The potential of our region was really highlighted this week when we had the pleasure of hosting Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull. He travelled to various locations to make a number of key announcements benefiting the West Coast.

In Queenstown on Sunday night I joined the Prime Minister, Premier, Will Hodgman, Senator Richard Colbeck and Liberal Candidate Brett Whiteley at the Empire Hotel, where it was announced that 10 million dollars is being invested in upgrading the Murchison Highway. I will be writing to MP Jeremy Rockliff, State Infrastructure Minister, to request that the funding is allocated to the Mount Black to Tunnel Hill stretch of highway. This will not only improve safety, it will also permit year-round accessibility for road users, commuters and tourists.

I am also looking forward to the commencement of initial works at the Avebury Mine site on the outskirts of Zeehan in August 2018. Following these preparatory works the mine will officially open and more than 200 jobs will be created in early 2019.

The next phase of the West Coast Brand will be presented on the 24 July by project consultants, For the People. The presentation will be held at 3.30pm in the Council Chambers. The presentation will go through the direction the brand has taken following significant community input earlier in the year, the brand toolkit and how the brand will be brought to life. The official launch of the brand will be held later in the year.

Finally, I would like to remind the community of the Ordinary Meeting of Council on Tuesday 24 July at Council Chambers from 5pm.

MAYOR

Phil Vickers