THE Shire of Northam has been successful in receiving $2.1 million in funding through the federal government’s National Stronger Regions Fund, to assist in the development of an Aboriginal Cultural and Environmental Interpretive Centre.
The development of an interpretive centre was identified as a priority through the Northam Growth Planning process, forming part of the SuperTowns program, and is seen as an opportunity to achieve a number of critical outcomes for the region including providing recognition and opportunities for the local Aboriginal community, diversifying the tourism opportunities in the region and recognising our natural environment.
Shire president Steve Pollard, said he was excited about the development.
“I believe the Shire of Northam is one of only five projects from WA to receive funding,” he said.
“The interpretive centre will be located adjacent to the existing Visitor Centre and provide a wonderful opportunity for regional tourism in addition to providing a place where we can celebrate the importance of our natural environment and the Aboriginal culture to the area.”
The centre would be a standalone building with a walkway through to the Northam Visitor Centre.
It would be designed to be elevated, both to remain out of the flood zone and for a river view.
The car park would not be lost, with the building support poles spaced further out to allow parking underneath the centre.
While the funding is for 50 per cent of the project Cr Pollard said the council was working with other potential funding agencies to minimise the final cost.
“Our staff at the Shire of Northam will continue to focus on attracting funding for this project, however lanning and consultation will commence shortly to ensure the project is delivered in a timely manner,” he said.
The potential end date for the centre’s completion is July 2017, depending on attracting additional funding.
The Shire is looking for a potential anchor tenant to reside in the centre, with Wheatbelt NRM expressing an interest.
Cr Pollard said it was important to engage with the local Aboriginal community and ensure they drove the stories which will be told in the centre.
“Engagement with the local Aboriginal community is a focus of the council and this project provides a wonderful opportunity and focal point to strengthen the relationship,” he said.
“We will also be engaging with other key stakeholders and the general community around various elements of the project.”
Cr Pollard said the council had an overall vision for the centre.
“It is our intention to develop a high quality interpretive centre which is not only renowned in the region but also within WA,” he said.
“We see this facility as a cornerstone attraction for the region, a must-see for people travelling into the area and a drawcard for visitors from the metropolitan area.
“Northam is often criticised for its lack of tourism opportunities and the fact we are closed over weekends.
“The development of the interpretive centre as a key tourism attraction is one of the elements the council believes can contribute to changing this perception of Northam.
Cr Pollard said Northam had much to offer tourists.
“We have a strong history in terms of the stories we have to tell, our heritage buildings are magnificent and I believe we have the third most number of heritage listings in regional WA; we have a strong cultural diversity and we are so close to Perth,” he said.
“All the ingredients are there for Northam to thrive and grow and the council is committed to working with the community to unlock that potential.”
Cr Pollard said Northam’s potential had been recognised and planned for through the state government’s Supertowns program which provided the community with a strong direction to turn the potential of Northam into a reality and that the interpretive centre was one of the key projects within the Supertowns growth plan identified to assist in achieving that outcome.
