MP sets start-date for Chinatown works

Regional Development Minister Alannah MacTiernan has set a deadline for work to start on the multimillion-dollar revitalisation of Chinatown in Broome.

Ms MacTiernan became “personally involved” in the project earlier this month after being made aware virtually nothing had happened since $10 million towards the scheme was released by the State Government more than a year ago.

The Shire of Broome will contribute an additional $2 million along with $700,000 from Tourism WA.

Ms MacTiernan said the planning process had been slow and the time had come to focus on implementation.

During her recent visit to town, she met with project leaders and set them a start-date deadline.

“I have indicated I expect to see works starting on ground by March next year,” Ms MacTiernan said.

“The planning process has taken a long time — but it is important to get this right. It’s critical that we create a streetscape that brings the history of Chinatown to life.”

Despite the fact no “transfor-mational projects” have yet been rolled out or even considered by the council, costs to date are $827,000 and a further $600,000 will be deducted for the Dampier Terrace/Frederick Street connection.

Most has been spent on planning and project management.

Several appointments sub-sidised by the project have also been made, including a development co-ordinator, project manager, architects, consultants, designers and environmental specialists.