Jurien bay’s new Civic Centre was officially opened last Friday with many members of the community and representatives attending.
After a Welcome to Country presentation by Noongar Traditional Elder of Yued, Charlie Shaw, was followed by speeches from Shire of Dandaragan President Cr Wayne Gibson, Shire of Dandaragan CEO Tony Nottle and Member for Moore Mr Shane Love MLA before the official opening by Minister Redman.
Mr Redman said Jurien Bay was one of Western Australia’s nine SuperTowns selected for its potential to attract population growth and economic investment.
Royalties for Regions invested $8.443 million into the project, with further contributions coming from the Shire of Dandaragan and Lotterywest.
“The town centre is the hub for local and regional civic, commercial and community activity and these new services are critical to the growth of Jurien Bay and surrounding towns,” the Minister said.
“The community spaces in the centre provide appealing places to engage in educational, business and recreational activities.
Mr Love said the Visitor Centre and Civic Building was strategically located next to the Shire and in close proximity to the school.
“It is ideally located to become an educational hub for the district,” Mr Love said.
“The Jurien Bay Growth Plan established a strategic way forward and clearly identified a need for a centrally located facility that could provide government services to meet the growing community needs of the Central Coast.
“I congratulate the Shire on having achieved this goal and the architects for delivering a building that fits almost seamlessly alongside the existing Shire building.
“This centre will form an integral part of Jurien Bay’s SuperTown’s initiative.”
The new multi-purpose building provides well equipped tenancies for the Department of Parks and Wildlife and Jurien Bay Community Resource Centre as well as spaces for the Jurien Bay Public Library, the Turquoise Coast Visitor Centre, hot offices and conference and education facilities equipped with advanced technology and communications capabilities.
There is also an outdoor amphitheatre exhibition area and landscaped parks and gardens.
After the official proceedings were completed, attendees enjoyed self-guided tours of the new building and a sumptuous morning tea was served in the expansive foyer.
Attendees were also fascinated with the presence of the RAC Elephant in the Wheatbelt on the on the front lawn.