Waterways move to new regional hub has natural appeal
Released 12 Aug 2009
Staff working from the Peel Waterways Centre building will move to the new regional offices, located on Level 2 of Marine Operations Centre in the Mandurah Ocean Marina.
The 'outgoing' coordinator of the Peel Waterways Centre Bob Pond said staff had many fond memories of the work undertaken at the centre but new horizons beckoned.
"The waterways centre has played a very important role in developing awareness of waterways related issues in Peel, and provided a hub for the community to become involved in assisting management of these issues," Bob said.
"We will continue with that work and utilise the advantages of a closer rapport many community groups and agencies have developed with our regional staff.
Programs run by the centre will be integrated into the newly badged waterways health program of the department.
The Department of Water's Kwinana-Peel regional manager Leon Brouwer said the move naturally made one reflective, as the PWC was a hub for some fantastic and organic partnerships with many different groups.
This is also an opportunity to publicly thank some of the key people in the Peel community who have made the waterways centre such a successful partnership.
"We'd like to thank Jan Star, chairperson of the Peel Harvey Catchment Council, as well as staff of the PHCC, Damien Postma, Kim Wilson, Alex Hams and Amanda Wilmott in particular," Leon said.
"I'd also like to thank the Peel Development Commission, in particular Maree De Lacey and Colleen Yates, who have been key partners in many strategic waterways related projects.
"There are also the many other community groups to thank, in particular the Friends of Rivers Peel, Colin Elton as well as the Peel Inlet Advisory Council, Mr Phil Curran and the members who have been key partners in many projects.
"While it is impossible to thank everyone personally, it is recognised by the Department that the success and effort in many of our initiatives and projects has been largely attributed to the energy, enthusiasm and drive of you as a community on the whole.
Leon said he is confident that existing partnerships, and some new ones, will grow and develop through the new regional office, which will be co-located with other state government agencies including the Department of Fisheries, Western Australian Water Police and Department of Transport.
"Peel's waterways are not only iconic and internationally recognised, but are also valued as a 'highest priority' asset by the Peel community.
"Our staffs recognised high level of commitment to looking after our precious waterways will be maintained through the department's waterways health program. This coupled with our great networks and partnerships in the Peel region hold the future of our Waterways in very good stead."
Contact: Peter Collins
Phone: (08) 6364 6848 / 0434 603 441