Leader of The Nationals WA Shane Love MLA has vowed the WA Nationals and Liberals will continue working constructively with the Cook Labor Government to pass the Rail Safety National Law Application Amendment (Rolling Stock Lighting) Bill 2026, after debate continued in State Parliament yesterday.
The debate was adjourned before amendments could be agreed upon, giving the Opposition and the Government further opportunity to negotiate.
“I thank the Minister and Government for accepting the need to mandate lighting on trains to enhance public and industry safety.”
“We will use the time before debate resumes next month to continue working constructively with the Government and make the case for stronger measures that genuinely improve the visibility of trains at passive rail crossings.”
Following consultation with industry, Mr Love proposed a series of amendments to his Bill that would address concerns from rail operators while preserving the intent of the legislation.
The Opposition’s proposed amendments would change the amber beacon to a white beacon, clarify that only the lead locomotive would need to have the beacon operating, extend the implementation period for side lighting from two to three years, and remove penalties for individual drivers while retaining a financial penalty for rail operators.
The Government has proposed its own amendments, which would remove specific references to flashing beacons and side lighting and instead mandate compliance with the draft AS7531 lighting standard. It would also extend the implementation period to five years.
Mr Love said the Opposition was seeking clarity on the lighting requirements under the Government’s proposed approach.
“The standard the Government wants to rely on is still in draft form. We do not know what the final standard will look like, when it will be finalised or when the measures contained within it will actually be implemented,” Mr Love said.
“We will keep negotiating, we will keep fighting for the families who have spent decades campaigning for change, and we will see this through to the end.”
Families and friends who have lost loved ones at passive rail crossings will stand together on the steps of WA Parliament tomorrow, as a decades-long fight for improved rail safety reaches a critical moment.
The Rail Safety National Law Application Amendment (Rolling Stock Lighting) Bill 2026 introduces a range of enhanced visibility measures for trains and rolling stock at passive level crossings, including a flashing or rotating beacon and lighting along the sides of trains and rolling stock or carriages.
Leader of The Nationals WA Shane Love MLA, who has proposed the Bill, will join families and supporters ahead of the debate in the Legislative Assembly on Wednesday.
Family members will travel from across Australia to attend the Parliament, where a memorial of photographs for 13 loved ones, who sadly lost their lives at passive rail crossings, will be displayed.
Mr Love said, “Their presence would be a powerful reminder to every Member of Parliament of what is at stake.”
“This Bill is not about removing responsibility from motorists or suggesting that one measure will prevent every collision. Road safety is about putting multiple layers of protection in place, particularly when the consequences of getting it wrong can be catastrophic.”
“This Bill gives Western Australia the opportunity to lead the nation, by mandating greater train lighting and visibility.”
The Rail Safety Bill will be further debated on Wednesday during Private Members Business in the Legislative Assembly at 4:00pm.
Leader of The Nationals WA Shane Love MLA has named Member for Central Wheatbelt Lachlan Hunter MP as Shadow Minister for Mines, Petroleum and Exploration in an adjustment to The Nationals WA’s shadow ministerial responsibilities.
Mr Love said the change reflects the continued development of The Nationals WA parliamentary team and recognises Mr Hunter’s strong understanding of regional industries and the crucial role mining and petroleum projects play in Western Australia’s economy.
“Mr Hunter has established himself as an energetic and passionate regional representative, and this portfolio is a natural fit for his experience and interests,” Mr Love said.
“Born in Kalgoorlie and now representing the Central Wheatbelt, Lachlan understands firsthand the importance of the resources sector to Western Australia’s prosperity, as well as the need for development to deliver lasting benefits for communities right across the State.
“This appointment reflects the strength and depth of our parliamentary team and gives Lachlan the opportunity to make a significant contribution in one of Western Australia’s most important policy areas.”
Mr Love said he would remain closely engaged with the sector in his capacity as Nationals Leader.
“Mining and petroleum will continue to be a major priority for The Nationals WA, and I look forward to working closely with Lachlan as he takes on the portfolio.”
Mr Hunter said he was honoured to be entrusted with the responsibility.
“Western Australia’s resources sector is a vital pillar of the State’s economy, supporting thousands of jobs, driving investment and creating opportunities for communities across Western Australia.
“I look forward to working closely with industry to ensure Western Australia remains an attractive place to invest, and I thank Shane for his confidence and for the strong foundation he has established in the portfolio.”
Shadow Minister for Road Safety, Hon Julie Freeman MLC, is once again calling for a greater visible police presence on Western Australian roads as the State’s road toll reaches 135 lives lost this year.
Ms Freeman said Western Australians, particularly those living and travelling in regional areas, were consistently calling for more police patrols and stronger frontline enforcement.
“People want to see police out on our roads because a visible police presence is one of the strongest deterrents to dangerous driving,” Ms Freeman said.
“Cameras have a role to play, but they cannot pull over a dangerous driver, conduct a breath or drug test, or take an unsafe vehicle off the road.
“Police can identify dangerous behaviour and deliver an immediate consequence for speeding, drink or drug driving, failing to wear a seatbelt or using a mobile phone.
“When the consequence is immediate, it has a much greater impact and is far more likely to change behaviour.”
Ms Freeman said the mounting loss of life was particularly unacceptable while record revenue from the State’s new AI safety cameras was flowing into the Road Trauma Trust Account.
“Every dollar collected through these cameras is quarantined for road safety, yet the toll continues to rise,” Ms Freeman said.
“Western Australians deserve to know how this record revenue is being used and when they will see results on our roads.
“The Cook Labor Government has the money. It must invest more of the Road Trauma Trust Account into frontline enforcement, including additional traffic patrols and targeted police operations across regional WA.”
Ms Freeman said Premier Roger Cook’s attempts to defend the Government’s record by pointing to an improvement in the per-capita toll ignored how poorly Western Australia continued to compare nationally.
“At 6.3 deaths per 100,000 people, Western Australia has the second-worst road fatality rate in the nation,” Ms Freeman said.
“We are only performing better than the Northern Territory and remain well above the national rate of 4.8 deaths per 100,000.
“That is not a record the Premier should be trying to defend. It is a warning that the Government’s approach is not working.”
Ms Freeman said the continued overrepresentation of regional Western Australians in the road toll demanded urgent action.
“Once again, most fatal crashes are occurring on regional roads, despite regional Western Australians making up only a small proportion of the State’s population.
“Regional drivers travel longer distances, often on poorer roads, and can wait much longer for emergency assistance. They deserve more visible and sustained traffic policing—not an occasional blitz after the toll reaches another terrible milestone.
“One hundred and thirty-five people have already failed to make it home, so far this year. The Government must stop making excuses and start delivering the visible action Western Australians are asking for.”
Leader of The Nationals WA Shane Love MLA says while migration into Australia needs to be better managed, today’s changes to the Federal Labor Government’s skilled migration priorities risk making it harder for regional Western Australian businesses to fill critical workforce shortages, and will further cripple regional businesses.
Under the changes announced today, regional migration will no longer receive priority processing, with applicants already in Australia to be prioritised over skilled workers applying from overseas.
Mr Love said the Federal Government should not solve that challenge at the expense of regional communities already struggling to attract workers, and questioned the way in which it was done – the Home Affairs Minister ‘quietly’ issuing a ministerial direction late last month.
“There is no doubt migration levels need to be carefully managed, and Australians expect governments to have a system that is fair, sustainable and in the national interest,” Mr Love said.
“But regional Western Australia is not facing the same challenges as our major cities. Removing priority processing for regional migration ignores the reality that many regional employers continue to struggle to fill essential roles.”
Mr Love said employers across regional Western Australia already faced significant challenges recruiting mechanics, aged care workers, hospitality staff, health professionals, tradespeople and other skilled workers.
“For many regional businesses, overseas migration isn’t the first option – it’s the last option after they’ve exhausted every opportunity to recruit locally,” he said.
“These businesses already navigate a costly and complex migration process. Making it harder to bring skilled workers to regional Australia will leave more vacancies unfilled and place even greater pressure on businesses already doing it tough.
“For regional Western Australia, this comes on top of recent changes to the State’s DAMA framework, reducing the migration pathways specifically designed to address local workforce shortages.
“Combined with the Federal Government’s decision to scrap priority processing for regional visas, it’s a double blow for regional businesses already struggling to find workers and keep their doors open.”
Mr Love said the Federal Government could continue reducing overall migration while prioritising regional WA.
“Regional Western Australia drives our economy through agriculture, mining, tourism and regional industries and those industries need access to workers if they are to continue supporting jobs, exports and economic growth.
“I urge the Federal Government to reconsider the decision to remove regional migration as a priority and ensure regional businesses are not left behind in the pursuit of lower migration numbers.”
Nationals WA MP Hon Rob Horstman MLC has slammed the Cook Labor Government for failing to invest in the infrastructure needed to support one of Western Australia’s most important regional education institutions, following a damning report exposing a student accommodation crisis at the Western Australian School of Mines (WASM) in Kalgoorlie.
The report, released by Curtin University’s Student Guild and Make Renting Fair WA, reveals a disturbing picture of students forced to couch-surf, sleep in cars and even live in tents because they cannot secure suitable accommodation while studying.
With only 266 student beds for a cohort of around 800, the report highlights a severe shortage that is disproportionately affecting international and postgraduate students.
Meanwhile, Kalgoorlie’s rental vacancy remains critically low and rents continue to climb.
Hon Rob Horstman MLC, who attended the opening day of Diggers & Dealers in Kalgoorlie this week, said it was deeply concerning that students were struggling to find somewhere to live in a regional city hosting Australia’s premier mining forum while educating the next generation of mining professionals.
“No student should be sleeping in a car or a tent simply because they chose to study at one of Western Australia’s premier mining schools,” Mr Horstman said.
“The Western Australian School of Mines has a global reputation for producing the skilled workforce our mining industry depends on, yet Labor has failed to ensure the basic infrastructure is in place to support those students. The contrast couldn’t be clearer. This week Kalgoorlie is welcoming mining leaders and investors from around the world for Australia’s premier mining forum, yet many of the students who will become the industry’s future workforce cannot even find a safe place to live.”
Mr Horstman said the accommodation crisis was not only harming students but also undermining Kalgoorlie’s reputation as a world-class education and mining centre.
“This is the predictable result of a government that has failed to invest in education infrastructure while talking endlessly about addressing skills shortages. If the Cook Government is serious about training the next generation of mining engineers and attracting international students to Western Australia, it must work with Curtin University and deliver the accommodation needed to support them.”
Mr Horstman said the Government could not continue to ignore the challenges facing regional education.
“Western Australians expect students to have access to safe and affordable accommodation – not to be choosing between completing their studies and having somewhere to sleep. The Cook Labor Government must act before this crisis does even more damage to regional education and our future skilled workforce.”
The Cook Labor Government has finally bowed to pressure from the Opposition by restoring a Parliamentary Secretary with responsibility for Agriculture following its Cabinet reshuffle.
The appointment comes after Western Australia went without a dedicated Parliamentary Secretary for Agriculture since 14 December 2022, despite agriculture remaining one of the State’s largest export industries and the backbone of regional communities.
Shadow Minister for Agriculture and Food Lachlan Hunter MP said the appointment was an overdue admission that Labor had failed to give agriculture the attention it deserved.
“For almost four years, Labor treated agriculture as an afterthought.
“The Opposition has consistently called on the Cook Labor Government to restore a dedicated Parliamentary Secretary for Agriculture because our farmers deserve a Government focused on the challenges facing the sector every single day.
“Whether it has been avian influenza, fertiliser shortages, freight pressures, workforce shortages or rising costs, WA agriculture has faced significant challenges while Labor left the portfolio without dedicated parliamentary support.”
Mr Hunter said it was telling that the Government had finally acted only after sustained criticism and a Cabinet reshuffle.
“This is a Government that has spent years taking regional Western Australia for granted.
“Labor has appointed an inner metropolitan MP from the 20 square kilometre electorate of Bicton to help oversee one of the State’s biggest regional industries. I hope this means the Government will finally start listening to the people who produce our food and drive our regional economy.”
Mr Hunter said the appointment was welcome but long overdue.
“If Labor believed agriculture deserved a Parliamentary Secretary today, then it deserved one yesterday, last year and the year before.
“This appointment is an admission that the Cook Labor Government got it wrong. The real question is why it took nearly four years, a Cabinet reshuffle and relentless pressure from the Opposition before they finally listened.”
The Shadow Minister for Agriculture and Food, Lachlan Hunter MP, has called on the Cook Labor Government to provide certainty to Western Australia’s poultry industry as the threat of H5 avian influenza grows.
“Western Australia’s poultry industry has worked hard to strengthen biosecurity and prepare for the threat of bird flu, but producers still do not have answers to some critical questions,” Mr Hunter said.
“Preparedness is not just about responding to an outbreak. It is about ensuring producers know exactly what will happen before one occurs. With such a disease, things can change overnight.”
Mr Hunter said industry participants need a clear understanding of the circumstances under which mandatory housing orders may be considered in Western Australia.
“At present, there are no mandatory housing orders in place anywhere in Australia. However, if avian influenza were detected in a commercial poultry operation, producers deserve to know what thresholds would trigger a housing order and how that decision would be made.
“The industry cannot be left guessing. Farmers need certainty so they can make informed operational and investment decisions now.”
Mr Hunter said the Cook Labor Government should seek urgent clarification from the ACCC on free range egg labelling following the expiry of interim guidance.
“Free-range producers need confidence that if birds are required to be temporarily housed for biosecurity reasons, they will not be unfairly penalised in the marketplace.
“Without updated guidance, producers face unnecessary commercial uncertainty at a time when their focus should be on protecting animal welfare and maintaining biosecurity.”
Mr Hunter said the recent confirmation of local transmission in wild bird populations in South Australia highlighted the need for Western Australia to have clear arrangements in place before the situation escalates further.
“The spread of H5 avian influenza in wildlife on the mainland demonstrates how quickly circumstances can change. Western Australia has an opportunity to get ahead of the issue by providing producers with clear protocols, clear expectations and clear communication.
“Our poultry industry is vital to Western Australia’s food security and regional economy. Producers deserve certainty that the Government has not only a response plan, but a plan that industry understands.”
Member for Geraldton Kirrilee Warr MLA has urged the local community to have their say on the State Government’s review of the Community Sporting and Recreation Facilities Fund (CSRFF) and Club Night Lights Program (CNLP).
Both funding programs have provided significant benefit to regional communities, but have been paused since August 2024.
Ms Warr said a number of sporting groups, local governments, and community organisations within the Geraldton electorate had raised queries about the program.
“Sport is important for community and brings people together, but we need the infrastructure to continue to support local organsations,” she said.
“Multiple groups within Geraldton have approached me with concerns about the lack of funding opportunities now that these programs have been paused.
“With the State Government making consideration, it is important for the community and organisations within Geraldton to convey the importance of this program.”
Ms Warr said the funding model, which saw the funding split equally between clubs, local governments, and the State, was beneficial.
“It is a competitive grant process, but it allows local clubs to create modern and safe facilities at a fraction of the cost,” she said.
“The uncertainty on the future of the program is creating anxiety for those who have applied, or were considering applying over the past two years.”
Ms Warr echoed Shadow Minister for Sport and Recreation Peter Rundle’s comments, urging the community to make their voices known.
“Local organisations can make a submission which could help shape how this funding model exists going forward,” she said.
Feedback can be submitted through the Department or Creative Industries, Tourism and Sport’s online consultation portal.
Submissions close of August 28.
Shadow Minister for Water Peter Rundle MLA is warning that the rapid rollout of AI driven data centres could place further strain on Western Australia’s already stretched water supplies and is not confident the Cook Labor Government is prepared.
While welcoming investment and technological innovation, Mr Rundle said new data centres must form part of an integrated plan that ensures the sustainable and responsible use of water.
“Artificial intelligence presents enormous opportunities for Western Australia, but the growth of AI data centres cannot come at the expense of household water security. The Cook Labor Government needs to prepare now to protect WA water sources and mitigate potential impacts,” Mr Rundle said.
Mr Rundle said the Federal Government’s recently announced National AI Plan lacked sufficient guidance on water use, despite AI data centres being significantly larger and more resource intensive than traditional facilities.
“As AI adoption grows, so too will demand for data centres and the water required to cool them. The question is not whether Western Australia will see more of these developments, but whether the Cook Labor Government is planning properly for the impact.
“Both the Albanese and Cook Labor Governments need to safeguard our water supplies and ensure water security remains a priority as Australia’s digital economy expands.”
Mr Rundle said Western Australia faced unique challenges compared with the eastern states, with Perth increasingly reliant on groundwater and desalination.
“Water is one of WA’s most valuable resources. Every major new water user should be assessed through a water security lens, particularly in a state already investing heavily in new water sources to meet future demand.
“What matters is where the water comes from, how it is used, whether recycled water is being prioritised, and whether it impacts households, agriculture, industry or future residential development.
“Any large-scale data centre should be required to demonstrate that recycled or non potable water sources have been properly considered before relying on drinking water supplies.”
Mr Rundle said transparency should also be a requirement for future approvals.
“Western Australians deserve to know how much water major facilities are consuming and what impact they may have on local supplies. Public reporting of water use should be standard practice, and this Government needs to apply strict rules around this.”
He said the issue was particularly important in regional Western Australia, including the Pilbara, where growing demands from mining, industry, renewable energy and future economic development were already increasing pressure on available water resources.
“Western Australia cannot afford to treat water as an afterthought. Water security must be built into every data centre approval from day one.”
Shadow Minister for Sport and Recreation Peter Rundle MLA is encouraging sporting clubs, local governments and community organisations to provide feedback on the State Government’s review of the Community Sporting and Recreation Facilities Fund (CSRFF) and Club Night Lights Program (CNLP).
The CSRFF and CNLP have been on hold since August 2024, yet it wasn’t until May 2026 that the State Government announced it had closed program applications and was planning a review.
Mr Rundle said the funding programs play a vital role in delivering new and upgraded sporting infrastructure across Western Australia, particularly in regional communities where quality sporting facilities are essential to maintaining participation and community wellbeing.
“These programs provide much-needed funding for new and upgraded sporting facilities that keep people active and connected, especially in our regions,” Mr Rundle said.
“In many regional towns, sporting clubs are the lifeblood of the community, and these grants help ensure facilities remain safe, modern and fit for purpose.”
Mr Rundle said the suspension of funding rounds has left many worthwhile projects in limbo.
“With funding paused for two years we now have a significant backlog of important projects waiting for support. Clubs and local governments have been left in uncertainty, delaying infrastructure upgrades that are badly needed across the State.”
As part of the review, all aspects of the CSRFF and CNLP are being considered, including eligibility requirements, funding caps, application timeframes and the current one-third funding contribution model shared between clubs, local governments and the State Government.
Mr Rundle encouraged anyone who has previously been involved in the CSRFF grant process to make their voice heard.
“This is an important opportunity for sporting clubs, volunteers and local governments to help shape these programs for the future,” he said.
“If you’ve had experience applying for a CSRFF grant, I strongly encourage you to provide your feedback before the consultation closes on 28th August.”
Feedback can be submitted through the Department or Creative Industries, Tourism and Sport’s online consultation portal. The next funding rounds are anticipated to open in early 2027.
Shadow Minister for Emergency Services Rob Horstman MLC has called on the Federal Government to carefully examine all feedback from today’s national AusAlert test and be transparent about any shortcomings identified, warning the new system must match the functionality of the existing Emergency Alert system before it replaces it in Western Australia.
Mr Horstman said concerns had been raised by Fire and Emergency Services Commissioner Darren Klemm that AusAlert does not currently include URLs linking people directly to Emergency WA and other real-time emergency information.
“WA currently relies on the text-based Emergency Alert system, which many have experienced during the recent bushfire and cyclone seasons,” Mr Horstman said.
“This system includes links to Emergency WA, ensuring real-time information is sent to those most at risk. In an emergency, up-to-date and correct information is critical when deciding whether to stay or leave.”
Mr Horstman said Emergency WA remained the most reliable source of emergency information and warned AusAlert must provide the same level of access and detail if it is to replace the current system.
He also raised concerns about the system’s compatibility and accessibility, noting reports that some older devices and tablets may not receive alerts, while people with disability, users of assistive technologies, and those living in remote areas could face additional challenges.
“Another key flaw with AusAlert, I have already had feedback on, is that it isn’t delivered as a text message. If people miss or dismiss the initial pop-up, there’s no simple way to refer back to the alert later. In an emergency, critical information must be easy to access when it’s needed, not just when it first appears.”
Mr Horstman said further clarity was needed for regional Western Australians who rely on landlines due to limited or no mobile coverage.
“There are many West Australians, especially those in regional WA with no cellular service that rely solely on their landlines,” he said.
“To accompany the AusAlert system we need the infrastructure to ensure these people aren’t left in the dark during an emergency and provided the same warnings and detail as mobile users.”
Mr Horstman said the national test had provided an important opportunity to identify gaps in the system before its full rollout.
“The Government must carefully consider all feedback received from today’s test and be transparent about any issues identified and how they will be addressed,” he said.
“Emergency warning systems must be reliable, accessible and provide the information people need to make critical decisions during an emergency.
“If AusAlert is to replace existing systems, it must at a minimum match the capabilities Western Australians currently rely upon and ensure no one is left behind.”
WA Nationals Leader Shane Love MLA says debate at this week’s Federal Labor Conference has confirmed what regional Western Australians have known for years: declining local services and a lack of investment are leaving regional communities behind.
“Regional Western Australians do not need another Labor conversation about the bush; they need practical action and genuine investment in their communities. The fact Labor now considers regional communities a ‘sleeper issue’ suggests they only take notice when voter frustration begins to show up in the polling,” Mr Love said.
“For The Nationals WA, regional communities are the reason we exist. People in regional WA are tired of being taken for granted while essential services decline and local communities are expected to do more with less.”
Mr Love said country local governments were increasingly being asked to deliver critical infrastructure and services without adequate support from State Government.
“Regional councils are on the frontline delivering local roads, community facilities and services that people rely on every day, yet they continue to be burdened with greater responsibilities and fewer resources,” he said.
“That is why Royalties for Regions, in its intended form, was so important. It ensured regional investment was additional to normal government spending and gave regional people a genuine say in decisions aAecting their own communities.”
Kirrilee Warr MLA, Shadow Minister for Local Government, said the Country Local Government Fund was one of the most successful examples of that approach, delivering direct funding to local governments for roads, community infrastructure and locally identified priorities.
“The Country Local Government Fund empowered regional councils to make decisions based on local needs, not instructions from Perth,” she said.
“Rather than strengthening Royalties for Regions, Labor has hollowed it out and turned a transformational regional development program into a fund for day-to-day government spending. Councils cop the brunt and fill the gaps because Labor is absent.
“Regional councils need dependable funding, local decision-making and a government willing to back them, rather than continually shifting the burden onto country ratepayers,” she said.
Mr Love said that Labor notices regional WA when it fears losing votes, while the Nationals WA fight for regional WA every day.
Shadow Minister for Road Safety Hon Julie Freeman MLC has welcomed the latest funding for the Regional Road Safety Program (RRSP) but says the Cook Labor Government’s $125 million commitment falls far short of what road safety stakeholders say is needed to address dangerous regional roads.
A RAC-led business case, developed with WALGA and Main Roads, identified 439 priority roads covering 8,208 kilometres and estimated that $552 million was required to deliver the necessary safety treatments.
“These projects are welcome, but the Government cannot pretend that $125 million over five years is an adequate response to a $552 million problem,” Ms Freeman said.
“Labor’s commitment provides less than one quarter of the funding identified as necessary to treat the priority network, leaving thousands of kilometres of regional roads without these proven safety upgrades.”
Ms Freeman said the shortfall was made worse by the Cook Government’s continued failure to secure funding from its federal Labor colleagues.
“Labor promoted a $250 million extension of the Regional Road Safety Program to local government roads at the 2025 State Election, comprising $125 million from the State and an intended $125 million contribution from the Commonwealth,” she said.
“More than a year later, the Cook Labor Government has still not secured a single dollar of funding from the Commonwealth Labor Government.
“Labor controls both governments. The Premier and the Transport Minister need to explain why they promoted a $250 million program without first obtaining a funding commitment from their own federal colleagues.”
“In 2024, 61 per cent of Western Australia’s road fatalities occurred in regional areas, despite only around one-fifth of Western Australians living outside Perth.
“That demands far greater urgency and a far greater investment than Labor has offered.”
Ms Freeman called on the Cook Government to increase its contribution and guarantee the full $250 million program if Commonwealth funding could not be secured.
“Regional road safety cannot be allowed to fall into the gap between two Labor governments,” she said.
Leader of The Nationals WA and Member for Mid-West Shane Love MLA is calling on the Cook Labor Government to immediately commence a detailed coastal study and develop a long term plan to protect Lancelin from coastal erosion.
The call comes as members of the Lancelin community travel to Perth today as part of the ‘Rescue Ride’ rally, determined to keep pressure on the State Government to act before further damage is done.
Mr Love said the people of Lancelin had spent years fighting to protect their coastline and deserved more than temporary fixes.
“What we need now is the immediate commencement of a comprehensive coastal study and the development of a long-term plan to safeguard Lancelin’s future.”
Mr Love said there had been a noticeable shift in the Government’s approach following the appointment of Hon John Carey MLA as Minister Assisting the Minister for Transport.
“I acknowledge Minister Carey for taking the time to visit Lancelin and meet directly with local residents, businesses and the Shire of Gingin,” he said.
“That engagement marks a very different approach from what the community experienced previously, and it is a positive first step.
“However, meetings alone will not stop the ocean. The people of Lancelin now need to see action.”
Mr Love said the State Government must provide both technical expertise and financial support to address a problem that was beyond the capacity of local government to manage on its own.
“Small regional shires cannot be expected to tackle major coastal erosion events without State assistance,” he said.
“Lancelin needs certainty and a permanent solution. That starts with the Government committing to the scientific work required to understand the problem and developing a long-term strategy to protect homes, businesses, tourism assets and critical infrastructure.”
“I am disappointed I cannot be at today’s rally in Forest Place, as I am travelling through regional Western Australia, however I stand firmly with the Lancelin community.”
