The Collie Shire Council is to do minor maintenance work at Minningup Pool following successful negotiations with State Government and Aboriginal stakeholders.
The works will be restricted to the main day use area and will include the replacement of existing sleeper retaining walls and picnic benches. It will continue to be a valuable community asset once completed.
Shire president Ian Miffling said the works follow extensive talks with Collie MLA Jodie Hanns, Gnaala Karla Booja Development Corporation and local Elder Joe Northover.
He said the work will be funded by $93,000 which remains from a WA Government grant provided for the planning of upgrades to Minningup and its surrounds.
Cr Miffling said there had been extensive consultation over a long period of time and that all views had been carefully considered.
“Basically, we’ll just be replacing what’s already there,” he said.
“Timber sleepers will be replaced with timber sleepers and a couple of picnic benches.”
Cr Miffling said the works would also include relaying the grassed area and general beautification work.
“All this work has been discussed with and received the ‘tick of approval’ by Joe (Senior Aboriginal Elder Joe Northover) and Gnaala Karla Booja.
“We are very grateful to them for their input and co-operation.”
Minningup Pool has generated a lot of discussion over the past eight years following an election commitment by the Labor Party which allocated $500,000 for planning purposes at the popular tourist and culturally sensitive location.
Jodie Hanns MLA, Member for Collie Preston said “It’s great to see all parties working together to come up with a solution to use remaining project funding, which will allow much needed minor maintenance at Minningup Pool to take place”.
“The minor maintenance work works will ensure this culturally significant and valuable community asset is maintained for continued community use”, she said.
Mrs Hanns said “The upgrades will help maintain Minningup Pool as a safe, welcoming, and accessible space for the community to gather, connect with nature, and participate in healthy recreational activities.”