting Club to secure a licence to field a team in the Western Australian Football League - WAFL. In April 1997 Peel Thunder took to the field in its first season in the elite State-based football competition, taking on the well-established metropolitan teams. Peel Thunder now provides a real opportunity for local, talented young players to achieve selection to the elite level of the AFL national competition.

Peel Aquaculture and Fish Restocking Study

A study produced by the consultants Fish Unlimited and SRM Pty Ltd conducted an assessment of all water bodies within the region, detailed the environmental opportunities for restocking and identified suitable native fish species that could be used in restocking the waterbodies of the Peel region. The major recommendation of the Report suggested a trial restocking of black bream in Lake Moyanup (Drakesbrook Dam) near Waroona.

Mandurah Ocean Marina

In partnership with the City of Mandurah and Landcorp, the Peel Development Commission played an important facilitation role in the co-ordination of the $220 million mandurah Ocean Marina project and the public consultation process. Since 2001 The Mandurah Ocean Marina has provided the Peel Region with a world-class marina facility.