The State Government is to build a new $8.5million regional office block for the departments of Fisheries and Environment and Conservation (DEC) at Denham.

Fisheries Minister Norman Moore said today that the current demountable accommodation in Denham’s Knight Terrace was no longer adequate to serve the Shark Bay region.

“The new facilities, announced as part of the 2009 State Budget, will address concerns about the current Fisheries’ office and the accommodation situation for DEC staff in Denham,” Mr Moore said.

“Co-location of the two departments is consistent with the Government’s desire to reduce costs and duplication of services. These new and improved facilities will help attract and retain officers for both agencies and improve services for the community.

“They will support the continued delivery of conservation and visitor services on lands and waters managed by the DEC in Shark Bay.

“The new facilities will also be useful in helping to deliver consultation, education and interpretation services to users of the aquatic resources managed within the region by the Department of Fisheries.”

The Minister said building work was scheduled for completion within the next two years.

“This initiative shows how the State Government is working to provide better services to regional Western Australia in general and its investment in the Shark Bay area in particular,” he said.

“Not only will it provide local job opportunities during the construction phase, this project will encourage further growth in the region.

“Last year, the response capabilities of Fisheries and Marine officers in the Shark Bay region were improved with the provision of a new boat - the PV Edwards.

“Fisheries officers at Denham carry out significant compliance work with both commercial and recreational fishers in the Shark Bay Marine Park area.

“The new offices will further improve the Department of Fisheries’ regional services.”