EDA Journal Vol 10. No.2 Spring 2017 | Page 21

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT QUARTERLY collaborative input, commitment and action from all stakeholders with a role in job creation in Perth’s north-west metropolitan region; namely residents, businesses, education providers, not-for-profits, developers and all tiers of government. The two initiatives were: 1. Wanneroo Jobs Summit, a two-day economic summit where all participants actively reviewed and developed initiatives and mechanisms across seven topic areas to drive local jobs growth, including commitment from all stakeholders on their ongoing role. 2. Connect Wanneroo, Get on Board is the City’s first major sole advocacy campaign leading up to the WA State election in 2017. This community- led campaign used innovative techniques to successfully effect change and gain political support, funding and timeframes for the delivery of critical infrastructure to stimulate business growth, private investment and ultimately local jobs growth. As a direct result of these two initiatives: • 31 key stakeholders have committed to collaboratively implementing actions from the Wanneroo Jobs Summit. • 3 new major studies to address gaps in employment baseline knowledge have been initiated. • $552 million has been committed to projects in the City by the WA State Government; generating 1,440 jobs for the region and State. The ambitious $37.5M project is split into two stages with the first stage comprising $5.9M public investment being completed in April 2016. The primary objective of the overall project is to drive private investment and create jobs which will create medium to longer term population growth detailed by the aspirations of the Manjimup Town Site Growth Plan. In May 2017 Lucid Economics (attachment No1) undertook an Economic Impact Assessment of the completed Stage 1 project with the following independent outcomes reported: • 188 ongoing jobs (120 direct, 68 indirect); and • $18.7M direct private investment. The success of Stage 1 of the project has exceeded expectations and has been a demonstrable economic coup for the Shire of Manjimup. From the success of Stage 1, funding partner confidence has resulted in $26.8M funding being secured for Stage 2 and this project has commenced. Based on current evidence, Lucid Economics project the total job impact of Stage 1 and Stage 2 could be 512 ongoing jobs (328 direct, 184 indirect). Details of the Revitalisation of Manjimup’s Town Centre project can be found at www.manjimup.wa.gov.au/our-shire/ manjimuptowncentrerevitalisation ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVES – UNDER 15,000 RESIDENTS WINNER MANJIMUP SHIRE COUNCIL “Transforming Manjimup” The Revitalisation of Manjimup’s Town Centre project will deliver a town centre that will be vibrant, functional and an investment attractive location. The project elements focus on vehicle, cycling and pedestrian linkages; development of unique multipurpose attractions; creation of an investor ready accommodation site; creation of a food and beverage precinct, upgrading of town infrastructure, removal of non-operational rail infrastructure, increased car parking and general beautification / improvement works. VOL.10 NO.2 2017 | 21