WA Liberals leader Basil Zempilas and MLC Steve Martin visit Narrogin on listening tour to hear local voices

WA Liberal Party leader Basil Zempilas and his deputy Steve Martin were welcomed enthusiastically to Narrogin on their Statewide listening tour, hearing local views on renewables, housing and business.

The two parliamentarians spoke with residents, farmers and local businesses, visited Narrogin Senior High School’s Hilltop Cafe and the Facey Group, and discussed significant issues and developments with the shire on Tuesday.

Mr Martin, who serves as a member for the agricultural region, said they were warmly welcomed to town and the day was a success.

“Their view is important, and I’m keen for that voice to be heard,” he said.

“You can do a lot over the phone or in emails, but actually standing in a town and talking to locals and the shire to hear it from them personally — nothing beats that level of consultation.

“It’s been really helpful for me as a regional member to have a leader who is keen to engage so closely, and as often as Basil.”

Looming concerns regarding the Narrogin Renewable Energy Zone, which includes six major renewable energy projects, were explored in a meeting with Shire of Narrogin chief executive Dale Stewart, president Leigh Ballard and five councillors.

The impacts of about 400 construction workers on housing, education, medical and emergency services were presented, as well as possible funding avenues and the potential to secure permanent benefits post-build.

“The Narrogin council representatives made it clear to me that their community is facing opportunities and challenges dealing with the renewable energy projects in front of them,” Mr Zempilas said.

“It’s important that regional communities get some benefit from these projects as they play their role in WA’s energy transition.”

Mr Martin said they are “better armed to fight on the people of Narrogin’s behalf” in Parliament, and the Government must take the regional shire’s community benefit fund proposal seriously.

Before the meeting, Mr Zempilas visited WA’s only student-run school restaurant, NSHS’s Hilltop Cafe, meeting the students gaining hands-on hospitality experience.

Having stopped by the cafe several times, Mr Martin called it a “hidden gem”.

“It’s a really interesting program to get kids through some of these cert levels in hospitality. We’re keen to help raise its profile,” he said.

The pair also received favourable feedback about the town when walking the streets, with Mr Martin saying there was “a good level of activity” in Narrogin’s small businesses, and a flourishing local economy.

He said farmers told him they were “cautiously optimistic” about the year so far.

The afternoon was spent with the Facey Group at a nearby agricultural trial site talking with growers about how they could best be supported after the defunding of the Grower Alliance Group in the State Budget.