¶ THE door has been left open for the development of low-impact accommodation at Minningup Pool.
However, South West Development Commission chief executive officer Cate Brooks told the Bulletin the project is currently on hold ahead of further engagement being undertaken.
“The majority of the planning and investigation work to support the wider Minningup Pool development has been completed,” Ms Brooks said.
This includes the development of plans for upgraded day-use areas and accommodation.
However, the plans are not related to the previously proposed ecotourism development which sparked significant community backlash.
The proposed Minningup development was widely criticised by residents, who argued the Collie icon should remain untouched.
Council subsequently struck the project off its list of strategic priorities in April last year.
Shire president Ian Miffling told the Bulletin the development of accommodation is not being considered by council.
Funding of $92,000 still remains from an initial $500,000 State Government grant for the shire to undertake assessments for the previously proposed development.
It has been suggested the funding could separately be put towards maintenance works at Minningup.
Cr Miffling noted the funding is under the overview of Regional Development Minister Don Punch, who he said had expressed it is “to be spent on facilities and not more consultants' reports”.
Collie-Preston MLA Jodie Hanns told the Bulletin last July that discussions with the shire about use of the funding were ongoing.
Mrs Hanns said any future decision would be made following “appropriate consultation with the local Indigenous community”.
Ms Brooks also confirmed works at Minningup remain on the radar.
“Discussions are taking place around how any residual funding could be utilised for works in the short term,” she said.
“The WA Government is working with the shire to ensure consultation with Traditional Owners occurs before any further activities take place.”