City to play host to Cabinet meeting

Busselton will host a regional sitting of State Cabinet next month for the first time in more than a decade.

It was revealed this week Premier Colin Barnett and ministers would visit the region on May 29 and 30.

Vasse MLA Libby Mettam said the meeting would be beneficial for the region.

“Key to my role as Member for Vasse is to ensure that this region, which is the fastest growing area in regional WA, continues to get the focus it deserves from the Barnett Government, which is why I had invited Cabinet to visit Busselton,” she said.

“The timing is ideal as we see a shift in direction away from mining towards other economic growth sectors, including niche agriculture products like wine, dairy, horticulture and regional tourism.”

Previous regional Cabinets have been tied with major funding announcements related to the host region.

Last year, Kalgoorlie-Boulder received more than $10 million in funding for projects when the Cabinet met in the region.

Ms Mettam said the event would give locals a chance to consult with ministers and air various issues.

“I aim to get the most out of this event, encouraging our youth to strive with two leadership forums at the high schools, a small business and tourism industry breakfast and a community event, recognising those in the community who put in enormous volunteer effort for the betterment of the area,” she said.

“There will also be a Meet the Minister event, which I will be providing more information on — in short, individuals will get their chance to meet with a minister one-on-one on a specific issue.”

Busselton Mayor Grant Henley said regional Cabinet was a great opportunity to showcase the region to the Premier and ministers.

“We’re delighted that regional Cabinet will sit here in the City of Busselton,” he said.

“The State Government has made a significant investment into the Busselton-Margaret River Regional Airport and the project is likely to feature as a topic of discussion at the Cabinet meeting.

“Whether or not any further funding announcement is made during the visit remains to be seen.”

The news comes after a Cabinet reshuffle was announced in which Mr Barnett was announced as tourism minister.

Ms Mettam said given the Premier’s new portfolio, it was great timing for him to visit the region.

“What is exciting is having the Premier taking on the key portfolio of tourism, a sector which impacts every small business in the Vasse region,” she said.