I recently had the pleasure of meeting with our local Member, Bevan Eatts, to discuss a range of issues affecting the Southern Forests region, including matters important to the Southern Forests Food Council and the broader Pemberton community.
We had a productive discussion about the opportunities and challenges facing our region, including health services, infrastructure, regional development, water security, and support for local communities. We also spoke about the Southern Forests Food Council, our current initiatives, future priorities, and the support needed to help our region continue to thrive.
Living in the Southern Forests is a wonderful experience. We are blessed with incredible natural beauty, strong communities, and industries that make a significant contribution to Western Australia through agriculture, food production, tourism, and hospitality. Our region helps feed the state and attracts visitors from across Australia and around the world.
The path to many opportunities.
With these strengths come significant opportunities. The Southern Forests has enormous potential, but regional communities also face challenges that require ongoing attention and investment.
Despite the substantial economic and social contribution made by communities such as Pemberton, Manjimup, Northcliffe, Walpole, and others throughout the region, securing adequate funding for essential services remains an ongoing issue. We discussed the importance of improving health infrastructure, including access to a CT scanner in Manjimup, as well as addressing mental health challenges and the unacceptably high rates of suicide that affect many regional communities.
We also spoke about the reality that many local ambulance services rely heavily on community fundraising, highlighting the need for continued support for critical regional health services.
Water security and infrastructure were also key topics. As our population grows and industries expand, it is essential that the infrastructure needed to support existing residents, businesses, and future development keeps pace with demand.
What impressed me most was Bevan’s understanding of these issues. He is clearly across the challenges facing the Southern Forests and is actively working to secure the support, investment, and attention needed to strengthen regional communities.
With the right investment in health, infrastructure, community services, and industry development, the Southern Forests can continue to prosper while maintaining the lifestyle, character, and strong sense of community that make this such a special place to live.
Thank you, Bevan, for your time, your advocacy, and your commitment to the people and communities of the Southern Forests region.
Being Arthur 