The Shire of Collie and the South West Development Commission are working collaboratively on planning a number of improvements to the Minninup Pool area with funding made available by local member, Hon. Mick Murray.

The Minninup Pool Reserve is part of reserve 34343 and includes the popular Minninup Pool and Sandy Beach day use areas as well as significant areas of bush stretching from Mungalup Road to the river behind the golf course on both sides of the river.

The planning project is exploring the provision of nature-based tourism infrastructure that will not detract from the site’s natural beauty.

Minninup Pool holds particular significance to the local Noongar people and their views are being considered as part of the project.

There are a number of elements to the project, some of which are already underway or have been completed. Key milestones of the project include:

Shire Chief Executive Officer David Blurton said there were no plans to restrict access to the public or charge for swimming.

“The working party recognises the importance of the Minninup Pool area to Collie residents and Noongar people,” Mr Blurton said. “Retaining the parking area foreshore and sandy beach for day use are important elements of the project.”

“Ultimately, if we get this project right, it will attract significant number of additional campers which will have an economic benefit for Collie,” Shire CEO David Blurton said.

Once an initial concept has been developed, the Collie community will have the opportunity to have their say on the proposal.

The project is part of the State Government and the Shire of Collie’s efforts to diversify Collie’s economy by expanding on the local tourism industry to create jobs and support local business.