Esperance Shire president Ron Chambers with a concept plan for the land he is sitting on at the end of James Street. Photo: Geoff Vivian.
A new visitor’s centre, café, public library and student study space are within sight as the Commonwealth has announced a $14.9 million contribution towards the James Street cultural precinct.
Esperance Shire has already budgeted $7.5 million for the project, and Shire president Ron Chambers welcomed the announcement.
“I can’t tell you how excited we are now that our community’s vision for the James Street Cultural Precinct can start getting off the ground”, he said.
“This is a huge achievement and I applaud all involved.”
However member for Roe Peter Rundle was quick to remind everyone that State Government money was also needed.
“This Federal funding is a start, however, there remains a gap of $7.5 million for completion of Stage 1 of the project,” he said.
“For eight years the Cook Labor Government has ignored the needs of Esperance.
“In light of The Premier’s recent statement encouraging people to move to regional WA, this is an opportunity for him to back his words with action.
“The Cook Labor Government must step up and fund this vital community project, which will create a vibrant and appealing city centre, helping to attract and retain residents in Esperance.”
When Weekender contacted WA Regional Development minister Don Punch’s office, a State Government spokesperson responded.
“The Cook Government welcomes the Albanese Government’s funding announcement for the James Street Precinct in Esperance,” she said.
“The Government looks forward to working with the Shire of Esperance to explore possible funding opportunities in the future.”
Mr Chambers said the WA Government had assured the Shire it supported regional areas.
“This shovel-ready project is their opportunity to help achieve the full vision for this crucial community hub, with an industry-leading Visitor Centre to handle the increased tourist numbers projected to result from the new marine park,” he said.
“The concept design incorporates a high level of environmental sustainability; it is expected this will carry through to the final design, continuing the commitment shown in other Shire buildings with the use of renewable energy power throughout.”
Mr Chambers said they started in 2020, when work to determine the attitudes, requirements, wants and needs of Esperance people for the vital social spaces, community and tourism services to be collocated at the Precinct began.
“This has been a project with profound community involvement the whole way,” he said.
“At every step we have gone back to the community and stakeholders and asked ‘What do you think? What needs changing?’ until we got the final concept design right.
“We believe this project is vital to the fabric of our social, business and tourism industries, and were always going to fight for this project till success was achieved for the region.”
Shire chief executive Shane Burge said a project of this size was expected to bring significant employment and business benefits to the region, both during construction and into the longer term.
“Financial analysis carried out through the Shire’s Business Case for the Precinct shows the collocation of diverse, vital Shire services is expected to save significant operational costs,” he said.
“This is a welcome outcome for Shire ratepayers in this cost of living crisis.”
