supertowns andrew blee department of planning. setting the scene why was the supertown program...

SuperTowns

Andrew Blee

Department of Planning

Setting the Scene

Why was the SuperTown program introduced?

1. Doubling of the State’s population by 2050.

2. Decline of regional towns and what they offer.

3. Wealth generated in the Regions.

The Response

The announcement of the Regional Centres Development Plan (SuperTowns) in July 2011.

$85.5 million was allocated to kick start the program. $5.5 million to assist strategic planning and $80 million for the implementation of transformational projects.

Who are the SuperTowns?

Nine SuperTowns were announced:1. Boddington 2. Collie 3. Esperance4. Jurien Bay5. Katanning 6. Northam 7. Manjimup 8. Margaret River 9. Morawa

Why were they chosen?

Two Main reasons:

Growth potential

Strategic Location

What were they required to do?

Prepare and submit a growth plan

Prepare and submit four business cases

Where is the process at?

Draft Growth Plans have been completed and endorsed by relevant agencies.

Business Cases for priority projects have been submitted and are currently with RDL for assessment before funding is allocated – due mid May.

Where to from here?

The Local Governments have to the end of the year to finalise their Growth Plans. This will then inform future projects should additional rounds of funding become available.

The life of the SuperTown process beyond this year is unknown. It is dependant on a number of factors the most relevant being the State election next year.