Backlash against Labor’s election focus on Bunbury amid ongoing complaints of region’s neglect

The Augusta-Margaret River-based candidate representing WA’s Legalise Cannabis party has savaged Premier Roger Cook and his Bunbury-centric election pitch for the region.

Businesswoman Melissa d’Ath, a Shire of Augusta-Margaret River councillor, told the Times the new policy outline lumping Vasse and Warren-Blackwood in with Bunbury represented more of the same over-focus on the port city at the expense of the wider region.

“This vision is just the same old ‘the buck stops in Bunbury’,” she said.

Ms d’Ath said it was unrealistic and “short-sighted” to believe services and infrastructure in Bunbury truly catered to residents living 100km or more away.

“Apart from a new classroom block for Cowaramup Primary School, their only mentions of projects in the Augusta-Margaret River region are pipeline projects that are already approved and are past commitments,” she said.

Ms d’Ath said action was needed on housing, education and healthcare, with this month’s confirmation of “zero commitment” to Margaret River Hospital a smack in the face.

Other pundits, including Shire president Julia Meldrum. lined up to sheet similar criticism on the Premier’s thin offering for the electorate, despite Labor’s hopes of returning first-term incumbent Jane Kelsbie to office.

“Augusta-Margaret River can only reach its full potential if the State Government is willing to invest in local infrastructure and on-the-ground services that truly support our community,” Ms Meldrum told the Times.

“The challenges faced by people living in the South West don’t stop at Bunbury’s boundary, and it’s not fair to assume everyone has the means to drive to Bunbury for support, especially if they’re in the middle of a crisis.

“As our population grows and visitor numbers rise, the pressure on our natural assets, infrastructure, education and social services continues to increase, so we need the State to work with us to support our community and preserve what makes our shire so special.”

Nationals WA candidate Bevan Eatts said Labor’s policies showed the the party was failing the region, especially on health and education by not funding languishing projects.

“They have decided to centralise development around the Bunbury area, completely neglecting the communities in Warren-Blackwood,” he said.

Meanwhile, Liberal contender Wade de Campo said Labor had “cut Warren-Blackwood loose”.

Three of the six projects earmarked for the electorate were old news and Mr de Campo said residents deserved “more than lip service”.

Mr Cook said the policy package built on the Government’s “proven track record” of projects already being delivered for the region.

“Dysfunction and disunity reigns within the WA Liberals and Nationals,” the Premier said.

“They have no ideas, they can’t agree on policies, and they have no clear plan to deliver for the communities in Warren-Blackwood.”