Shire of Augusta-Margaret River president Julia Meldrum asks Premier Roger Cook for more mental health support

Shire chiefs have asked the State Government to offer relief to the residents facing increased mental health challenges. In a quick meeting with the Premier and Bunbury MLA Don Punch earlier this month, Roger Cook and the Regional Development Minister were asked to provide a dedicated community social worker for Margaret River as well as secure long-term funding for local not-for-profit services. The Times understands that includes mental health co-ordination group Mindful Margaret River which has struggled to maintain ongoing funding since it was established with the Shire of Augusta-Margaret River’s backing in 2019 after the Lishman report identified the region’s worryingly high suicide rate. Shire president Julia Meldrum said the meeting with the Labor leaders was a good chance to advocate for the shire’s specific needs. While other requests were hinted at, Ms Meldrum said the community social worker was a priority. “I’m confident that the Premier and the Minister heard our message loud and clear,” the president said. “This is the time for telling the truth. “Although the perception is that we are a wealthy region, that isn’t the reality for many members of our community.” After the meeting, a State Government spokesperson told the Times the request from the “productive meeting” would be considered. “The Cook Government remains committed to increasing mental health supports around the State, with $201 million in funding over the next four years to address this important issue,” the spokesperson said. Ms Meldrum also directly pitched the case for significant investment in the beleaguered Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park, at the centre of a campaign by an alliance of local groups including Nature Conservation Margaret River Region and the Margaret River-Busselton Tourism Association, among others. “To preserve our status as a premium tourist destination we need to protect our assets,” Ms Meldrum said. “We need investment to curate and protect the natural beauty of the region.” The Times last week reported the May State Budget could include some money for national parks, though Environment Minister Reece Whitby was coy on the specifics and whether ranger numbers would be boosted, as the alliance has sought. The housing crisis was also cited as a discussion point during the meeting on social care responsibilities, “with several solutions put forward by the Shire,” a spokesperson said.