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WA Liberal Party team discuss local issues at winter conference in Manjimup

Melissa PedeltyManjimup-Bridgetown Times
Liberal Party in Manjimup this month for the winter conference to discuss local issues.
Camera IconLiberal Party in Manjimup this month for the winter conference to discuss local issues. Credit: Manjimup-Bridgetown Times/Melissa Pedelty

The timber industry shut down, foot-and-mouth disease, water security and housing supply were among the Manjimup talking points as Liberal Party leaders headed to the town for their most recent conference.

The event, dubbed the winter conference, gave residents the chance to bring issues to the Opposition, including WA Liberal leader David Honey.

During the conference, locals raised the impact on local jobs and the Manjimup community due to the State Government’s decision, made without consultation, to shut down the hardwood timber sector from the end of 2023.

Mr Honey MLA remarked that the Labor Government was seeking political advantage in the city when deciding to shut down the industry which is a complete betrayal of the people in Manjimup.

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“It was decision based entirely on city politics and flew in the face of the science that supported continuation of this important sustainable industry,” he said.

“The Labor Government must come forward with a much more comprehensive compensation package for affected businesses and money for developing new industries in the area.”

Water security was also a hot topic of conversation during the conference.

“Water users are still in the dark about the Labor Government’s intentions with relation to water law and regulation changes,” Mr Honey said.

“This is impacting growth in this vitally important sector.”

Mr Honey said it was clear Manjimup was an area facing several future challenges.

“The shutdown of the forestry industry and the Government’s heavy-handed approach to water users are both major threats to the local economy,” he said.

Mr Honey said he wanted to see the Labor Government engage in proper consultation with stakeholders about future proposed law and regulation changes.

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